What To Do When Hit By A Drunk Driver?

Getting hit by a drunk driver is one of those nightmare situations you never expect to find yourself in. One moment you’re just going about your day, and the next, everything changes in an instant. 

It’s scary, confusing, and honestly, overwhelming. In that moment, it can be hard to think clearly about what to do first. 

That’s why knowing what to do is so important. 

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly what to do when hit by a drunk driver, so you can protect yourself, your health, and your rights.

#1 Get To Safety And Check For Injuries

The very first thing you need to do is take care of yourself. 

Look around and see if you’re in a safe place. 

If your car is in the middle of the road and it’s drivable, carefully move it to the shoulder. If not, stay put with your hazard lights on and wait for help.

Then check yourself and any passengers for injuries.

Sometimes it’s obvious, but other times it isn’t. Adrenaline can trick you into thinking you’re fine when you’re not. Take a moment to breathe, scan your body, and see how you’re really feeling. 

If anyone is badly hurt, call for an ambulance immediately. Safety and health come before anything else.

Also Read: What To Do If Hit By Car On My Bike?

#2 Call The Police

This is not the type of accident where you just swap insurance cards and go home. If the other driver has been drinking, you need law enforcement on the scene right away. 

When you call 911, tell the operator you suspect the other driver is drunk. 

The police will show up, document the crash, and most importantly, test the driver for alcohol.

Don’t try to handle the situation yourself. People who are drunk can be unpredictable, so avoid confrontation. Keep your distance and wait for officers to arrive. 

Their report will be key evidence if you need to file a claim or a lawsuit later on.

#3 Gather Evidence

While you’re waiting for the police, use the time to collect as much information as possible. 

Take pictures of the scene: the cars, the damage, the road, skid marks, traffic signs, even the weather if it’s relevant. Snap photos of your injuries if you can.

Talk to witnesses and ask for their contact info as well. 

If someone saw the driver swerving or driving recklessly before the crash, that could make a big difference down the road. 

Also Read: How Long Does It Take To Settle A Pedestrian Accident?

Exchange details with the other driver too, but keep the interaction short. Just get their name, insurance, and license number. Let the police do the rest.

#4 Get Medical Attention

Even if you feel “fine,” don’t skip this step. 

Car accidents can cause injuries that don’t show up right away. Whiplash, concussions, internal bleeding – all of these can take hours or even days to reveal themselves. 

A doctor can spot things you might miss.

Go to the ER or an urgent care clinic as soon as possible. 

Make sure to keep all your medical records, bills, and test results. They aren’t just important for your health, but also for proving the impact of the accident later. 

Plus, by getting checked out right away, you show the insurance company you took your injuries seriously.

#5 Call Your Insurance Company

Once you’re safe and have seen a doctor, let your insurance company know what happened. 

Give them the facts, but keep it simple. Stick to the details: time, place, and what you saw. Don’t admit fault, don’t guess at things, and don’t say more than you need to.

Insurance companies usually handle drunk driving accidents differently, and they’ll need all the documentation you collected. 

The police report, medical records, and photos will help back up your claim. 

The more information you provide, the smoother this part will go.

#6 Call A Car Accident Lawyer

Here’s the truth: accidents with drunk drivers can get complicated. 

You’re not just dealing with your own recovery, you’re also dealing with legal issues, insurance negotiations, and sometimes even criminal proceedings. That’s a lot for anyone to take on alone.

A car accident lawyer who handles drunk driving accidents can guide you through the process. 

They’ll help you recover money for medical bills, car repairs, lost income, and the pain you’ve been through. In some cases, you may even be entitled to extra damages meant to punish the drunk driver. 

An experienced Pennsylvania car accident attorney knows how to push for that.

The earlier you reach out to one, the better. They can step in right away, handle the paperwork, and fight with the insurance companies so you don’t have to.

#7 Take Care Of Yourself Afterward

Getting hit by a drunk driver doesn’t end when you leave the accident scene. The physical and emotional recovery can take weeks or months. 

That’s why it’s important to be patient with yourself and stay on top of your health.

Follow your doctor’s advice and keep up with appointments. Write down how you’re feeling day to day. Track your expenses, your pain levels, and how the crash affects your routine. 

This isn’t just helpful for your case, it also gives you a clearer picture of your progress.

Don’t forget the emotional side of things, either. 

A crash like this can leave you shaken. Talk to friends, family, or even a therapist if you need extra support. Healing isn’t just physical – it’s mental too.

Bottom Line

Getting hit by a drunk driver is one of those things you hope never happens, but being prepared makes all the difference. 

If you’re hit by a drunk driver, start by making sure you’re safe and get medical attention. Let the police handle the drunk driver, and gather as much evidence as you can. Call your insurance company, and don’t hesitate to get a lawyer on your side.

And most importantly, take care of yourself afterward. 

It’s a tough experience, but by taking the right steps, you protect both your health and your future. 

You didn’t ask for this to happen, but you can take control of what happens next.