In the chaos and confusion that ensues after a car accident, it can be overwhelming. However, when the accident involves a drunk driver, there are even more concerns to deal with. A drunk driver could be held liable for injuries or damages resulting from an accident they caused.

Because of this, it is important that you take immediate action following the crash if you believe a drunk driver hit you. The steps you take will significantly impact whether you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you deserve for injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and any other damage you sustain.

car crash accident on street

1. Call the police

This is the first step you should take after being hit by a drunk driver. Calling the police guarantees the accident is documented, a crucial step when filing a claim with the insurance company or filing a lawsuit against the person who caused the accident. Failing to contact the police means you have lost a crucial piece of evidence while also allowing a drunk person to get behind the wheel of the vehicle again.

No matter the severity of injuries or damage you sustained, it is your civic duty to contact the police to inform them that an intoxicated person is driving around.

2. Work with the police

By providing accurate details of what happened, police can make a detailed record in the police report. Though accidents are stressful and can lead to strong emotions, try to stick to the facts and not exaggerate what happened. Only offer information that is being asked for. If you are asked whether you are injured, never say no. All too often, adrenaline prevents you from feeling any pain at the moment following an accident, but this does not mean you will not be hurting later.

It is perfectly acceptable to tell the officer that you are unsure whether you are hurt.

3. Gather information

It is advised to document as much information related to the accident as possible. This includes the at-fault driver’s contact and insurance information, information from witnesses, photographs of the accident scene, and any visible injuries. Additionally, obtain the accident report’s claim number so that you can request a copy once it is ready. Make sure to ask the officer if they can help determine where the drunk driver consumed alcohol.

4. Seek medical attention

No matter how you feel immediately after the crash, do not refuse medical treatment. Because some injuries may take hours or even days to show symptoms, a medical professional will diagnose and treat your injuries before a chronic pain condition develops. It is also critical that you have your injuries documented by a medical expert as soon as possible to obtain the maximum compensation during the settlement process.

5. Hire a personal injury lawyer with experience

Contact an experienced personal injury attorney before you speak with the insurance company. Doing so will give you the best chance to obtain the compensation you deserve.



Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the accident, securing evidence of the other driver’s intoxication and fault in the crash.

1. Call the police

This is the first step you should take after being hit by a drunk driver. Calling the police guarantees the accident is documented, a crucial step when filing a claim with the insurance company or filing a lawsuit against the person who caused the accident. Failing to contact the police means you have lost a crucial piece of evidence while also allowing a drunk person to get behind the wheel of the vehicle again. No matter the severity of injuries or damage you sustained, it is your civic duty to contact the police to inform them that an intoxicated person is driving around.

2. Work with the police

By providing accurate details of what happened, police can make a detailed record in the police report. Though accidents are stressful and can lead to strong emotions, try to stick to the facts and not exaggerate what happened. Only offer information that is being asked for. If you are asked whether you are injured, never say no. All too often, adrenaline prevents you from feeling any pain at the moment following an accident, but this does not mean you will not be hurting later. It is perfectly acceptable to tell the officer that you are unsure whether you are hurt.

3. Gather information

It is advised to document as much information related to the accident as possible. This includes the at-fault driver’s contact and insurance information, information from witnesses, photographs of the accident scene, and any visible injuries. Additionally, obtain the accident report’s claim number so that you can request a copy once it is ready. Make sure to ask the officer if they can help determine where the drunk driver consumed alcohol.

4. Seek medical attention

No matter how you feel immediately after the crash, do not refuse medical treatment. Because some injuries may take hours or even days to show symptoms, a medical professional will diagnose and treat your injuries before a chronic pain condition develops. It is also critical that you have your injuries documented by a medical expert as soon as possible to obtain the maximum compensation during the settlement process.

5. Hire a personal injury lawyer with experience

Contact an experienced personal injury attorney before you speak with the insurance company. Doing so will give you the best chance to obtain the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the accident, securing evidence of the other driver’s intoxication and fault in the crash.

Why Choose Graves McLain?

With our extensive experience in serious injury claims, we are ready to do what it takes to get you a top-dollar settlement. At Graves McLain, we devote all of our firm’s resources from the moment we take your case. To put your case in the best position to secure the best results possible, we prepare for trial from the very beginning. Our personal injury attorneys understand the complexity of specialized cases and are ready to pursue litigation aggressively if necessary.

If you or a loved one has been in an accident caused by a drunk driver, call Graves McLain right away to get started.

When you call one of our experienced personal injury lawyers, we will speak with you for FREE and determine the best course of action.

Trust our team; we are here to help.

918-359-6600

When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.

  • I knew my auto accident wouldn’t be worth much and they knew it too but worked as if it was a million dollar case and kept me informed hope I never need an attorney again but if I do it’ll be graves mcclain I brag on them to everyone

    Margie C

  • The staff is great and super friendly. They helped me get the money I deserved. I would definitely recommend them to everyone!

    CiCi H

  • My orthopedic doctor recommended Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, PLLC, to me following the need for revision hip surgery due to a hip from Stryker that was putting poison into my system. The doctor took care of the hip, and Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, PLLC, took care of the legal case. They were very thorough, professional, courteous, and always ready to answer the questions I had throughout the length of the case. In a word, the entire office is fantastic. I’m sure they were tired of my inquiries on the case’s progress, but they did not show it. They were always willing to respond and were very positive. If I ever have a claim in the future, they will be the first group to whom I reach out.

    Robert S.

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