What to do, in Kansas City, if a Drunk or High Driver Hurts You - 7 Quick Tips

​In Kansas city, being in a car accident, and injured, by a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol happens far too frequently. There are specific laws against driving under the influence (a.k.a. drunk driving or high driving) intended to keep us all safe on the road. Unfortunately not everyone follows the law. Here are 7 quick tips for you, if you are involved in a car accident where you suspect the at-fault driver to be drunk or high:

1. Call the police - Let the police know you have been involved in an accident with someone who may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Insist that your suspicion of intoxication be put into the report.
2. Get medical attention - Immediately following the accident you are likely running on adrenaline and may not realize you are injured. Take care of yourself and protect your claim by accepting medical attention.
3. Take photos and video - We all carry cellphones with this capability now. Use it. This could be crucial evidence to supporting your later claim. Capture the crash before the vehicles are moved. Look for, and take pictures/videos of, open (or closed) alcohol containers, drug paraphernalia, prescription drugs, etc...Also photo/video document traffic signals, skid marks, ect...
4. Get the other party's information - Write down or take pictures of the vehicle license plate number, VIN (located in the front windshield or inside of the driver's door, in most cars), insurance information, and the personal i.d. information of the other party.
5. Get witness Information - You need the name (s), address(es) and phone number(s) of all witnesses. You will also want them to give statements to the police. A witness that corroborates your claim could later be the key to your financial recovery.
6. DO NOT GIVE A RECORDED STATEMENT TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY before talking to an attorney.
7. Contact an attorney - The driver who caused you injury likely has insurance. If so, their insurance company has lawyers (and in cases involving punitive damages there will be at least two separate lawyers) and experts that will work hard to pay you the least amount possible, if anything at all. You need an attorney on your side too. Take action today and call Attorney T. Morton @ 913.602.7288.