Why Me?

DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) and DUI (Driving Under the Influence) accidents usually fall into the category of “things that happen to someone else”.  It’s easy to feel confused about how this tragedy could have come your way when you are just so careful.  The surviving victims will run through thoughts of “If I had left a little earlier…” or “I should have taken that other route”.  Family and friends of victims often try to take on some of the blame for the accident by telling themselves that they could have avoided the accident if only they had been there.  Police that show up on the scene of the accident, medical professionals that attend to the victims (and often the offenders), DWI attorneys and judges presiding over the possible court trial – all have their own versions of that question…Why?

Allow Grieving / Recovery Time

It’s fairly easy to get caught up in all that needs to be done directly after a DWI accident.  Gathering all your information together to proceed through the legal process, staying in contact with your employer, dealing with insurance issues, and. . . STOP!  One of the most important things to do during a traumatic experience such as this is to take a break and absorb what has happened.  Many people turn to professional help in a situation like this.  Others feel that the best therapy is to surround themselves with loved ones in order to cope with the tragedy.  Still others may feel that isolating themselves will allow them the necessary time to sort through recent events.  Whatever way seems best to you, be sure that you take time – at some point – to heal and recover from the situation.

Don’t “Be a Victim”

A feeling of helplessness is not uncommon for anyone going through a traumatic experience.  One of the worst things you can do after a DWI accident, however, is to act like a victim.  Feeling overwhelmed by things that need to get done, it can feel like the world is closing in on you.  This simply is not the case!  There are many wonderful organizations that are working toward ending the DWI/DUI epidemic.  You can get involved in your community and find out what can be done locally.  Contact your neighborhood victim impact panel and see what you can do to help.  You might even want to check out the Stop DWI Initiative and see if we can put an end to this DWI/DUI madness.  Whatever you do, don’t allow yourself to be another victim.  The world, unfortunately, has plenty of those – the rest of us need to stand up and take action.

Get Legal Help

In three words, that sounds so easy.  Where do you turn?  What kind of legal help do you need?  Where do you go for information?  Wait – you’re already there!  This site has all the information to find out what to expect when you contact a DWI lawyer.  Wondering who to use?  Take a look in your local phone book or do an online search and you should be able to find someone near you that can help.  Of course, you could take a look at our DWI legal directory and you may find just the right person.  However you approach it, don’t try to solve the legal aspect of a DWI accident by yourself – get professional help.  With all the nuances any legal environment may contain, you’ll be glad you did.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Odds are that this will be one of the last things on your mind when dealing with the aftermath of a DWI accident.  However, knowing where you stand with your insurance company and what will (and won’t) be covered with regards to a DWI accident is a must.  This may be a time-consuming process, so the sooner you begin the better.  Speak with your auto insurance provider to see how soon your vehicle can be back on the road.  Talk with your Life Insurance representative and find out what benefits may apply to your situation.  Definitely get in touch with your medical insurance people to find out how far your coverage will carry you.  In any accident, DWI/DUI or not, the medical bills can pile up quickly.

Seek Psychiatric Help, If Necessary

While this was mentioned above, many people underestimate how beneficial professional mental therapy can be.  Many people see a need for therapy as a weakness and avoid it.  Others are scared as to what may happen and turn to other coping methods.  Some think that it would be too expensive – this may not even be an issue with more insurance companies allowing “alternative medicines” in their benefits package.  Whatever is stopping you from seeking help, find a way to get past it and allow yourself to attain good mental clarity.  Not only will this allow you to deal with the situations at hand, but it will strengthen you for what the future may hold.