If you are in a Florida car accident involving a truck and you suspect that the driver of the truck is under the influence, there are a few things you must do in order to safeguard your rights:
1) Help anyone at the scene. In most Florida trucking accidents, serious injuries are caused by the sheer size or force of the truck. In most cases, you will need to call 911. Even if you seem to have only minor injuries, you should still get medical help immediately. Not all medical emergencies are obvious immediately. Each year, a few Florida brain injuries prove fatal because a patient felt fine and did not seek medical treatment in time. Err on the side of caution.
2) Start documentation. Police will likely arrive at the scene of the accident and should administer a field sobriety test to the driver. If possible, it is also important for you to start documentation right away. Get the name and contact details of the driver and any witnesses. If you can, take photos of the scene. Note the time, exact location, and other details of the accident.
3) Contact a qualified Florida personal injury attorney at once. If the truck driver involved in the accident was driving under the influence, you will need to act quickly to ensure that your attorney can secure evidence of this fact. Contacting a Florida personal injury lawyer soon after your accident ensures that your attorney can move to quickly subpoena evidence before it is lost or destroyed. An attorney can even visit you in hospital, in many cases, so there is no need to delay this important call until you feel better.
4) Focus on getting better and continue documenting. Once you have hired a Florida attorney, your attorney will take care of the legal concerns of your accident so that you can focus on recovery. In addition to getting better, you will want to continue documenting your injuries so that your attorney has all the documentation he or she needs. Keeping copies of medical information, receipts of costs related to your accident, and a journal of how your injuries affect your life can be helpful for your attorney.
Keep in mind that drink is not the only problem with DUI truck accidents. According to a study conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board in 1990, about 12.5% of fatal truck accidents are caused by driver marijuana use. In addition, some drivers use additional over-the-counter or prescription medication which can affect their driving and can lead to an accident. If you are not sure whether an accident you have been injured in was caused by a DUI, trust your instincts and consult with a good Florida or Miami personal injury attorney. He or she can help you find the answers you need.