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Hit by a Drunk Driver? Watch Out for What Happens Next


— May 18, 2022

Fires can also easily cause injury or death after a DUI crash.


When most people think about a car accident, they think about the immediate, initial impact. And while it’s true that this initial moment can cause significant injuries, you also need to be aware of the secondary dangers. We’re talking about what happens after a car accident caused by a drunk driver. And if you haven’t experienced this situation firsthand, you might be surprised to learn just how dangerous these secondary hazards can be. 

Of course, if you’ve already been injured by one of these factors, you already know full well how dangerous the situation can be after a car accident. And if you find yourself in this situation, you’re probably wondering what to do next. The answer is simple: Get in touch with a lawyer right away. But we know what you’re thinking: “Where can I find attorneys near me?” If you live in Indiana, rest assured that there are plenty of Fort Wayne accident lawyers standing by to assist you, and these legal professionals can help you pursue a financial settlement for your damages. 

Electrocution

Car accident victims are at considerable risk of electrocution. Crashes can lead to downed electrical wires, and these wires can easily electrocute people1. Contrary to popular belief, you do not necessarily need to touch the wire to become electrocuted. Simply being close-by is enough to cause death in some situations. If you find yourself trapped inside your vehicle, it can be very difficult to exit in a way that prevents electrocution. Try not to touch the metal components of your vehicle, and when moving away from the wire, try “shuffling” instead of walking in a normal manner. 

Fires

Car on fire after accident; image by Wing-Chi Poon, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5, no changes made.
Image by Wing-Chi Poon, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5, no changes made.

Fires can also easily cause injury or death after a DUI crash. Engines may ignite, and electrical motors can burst into flames2. Some victims remain unconscious after a crash, while others may be trapped inside the wreckage of their vehicle while the flames rise. This situation can easily be fatal. 

Being Hit by Other Vehicles

After a crash, you may be tempted to get out of your car and approach the drunk driver. Or perhaps you wish to assess the damage to your vehicle or get to safety after a fire or electrical hazard. Whatever the case may be, you should always keep an eye out for incoming vehicles. If you’re not careful, you may be struck by unwary motorists, and this can make a bad situation even worse. 

Where Can I Find an Attorney?

If you’ve been searching for Fort Wayne DUI or DWI accident lawyers, rest assured that there are plenty of legal professionals who can assist you. Being hit by a drunk driver is never a pleasant experience, and the stress reaches far beyond the initial accident. But as worrying as this can be, you should know that you are not alone in this battle. Get in touch with a qualified, experienced attorney today, and you can strive for the best possible results in a highly efficient manner. Book your consultation now. 

Sources:

  1. https://www.bchydro.com/safety-outages/electrical-safety/motor-vehicle-accidents.html
  2. https://www.electrocuted.com/2016/11/28/electrocution-hazards-electric-cars/

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