Accidents caused by impaired drivers are devastating. While the dangers of drunk driving are widely understood, alcohol-related car accidents consistently account for approximately a third of traffic deaths in the U.S. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 28 people die every day from a drunk driving accident. Although the auto industry has made tremendous strides in improving vehicle safety, drunk driving accidents remain a prominent problem.

If you have been the victim of a drunk driving accident in California, you should consult a skilled personal injury lawyer. While the aftermath of an accident can be traumatic, it is essential to take critical steps to ensure you are best protected should you choose to take legal action. Here are three things to do after being hit by a drunk driver in California.

Get Involved in the Legal Process

While it can be tempting to give yourself some downtime to recover after an accident, the best way to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve is to take legal action in a timely manner. Many defendants in drunk driving accidents try to enter a plea deal, which can negatively impact your case. Most judges will not offer a plea deal to defendants in cases where the impaired driving resulted in injury or death. However, it is still important for your California personal injury lawyer to speak with the prosecutor and inform them that you do not want a plea bargain.

Notify the Defendant’s Insurance Company of Your Claim

It is important to notify the defendant’s insurance company of your potential claim. You can access their insurance information in the accident report, which you can get from the police department that responded to your accident.

Explore All Your Options Before Settling with the Insurance Company

While you will want to notify the insurance company in a timely manner, it is important to explore all your options before settling your claim. Be sure to look into all available coverage options and make sure that there aren’t any significant personal assets that you may be eligible to receive compensation for in your claim. Once you sign a settlement, you give up your rights to pursue any further claims from the accident. Therefore, it is imperative that you take the time to go through all the options and choose the best strategy for your situation.

In some cases, it makes sense to settle early, and in others, it does not. Working with a skilled California personal injury lawyer is the best way to navigate the settlement process and ensure you receive a favorable outcome.

Contact a Trusted California Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

The aftermath of any car accident is chaotic. However, accidents involving an intoxicated driver can be especially traumatic. Trying to take care of yourself while collecting vital documentation in the wake of a drunk driving accident can be a challenge. If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident in California, you should seek legal counsel in a timely manner. To ensure your rights are best protected, justice is served, and you are properly compensated, you should consult with a skilled car accident attorney.

At Setareh Law, we are dedicated to representing plaintiffs with drunk driving accident claims across California. With over ten years of experience serving victims of drunk driving accidents, we have a proven track record of getting our clients the justice they deserve. We understand the difficulties of deciding whether to go to trial or settle, and we are here to help you choose the path that will be best for your situation. To schedule a free consultation with one of our trusted attorneys, complete an online contact form or call today at (310) 659-1826.