You may be unsure of what to do after a drunk driving accident in North Carolina – especially if you know you’ve had a few too many. One of the first decisions you’ll have to make after one of these collisions is whether to exit your vehicle. Should you stay put and wait for law enforcement to arrive? Or should you get out of your car? The right answer depends on your unique situation – although there are a few universal rules that apply to all car crashes.
Exit Your Vehicle if You Need to Get to Safety
After some crashes, it may be necessary to exit your vehicle as soon as possible. For example, you might smell smoke emanating from your vehicle – and you might be concerned about a potential fire. In this situation, you may want to exit your vehicle in a safe manner and get to the side of the road.
Even a small fire can spark an explosion, and you may be at risk. You might also need to exit if your vehicle is immobilized in the middle of the road. In this situation, you could be vulnerable to rear-end collisions from approaching traffic – and you should get clear of the road.
Only Exit if it is Safe to Do So
That being said, many people are struck by passing traffic after exiting their disabled vehicles. If you’re going to get out of your car, make sure that there are no vehicles approaching. After exiting, get to the side of the road as quickly as possible. Do not worry about inspecting the damage, and head straight for a safe location. If you’re on the highway, consider standing behind a median barrier or guardrail.
Do Not Attempt to Flee on Foot
Although getting out of your vehicle in a safe manner is usually the right choice, do not attempt to flee the scene on foot. Police will likely discover your role in the crash by checking the license plate of your vehicle anyway – and you could face serious charges for a hit-and-run.
Check on the Safety of Others
After exiting your vehicle, you might want to check on other motorists involved in your collision. You may need to help these victims get out of their vehicles, especially if there is a risk of a fire or explosion. Such behavior may elicit a more lenient response from criminal courts if you later face DWI charges in North Carolina.
Can a DWI Defense Lawyer in North Carolina Help After a Car Crash?
After you safely deal with the aftermath of your car accident, you may want to speak with an experienced DWI defense lawyer in North Carolina. Remember, you have the right to remain silent during a DWI arrest – and you can request a phone call at any stage during your processing. Before you answer any questions, consider calling Coastal South Law. We’ll help you approach these legal issues with confidence – so call now to get started with a defense strategy.
Comments