Drunk driving accidents tend to be more stressful than other kinds of collisions because impaired motorists are unpredictable. They might try to flee the scene, for example, or engage the other parties in some kind of physical altercation. If you were injured in a crash with a drunk driver, there are specific steps you need to take before hiring an auto accident attorney to protect your safety, health, and financial security.

What to Do if You’re Injured in a Collision With an Impaired Motorist 

1. Call the Police

When they understand the severity of the situation, impaired motorists are likely to urge injured parties not to involve the local authorities. You should call the police regardless of what the other driver tells you, however. Not only will officers secure the scene, but they will also draft a report that could serve as a critical piece of evidence in the subsequent injury claim. 

2. Gather Essential Information 

Get the motorist’s full name, phone number, insurance information, and driver’s license number. If there were any passengers in the other vehicle, get their names and contact information, as well. Before leaving the scene, you should also look for any eyewitnesses, which might include pedestrians, shopkeepers, and other motorists, and obtain their names and numbers. Your auto accident attorney will want to contact them for a statement when building the claim. 

3. Take Photographs

Unless you sustained injuries that require emergency medical care, take photos of the accident from all angles after police have started directing vehicles away from the area. Make sure to capture critical details, like the flow of traffic and any notable weather conditions, as well. 

4. Visit Your Doctor

Even minor collisions that occur at low speeds can cause extensive injuries. Regardless of how you feel after leaving the scene, seek medical care as soon as possible. Some impact injuries have latent symptoms that can result in serious complications if left untreated. Visiting a doctor shortly after the incident will also contribute to the strength of your claim. 

5. Call a Lawyer

Once you feel well enough to discuss what happened, call an auto accident attorney. A lawyer will gather evidence of impairment and track all costs that you incur, so you can focus on recovering. Although it’s possible to begin the claims process alone, you have enough to worry about without having to navigate complicated legal proceedings. Additionally, you should not go up against the insurance adjuster—who will likely be a strategic negotiator—alone. 

If you were involved in an auto accident against a drunk driver and are ready to hire an attorney, turn to Egan & Richgels, S.C. Based in La Crosse, WI, this personal injury law firm has more than three decades of experience helping injured parties obtain the compensation they deserve from reckless drivers. You can schedule an initial consultation with an auto accident attorney by filling out the contact form on their website or calling (608) 784-0087.