Being hit by a drunk driver is one of the most frightening and dangerous types of car accidents. These crashes often happen suddenly and can leave victims with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and overwhelming financial stress.

If you were hit by a drunk driver in Woodland Hills or anywhere in the San Fernando Valley, knowing what to do immediately after the crash can help protect your health and your legal rights.

Drunk driving accidents often involve severe injuries and complex insurance claims. Taking the right steps early can make a major difference in your ability to recover compensation.

Quick Answer: What Should You Do If a Drunk Driver Hits You?

If you’re hit by a drunk driver, take these important steps:

• Call 911 immediately
• Seek medical attention right away
• Make sure the police document the driver’s impairment
• Gather evidence from the accident scene
• Avoid discussing fault with anyone at the scene
• Report the accident to your insurance company
• Speak with a car accident lawyer about your options

These actions can help preserve evidence and strengthen your claim. 

Call 911 and Report the Accident

If you suspect the other driver is intoxicated, call 911 immediately.

Law enforcement officers will:

• Secure the accident scene
• Conduct sobriety or breath tests
• Document signs of impairment
• Prepare an official police report

This report can become critical evidence in your case because it may confirm that the driver was under the influence.

Drunk driving is illegal in California, and police documentation can help establish liability for the crash.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you believe your injuries are minor, you should seek medical care as soon as possible.

Drunk driving accidents frequently cause serious injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Whiplash and neck injuries

Some symptoms may take hours or days to appear. Early medical treatment protects your health and creates important documentation for your injury claim.

Document the Accident Scene

If you are physically able to do so, gather as much evidence as possible at the scene.

Important evidence may include:

• Photos of vehicle damage
• Road conditions and traffic signals
• Skid marks or debris
• Visible injuries
• The location of the vehicles

Also collect information from the other driver, including:

• Name and contact details
• Insurance information
• License plate number

Strong evidence can help demonstrate how the crash occurred.

Look for Signs of Drunk Driving

Drunk drivers often show visible signs of impairment. While you should avoid confrontation, documenting what you observe may help your case.

Signs may include:

• Slurred speech
• The smell of alcohol
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Erratic behavior
• Open containers in the vehicle

Share this information with law enforcement officers when they arrive.

Gather Witness Information

Witnesses can provide independent accounts of what happened before or during the crash.

If anyone saw the accident, try to obtain their:

• Name
• Phone number
• Email address

Witness testimony can strengthen your claim and help confirm that the other driver was behaving recklessly.

Be Careful When Talking to Insurance Companies

After a drunk driving accident, insurance companies may contact you quickly.

While they may appear helpful, their goal is often to limit the amount they pay on claims.

You should be cautious about:

• Giving recorded statements
• Accepting early settlement offers
• Signing documents without understanding their impact

Drunk driving cases often involve significant damages, and accepting an early settlement may prevent you from recovering the full compensation you deserve.

Understand Your Right to Compensation

Victims of drunk driving accidents may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Future medical treatment
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage

Because drunk driving is reckless behavior, these cases can sometimes involve additional damages intended to hold the driver accountable.

California Laws on Drunk Driving

In California, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.

Drivers may also be arrested for DUI if they are impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances—even if their BAC is below the legal limit.

When a drunk driver causes a crash, they may face both:

• Criminal charges
• Civil liability for injuries and damages

This means victims may pursue compensation through an injury claim while the driver faces criminal penalties.

Why Drunk Driving Accidents Often Lead to Serious Injuries

Alcohol significantly impairs a driver’s ability to react to road conditions.

Drunk drivers often:

• Speed excessively
• Fail to brake in time
• Drift between lanes
• Run red lights or stop signs

Because of these behaviors, drunk driving crashes are more likely to result in high-impact collisions and severe injuries.

Speak With a Car Accident Lawyer in CA

Drunk driving accidents can lead to complicated legal claims and significant financial losses.

Working with a car accident lawyer in CA can help you:

• Investigate the accident
• Preserve important evidence
• Handle insurance negotiations
• Pursue compensation for your injuries

Understanding your legal options early can help protect your claim.

Contact Stanley Law After a Drunk Driving Accident

If you were hit by a drunk driver in Woodland Hills, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone.

Stanley Law helps accident victims understand their rights and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.

If you or a loved one was injured in a drunk driving crash, speaking with a lawyer can help you understand the next steps.

Contact Stanley Law today for a consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I’m hit by a drunk driver in California?

Call 911 immediately, seek medical attention, document the accident scene, gather witness information, and report the crash to your insurance company.

Can I sue a drunk driver for injuries?

Yes. Victims of drunk driving accidents can file personal injury claims to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

What compensation can victims recover after a drunk driving accident?

Compensation may include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and other financial losses caused by the crash.

How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident claim in California?

In most cases, California law allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.