Accidents can be disastrous and car accidents caused by drunk drivers are often deadly. Drinking should be done responsibly and those who are intoxicated should never get behind the wheel. Unfortunately, though you can prevent yourself from driving under the influence, you can’t stop others. If you have been in an accident caused by a drunk driver, there are several steps you should take to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Call the Police

You should always call the police after any car accident. This will help document the accident and will go a long way toward proving liability. Contacting the police is especially important if you believe the other driver is intoxicated. You should inform the officer of your suspicions, so that they will be able to perform the necessary tests. Driving while intoxicated is a criminal charge, so the driver will likely be arrested. This will get them off the road and prevent them from hurting anyone else.

Take Photos

Gathering evidence is vital after a car accident. Memories fade and it may be difficult to remember every detail of the scene. Taking photos of the accident and documenting any damage can aid in the recovery process after the accident.

Medical Help

Even if you don’t think you’ve been injured, you should seek medical attention after a car accident. The adrenaline your body produces during an accident may prevent you from feeling any injuries you may have sustained. Obtaining compensation for any injuries will require an examination from a doctor and these injuries will have to be documented.

Contact an Attorney

Don’t let a car accident cause you any more stress than it has to. Insurance companies are ultimately out for their own gain, so hiring an attorney can help make your recovery process much easier. Hiring an attorney will allow you to focus on healing after a car accident. If you or a loved one has been in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, contact us at LeBaron & Jensen today.

Suppose your car slides due to icy road conditions and crashes into a fence, doing damage to both the vehicle and the fence. Who is liable? Chances are: you.

            Who is Liable?

The main concern in deciding liability is determining negligence. If the driver was not acting reasonably, this can be considered negligence. There are many reasons an insurance company might argue that the driver was not acting reasonably. It’s reasonable to drive the speed limit when the roads are clear, but a driver will be reasonably expected to drive more slowly in rain or snow.

Ultimately, while most insurance providers will acknowledge that road conditions attributed to the driver’s accident, it remains the driver’s responsibility to take the proper precautions when driving in poor weather conditions.

            Be Prepared

So how do you avoid potential insurance increases due to a bad-weather accident? Prepare for bad weather driving by following these tips.

• Winterize your car. Make sure you use anti-freeze windshield wiper fluid. Check your car’s battery and tire pressure regularly, as these can both be affected by cold temperatures. If you are in a particularly snowy area, consider using snow tires or keeping tire chains in your car.
• Clean headlights, windshields, and mirrors before you drive anywhere. Allow your windows to defrost completely before moving the vehicle. It is better to be a little late than to not arrive at all.
• Drive slowly. Allow extra time for your drive and allow extra space between you and the cars in front of you. Be especially careful on bridges and overpasses, as these areas tend to be icier than the surrounding roads.
• Keep an emergency kit in your car, just in case. Make sure the emergency kit includes flashlights, phone chargers, a first-aid kit, blankets, and water. If you become stranded, you will want these provisions available.
• Don’t drive distracted under any circumstances. The text message can wait. Using a phone while driving is dangerous under any road conditions, but poor weather can make it even more so.

According to weather.com, weather-related car accidents kill more people annually than natural disasters. Weather-related car accidents account for 22% of all car accidents. Take care to drive safely this winter. For more information about liability in a weather-related accident, or for affordable, superior legal representation, contact LeBaron & Jensen today.