Being injured by a drunk driver is a life-changing experience. One moment you’re going about your day, and the next, you’re left facing physical pain, medical bills, and uncertainty about what comes next. At King Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact these accidents can have on victims and their families. If you’ve been hurt in a drunk driving accident in Sioux Falls or anywhere in South Dakota, knowing what steps to take immediately can protect your health and your legal rights.
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your safety and health come first. Even if you feel okay right after the accident, injuries such as concussions, internal bleeding, or soft-tissue damage can take hours or days to show symptoms. Get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible, either at the emergency room or through your primary care physician. Medical documentation will also serve as crucial evidence if you pursue a personal injury claim later on.
2. Call Law Enforcement
If you suspect the other driver is impaired, call 911 immediately. Law enforcement will investigate the scene, administer sobriety or breath tests, and file a police report. This report becomes an essential piece of evidence when proving the driver’s negligence and intoxication. Never attempt to confront the impaired driver yourself. Allow the authorities to handle the situation safely.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene
If possible, document as much as you can before leaving the accident scene. Take photos of your vehicle, the other driver’s vehicle, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Collect contact information from witnesses and get the drunk driver’s name, license plate number, and insurance details. If you’re too injured to do so, ask a friend or family member to help gather this information for you.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Stick to the basic facts—when and where it happened, and that the other driver appeared to be impaired. Avoid giving a recorded statement until you’ve spoken to a personal injury attorney. Insurance companies, even your own, often try to minimize payouts, and having legal representation ensures your rights are protected.
5. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be overwhelming. Between medical appointments, missed work, and dealing with insurance adjusters, it’s easy to feel lost. That’s where King Law Firm comes in. Our Sioux Falls personal injury team has more than 35 years of experience fighting for victims of negligent and reckless drivers.
We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, handle all communication with insurance companies, and fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve. Whether through negotiation or litigation, our priority is to ensure you’re treated fairly and that your recovery is supported every step of the way.
6. Focus on Your Recovery — We’ll Handle the Rest
At King Law Firm, we understand how difficult it is to recover physically and emotionally after a drunk driving accident. You don’t have to go through this alone. Our team has recovered millions for clients across South Dakota and Iowa, and we’re ready to do the same for you.
We fight for compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Our goal is to help you rebuild your life with the justice you deserve.
Sioux Falls Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys
If a drunk driver in Sioux Falls has injured you or someone you love or anywhere in South Dakota, contact King Law Firm today for a free consultation. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are here to listen, guide you, and fight for your rights every step of the way.
Call (605) 250-3209 or visit www.davidkinglawfirm.com to get started.