I Think the Other Driver Was Drunk — What Do I Do Now?
A close-up view of two vehicles involved in a front-end collision, with visible damage to both cars and debris on the roadway. The image highlights how sudden car accidents can result in significant damage and raise immediate concerns about injuries, fault, and next steps.
You just got hit and something feels off. Slurred speech. The smell of alcohol. An unsteady walk. If you suspect the other driver was under the influence of alcohol, your case just got more serious.
Drunk driving accidents in Los Angeles, especially in high-traffic areas like Downtown LA, Hollywood, or Westwood, often leave victims with more than just car damage. The emotional toll, medical costs, and legal confusion can be overwhelming.
Here’s what to do immediately and how legal support can make the difference in a DUI crash case.
Step 1: Call 911 Right Away
Even if no one appears seriously injured, always call the police after a suspected DUI accident in Los Angeles. An official report will:
Document your suspicion of impairment
Prompt a sobriety test or breathalyzer
Serve as a key piece of evidence for your claim
Don’t confront the other driver. Let officers handle the situation. Your safety comes first.
Step 2: Gather Evidence at the Scene
While waiting for help to arrive, collect anything that might help prove what happened:
Photos of the damage and crash scene
Videos of the driver’s behavior (if safe to do so)
Witness contact info
A brief voice memo noting what you observed (slurred speech, smell of alcohol, etc.)
The more details you gather now, the stronger your case becomes later.
Step 3: Get Medical Care Immediately
Even if you feel okay, get checked out. Injuries like whiplash, concussion, or internal trauma may not show up right away, but they’re common in DUI crashes.
Having medical proof strengthens your claim for compensation and protects your health.
What Makes DUI Crashes Legally Different
In DUI-related car accidents, the other driver may face criminal charges, but that doesn’t guarantee you’ll be paid. Your civil case is separate, and that’s where a drunk driver accident attorney in LA comes in.
An experienced lawyer can help:
File claims with the driver’s insurance (or your own, if they’re uninsured)
Navigate the DUI report and court timeline
Seek additional damages like emotional distress or punitive compensation
Protect you from pressure to settle too quickly
Legal Help for DUI Crash Victims in LA
At Crowley Law PC, we’ve helped victims recover from devastating drunk driving accidents across Los Angeles, from Westwood to Westlake, and beyond. If you’ve been hit by an intoxicated driver, don’t wait to get help.
We’ll help you get the medical treatment you need and the compensation you deserve.
Here to make it right, when you’ve been wronged.
And Justice for All! ⚖️
Crowley Law PC
📞 (213) 325-5248
