Trick-or-treating and Halloween parties are supposed to be fun. Sadly, Halloween night ends in tragedy for many families every year.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, dozens of people are killed in drunk driving crashes between 6 p.m. on October 31 and 6 a.m. on November 1 each year. Among all fatal Halloween car accidents, nearly half involve drunk drivers.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a Bakersfield drunk driving accident on Halloween or at any time of year, The Law Offices of Mickey Fine can help. Please call (661) 333-3333 today for a free consultation.
What Should You Do If You Are Injured or a Loved One Is Killed in a Drunk Driving Accident on Halloween?
If you or your child is injured or a member of your family is killed in a drunk driving accident on Halloween, it will be important for you to take legal action. Even if the drunk driver was arrested, his or her criminal case will not result in your family receiving financial compensation. You must pursue a civil lawsuit on your own, and you will need to hire an experienced attorney to fight for the compensation you and your family deserve.
Here are the steps you should take following a serious or fatal drunk driving accident on Halloween in or around Bakersfield, California:
1. Seek Help Right Away
Getting help is the first step after any car accident. If you or your child was injured, this means seeing a doctor or going to the emergency room as soon as possible.
You should also consult with an auto accident attorney promptly. Even if the driver was clearly drunk, your attorney will still need to gather evidence in order to prove your claim for damages. Once you choose a law firm, your attorney will be able to guide you through all aspects of protecting your legal rights as well.
2. Compile Your Documents and Photos
If you have a police report, insurance information, or photos from the scene of the accident, you will want to give these to your attorney. Compile all relevant documents and photos you have in your possession, and be sure to keep them safe through the entirety of your claim.
3. Start Taking Notes and Keeping Records
Between the trauma from the accident and the general chaos of Halloween, it can be difficult to keep track of the details in your mind. As a result, you should try to write down everything you can remember. You should also get in the habit of taking notes when you remember additional details or obtain new information.
It will be important to keep all of your insurance and medical records as well. To stay organized, create a file where you place these records as soon as you bring them home or receive them in the mail.
4. Avoid Discussing the Accident Publicly
Drunk driving accidents on Halloween often make headlines, and you may be tempted to talk about the accident or the dangers of drunk driving on social media. But, for now, you should resist any temptation to talk about the accident publicly. Before your claim is resolved, keep the details of the accident between you and your attorney.
5. Work with Your Attorney
As your drunk driving accident claim progresses, you will need to work with your attorney to build your case and calculate the amount you are entitled to recover. You can rely on your attorney to handle the complexities of your case for you. However, the more involved you are in the process, the better able your attorney will be to build a case for maximum compensation based on your unique personal circumstances.
One of the most important points to work closely with your lawyer is if the at-fault driver’s insurance company offers a settlement for your claim. If you receive a settlement offer, it will be important not to simply accept right away. You need to make an informed decision, and you need to make sure that the amount you receive provides adequate coverage for your current and future losses.
6. Be Prepared for the Possibility of Going to Trial
Finally, while you may not ultimately need to go to court, it is important to prepare yourself for the possibility of going to trial. If the best settlement offer you receive does not provide adequate compensation for your accident-related losses, then you will need to rely on your attorney to fight for just compensation in front of a judge or jury.
Most drunk driving accident cases settle. However, this does not necessarily mean that your case will settle, and you do not want to settle if it means accepting less than you deserve.
Injured in a Bakersfield Drunk Driving Accident? Contact Mickey Fine Today
All of us at The Law Offices of Mickey Fine hope that your Halloween ends with tricks and treats, not tragedy. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, Bakersfield attorney Mickey Fine can help.
Please call (661) 333-3333 today for assistance with your claim. Your initial case evaluation is free.