Alcohol is a factor in nearly one out of every three car accident fatalities. Drivers who are under the influence are less able to perceive risk, and they have lowered inhibitions. If you find yourself in close proximity to a drunk driver on the road, you need to do everything in your power to protect yourself. Although many drunk driving accidents are entirely unavoidable, you should not increase the chances of being in one by not taking all of the necessary steps to avoid the driver.
If you have been injured in an accident involving a drunk driver, you could be entitled to financial compensation. The fact that the driver was acting in a reckless manner does not leave you without options to be paid for your injuries. You would file a claim against the other driver’s insurance policy because their carrier is obligated to pay for the damage that they have caused. You would still need to negotiate compensation, and you have the right to sue the driver civilly. Your civil case operates largely independently of the traffic citation process that the driver faces.
Do Not Confront a Drunk Driver
What you do when you spot a potential drunk driver on the road can serve to protect both yourself and other motorists around you. The first thing that you should do is avoid any type of confrontation with the drunk driver. This also includes refraining from honking at the driver or signaling at them.
When you are dealing with a drunk driver, you cannot take any action to stop them yourself. This is a task that is better suited for law enforcement who know how to pull over and confront a dangerous driver. You never quite know the state of mind of the drunk driver, and they could be dangerous. You could even find yourself a victim of road rage.
Keep a Safe Distance
There is no reason why you should remain in close proximity to them when they present such a danger to you. Being too close to a drunk driver is simply asking for trouble. Maintain as much of a safe distance as possible, even if it means that you have to speed up or slow down to get away from the driver.
Expect the Unexpected
A drunk driver is always going to act in an unpredictable manner. One of the reasons why you should stay away from them is that you cannot anticipate any of their next moves. The only thing that you must be prepared for is that they can do anything at any time. It could be impossible to react in enough time to avoid an accident, but you should at least expect to have to take evasive action if necessary.
Make Mental Notes
Although you should maintain as much of a distance between you and the drunk driver as possible, you also need to remember certain key details in case you need to report them to the authorities. For example, you should try to make a mental note of both the make of the car and the license plate number. You should be prepared to detail the dangerous behavior that the driver was exhibiting. You may be called to testify at a trial if the driver has been charged or has injured someone else.
Report the Drunk Driver to the Authorities
You should immediately contact law enforcement to report the drunk driver. This would give a chance for the police to dispatch an officer to the vicinity or to alert patrol cars to be on the lookout for this driver. You can call 911 from your car using a hands-free device to report the necessary information.
Contact the Monmouth County Car Accident Lawyers at Rebenack Aronow & Mascolo L.L.P. to Get the Compensation You Deserve if You Have Been Involved in an Accident Due to a Drunk Driver
The Monmouth County car accident lawyers at Rebenack Aronow & MascoloL.L.P. can fight for you to receive compensation from a drunk driver in a civil case. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 732-247-3600 or fill out our online form. With office locations in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Manalapan, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.
