According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA ), every day, almost 30 people die in fatal crashes involving drunk driving accidents in America, which is one person every 50 minutes.
Despite the decline of deaths related to these incidents by 30% over the last three decades, alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents still claim more than 10,000 lives a year.
Drivers must remember that being under the influence of alcohol results in twisted judgment, poor reaction time, and brain function impairment so intoxicated people absolutely can’t drink and drive. Driving while under the influence should not be encouraged as it leads to severe accident injuries and even death.
To evaluate whether a driver is drunk after a crash, the police will check one’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) using a breathalyzer — a device that measures alcohol in your breath — or with a blood test.
The crash risk significantly increases at a BAC level of 0.08 grams of alcohol per blood deciliter (g / dL). However, in 2017, 1,837 people were killed in alcohol-related driving behavior, with drivers having lower amounts of alcohol (BACs from 0.01 to 0.07 g / dL). This demonstrates that alcohol-impaired drivers even those scoring below the BACs may lead to devastating consequences.
If you or a loved one were involved in an accident with alcohol-impaired drivers in Los Angeles, the car accident lawyers at Farahi Law Firm, APC are here for you. After being in critical condition from a collision, our experienced attorneys will ensure that your injury is reported to the appropriate authorities. Also, we can support you in seeking the benefits and compensation you deserve.
Victim Of Drunk Drivers? Call the Police Immediately
Motor vehicle crashes from alcohol-related driving offenses are often more devastating than other vehicular incidents. Such drivers not only face criminal charges but are also held liable for the property damage and injuries they have caused due to their reckless behavior.
Section 20008 of the California Vehicle Code states that the police must be informed of the incident, either at the scene immediately or as soon as possible following the accident within 24 hours. Never let the alcohol-impaired driver at fault convince you to not contact the police.
The report must include all drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians who are involved. If the reporting agency is not responsible for investigating the incident, the agency will forward the matter to the proper investigative authority.
It is important to note that if a law enforcement officer arrives at the accident scene, they will prepare a formal report on behalf of the department.
You are not required to make a separate written report in this case. Just make note of the officer’s name and contact information for your records.
Why A Police Report Is Necessary
There are many reasons why you should call the police after being a victim of a drunk driving accident. Remember that the presence of a police officer at the scene and any subsequent accident report is crucial for your accident settlement.
Other important reasons why the police must be present are:
- They offer valuable assistance at the scene.
- They guide traffic and make the scene of the accident safer.
- They help get the emergency medical care needed for the injured parties.
- They help arrange for towing services, if necessary.
- They help in establishing the liability of the drunk driver at fault.
- They locate and gather evidence.
- They identify and interview witnesses.
- They take photographs.
- They measure skid marks.
- They assess impact points and chart the movements of each vehicle before and after the initial impact.
- They prepare reports which will contain valuable information about the incident.
- And, most importantly, they determine if the at-fault driver was drunk.
Remember that there will be no Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges against the intoxicated driver unless enough evidence is gathered to prove that the driver was impaired at the time of the crash. The police reports are a reliable accident resource for when it’s time to file for maximum damages.
It becomes vital to call the police as they play a crucial role at:
- Doing standard field sobriety tests on the driver,
- Conducting breathalyzer tests,
- Taking the drunk driver to blood or urine tests.
Why You Need An Expert Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer To Deal With Insurance Companies
Some insurance companies mandate their policyholders to notify the police at the time of the crash. They don’t cover damages under or against their insurance plans unless the insured has given the police a timely notice and is willing to provide the incident with an official police report.
Although a monetary recovery can never fix the damage done to you, at least it will relieve the financial burden of having been in an auto accident.
It is difficult to determine the appropriate value of a personal injury case arising from a car accident involving a drunk driver. However, insurance companies will attempt every single imaginable strategy to get the lowest settlement possible for drunk driving accident victims. Hence, the police must be called to the drunk driving crash scene to establish the liability of the negligent driver and strengthen your accident claim.
Moreover, you would need an attorney who is an expert at handling drunk driving car crash cases by your side with extensive experience in dealing with such cases. Your lawyers must be prepared to institute litigation on your behalf if the insurance company is reluctant to settle your case for a reasonable worth.
If you wish to discuss your claim with the best personal injury attorney handling accidents involving drunk drivers without any charge or obligation, contact Farahi Law Firm, APC.
Call us today at (844) 824-2955 for a FREE consultation on your drunk driving accident case. No fees unless we win.
