What Happens if a Drunk Driver Hits You?

Getting hit by a drunk driver can feel incredibly unfair.  Beyond damaged vehicles and hospital bills, there’s the shock of realizing someone’s reckless decision changed your life. In those first moments and in the days that follow, how you respond can make all the difference for your recovery and legal claim.

If a drunk driver hits you, you should get checked by doctors, file a police report, and document what happened so that you can build the foundation for accountability. Speaking with an Atlanta DUI Accident Lawyer early on can provide clarity and support as you handle medical care, insurance calls, and the legal process.

An attorney’s role isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about protecting your rights and helping you secure compensation that reflects everything you’ve lost and endured.

Steps to Take Right After a Drunk Driving Crash

The moments after a drunk driving crash are often confusing, but the steps you take right away can shape both your recovery and your legal options. Acting quickly ensures that evidence is preserved and your health is properly documented.

An experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer can later use this information to build a stronger case and help you pursue fair compensation.

Get to Safety and Call 911

Try to move out of traffic and call 911 immediately. Request both police and emergency medical services. Even if your injuries seem minor, letting professionals evaluate the scene ensures there’s an official record of what happened.

Try not to antagonize the drunk driver. If they are drunk, their ability to logically process their responses or actions might not be entirely present. To avoid an instance of road rage or violence, be calm and try to get them to cooperate peacefully.

Officers may perform sobriety or breathalyzer tests that document the other driver’s impairment, evidence that can later support your claim. If they try to flee the scene after an accident, do your best to remember their license plate number, vehicle model, etc.

Get Medical Treatment

Adrenaline can mask severe pain. Internal injuries, head trauma, or whiplash sometimes appear hours later. Go to the emergency room or your primary care doctor as soon as possible.

Medical records directly tie your injuries to the crash, which helps when negotiating with insurers or pursuing compensation.

Gather and Preserve Evidence

If you’re able, take photos and videos of the vehicles, the road conditions, and any visible signs of intoxication, like beer cans or slurred speech. Get contact details for witnesses and responding officers.

In the following days, keep receipts, medical bills, and notes about your pain levels or physical limitations. Each of these items helps show how the crash affected your life.

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Protecting Your Rights in the Days After

As the initial shock fades, the real challenges begin: insurance claim calls, car repairs, medical appointments, and lost income. This is when protecting your rights after a car accident becomes essential.

An Atlanta personal injury lawyer can help you handle the details, manage communication with insurers, and make sure your recovery and expenses are properly documented.

Document Every Detail

After a DUI driver causes a crash, start keeping detailed notes of your car crash injuries, daily pain levels, and emotional strain. Include records of doctor visits, physical therapy sessions, medication, and time missed from work.

Every piece of information,  like insurance letters, medical bills, and employment records, helps your personal injury attorney show how the accident disrupted your life and supports a fair claim for pain and suffering.

Be Careful When Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters often contact victims soon after motor vehicle accidents, hoping for a quick statement or low settlement. Stay calm and avoid detailed discussions until you’ve spoken with a car accident attorney.

Our job is to protect your best interests when negotiating a complex insurance claim and to prevent the insurer from undervaluing certain types of damages, such as long-term medical treatment or emotional distress.

Explore All Types of Compensation

Every DUI-related crash is different, and settlements for DUI accident victims depend on injury severity, medical expenses, and lasting effects. In some cases, victims may qualify for punitive damages, which are additional payments meant to punish the drunk driver’s reckless behavior and prevent future harm.

A lawyer can help you understand more about punitive damages in a Georgia DUI case and average settlement amounts for drunk driving accidents.

If your loved one was killed by an intoxicated driver, your family can pursue justice through a wrongful death claim. Learn more about the legal process and what to expect in fatal drunk driving accidents in Georgia.

File a Claim Soon After a Drunk Driver Hits You

You have two years to file a claim after a drunk driver hits you, according to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §9-3-33. Do not forget this deadline. Once it passes, you will not be able to file a claim anymore.

You should aim to file your claim after you account for all of your damages. While it is best not to rush and file quickly, this does not mean you should wait too long. A lawyer will help you understand the optimal time to file.

Contact a Lawyer if You’ve Been Hit by a Drunk Driver

When a drunk driver hits your car, the process of recovery can be complicated. You shouldn’t have to manage everything alone. An experienced attorney can work to ensure the drunk driver is held accountable for their actions.

Still wondering what you need to know? At John Foy & Associates, our attorneys have over 350 years of combined experience helping drunk driving accident victims rebuild after devastating crashes.

We offer compassionate guidance, clear explanations, and a strong pursuit of justice every step of the way. Contact us by phone or fill out a free case evaluation form today to get started with The Strong Arm™ by your side.