In the moments after an accident, your mind is reeling and your adrenaline pumping. What happens next? And, who will be responsible for managing the cost of medical bills or property damage that your injury may have incurred?

Getting hurt in an accident can be scary, complicated, and confusing. What should you do to help mitigate the cost? And, do you need to reach out to a personal injury attorney for help? 

Picking up the car keys after having an alcoholic beverage or two can change so many lives, and in only a matter of minutes. If you've been the victim of a drunk driving accident, there are a few things you should know and do to ensure you're able to file a successful claim. We'll help you sort through the basics.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 400,000 people each year are injured in crashes involving a driver who was distracted in some way. And, those numbers appear to be on the rise in North Carolina, hitting nearly 30,000 accidents last year alone.

According to the CDC, every year 3 million people across the United States are injured in a car accident. And, those accidents aren’t just scary—they’re costly, too. Last year, medical care costs and productivity losses tied to injuries and fatalities from car accidents was more than $75 billion.

The may feel like the worst has happened: You’ve experienced an injury due to an accident. Maybe it was a car or motorcycle incident; a workplace mishap; or, a slip and fall. Regardless of the circumstances, you’re now faced with some difficult decisions—on top of needing to manage unexpected injuries and recovery.