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What are the Best Things to do After Drunk-Driving Car Accidents?

Autumn Rivers
By
Updated May 17, 2024
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Being in a car wreck that involves a drunk driver can be devastating since many drunk-driving car accidents result in vehicle damage, injury, or even death. Anyone involved in such an accident needs to first get medical attention if it seems necessary. The next step is for each driver to contact their insurance company to make a claim and report the details. In most cases, drunk-driving car accidents also require the help of a lawyer, especially if someone was hurt or there is extensive damage to either vehicle. A lawyer is particularly necessary if there is a dispute regarding who caused the accident, or whether there was actually alcohol involved.

One of the most important steps to take after an accident involving a drunk driver is to get medical help. Most drunk-driving car accidents involve a high rate of speed, which usually leads to more than just a fender bender, and injuries other than whiplash or minor scrapes and bruises. Even if the drivers involved in a serious car wreck do not feel the need for an immediate medical exam, it is still recommended, since some injuries can lay dormant for months. In some cases, the police may request medical attention for drivers as soon as they are called to the scene, making it easy to at least get checked for injuries by paramedics.

Once any injuries are taken care of, it is important to make an insurance claim. This is typically done by either calling the company or filling out a form online, and can usually be completed at any time. At this point, it is helpful to include whether any of the drivers may have been under the influence of alcohol. Of course, it is up to the police to officially make that determination, but drivers should tell the insurance company if they saw or smelled alcohol on the other driver since it can offer a more complete picture of the accident, and let them know what they need to follow up on.

Some drunk-driving car accidents are not as clear cut as they first appear, which is why many require legal advice. It might turn out that there is no proof that one of the drivers was intoxicated, or that the driver who was first presumed at-fault may contest the accusation. In some cases, witnesses and police reports can help clear up any confusion, but they may be incorrect or not even present in some drunk-driving car accidents. Therefore, it is important to find a lawyer to make sure that the driver who was not at-fault gets medical and vehicle repair bills paid for.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Autumn Rivers
By Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for WiseGEEK, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.
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Discussion Comments

By Rotergirl — On Oct 14, 2014

I don't understand why, after decades of information about the dangers of drunk driving, after all the public service announcements, checkpoints, etc., that people still think it's OK to get behind the wheel when they're drunk.

I guess it's because drunks so often don't think they're drunk, or they think they drive even *better* when they're drunk. The late Robin Williams talked about the lengths alcoholics would go to for the sake of alcohol. He said it was worse than anything a drug addict would do, but I don't know.

I'm with Pippinwhite. Call the police and an ambulance, if you're able to do so. Definitely if you see a wreck, regardless of the condition of the victims.

By Pippinwhite — On Oct 13, 2014

Unless someone has life-threatening injuries, call the police first, ambulance second. Or, in a 911 call, ask for the police *and* an ambulance. That way, both can be dispatched at the same time.

Don't ever *not* call the police if you're ever in any kind of car accident, and especially if you suspect the other driver of being drunk. That's just the smart thing to do.

I would never want to allow a drunk driver to talk me out of calling the police because he didn't want another DUI on his record. Tough toenails, as far as I'm concerned. I'm not being cold-hearted, but there's nothing making a person get behind the wheel if they're drunk.

Autumn Rivers

Autumn Rivers

Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for WiseGEEK, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.
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