If a drunk driver has turned your day upside down, you need to know exactly what steps to take.

Once you find out the other driver was drunk, it might feel like you automatically win. But unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Being hit by a drunk driver doesn’t automatically mean everything will go smoothly for you.

There are still steps you have to follow after a DUI accident if you want to be taken seriously and have the best chance of getting fully compensated.

How you file a PI claim after a DUI accident

Call the Police and Report Everything

Once you’ve made sure everyone’s okay or gotten medical help, you’ve got to call the police. The officer who arrives will investigate and file a police report. If they suspect the other driver is intoxicated, they’ll administer sobriety tests or make an arrest.

This police report will later become one of the most essential pieces of your injury claim. It officially documents the DUI and sets the tone for everything that follows.

When speaking to the officer, stick to the facts without guessing or speculating. And don’t admit fault for anything. If you noticed the other driver was slurring, stumbling, or smelled like alcohol, tell the officer that, too.

Document the Scene Like You’re Building a Case

The truth is, you are building a case. From the second the accident happens, you need to think about gathering proof.

Use your phone to take as many pictures as possible. Get wide shots of the scene, close-ups of the damage to all vehicles, photos of the road conditions, weather, traffic signs, and anything else nearby that could matter.

If you’re physically able, try to do this before the vehicles are moved or towed. These details can fade quickly, and once they’re gone, you can’t get them back.

Notify Your Auto Insurance Company the Right Way

Even if the other driver caused the crash, you still need to report the accident to your own insurance company. Your policy requires it, and waiting too long could give them an excuse to deny your coverage later.

But how you report it depends on your situation. If you’re not facing any criminal charges yourself and you’re confident you weren’t at fault, you can report it directly, either online, through their app, or by calling your agent.

If there’s any chance that someone might try to shift blame onto you, or if you’ve got legal trouble of your own, it’s better to let your lawyer file the report for you. They’ll know how to protect you while still meeting your policy requirements.

Hire a DUI Accident Lawyer Who Knows the Process

Even if the facts seem straightforward, you need a lawyer who knows how to handle drunk driving cases. The other driver broke the law, but that doesn’t mean the insurance company will hand you a fair settlement.

Your lawyer will help you prove that the drunk driver was negligent, show how badly you were injured, and build a claim that demands the right amount of compensation.

They’ll collect expert opinions, prepare you for court if needed, and push back when insurers try to lowball you.

And no, this doesn’t always mean going to trial. In most cases, claims are settled out of court. But having a lawyer sends a clear message that you’re not going to be pushed around.

Be Ready for the Timeline

Personal injury claims don’t all follow the same timeline. Some settle in a matter of months, especially if the damage is apparent and the drunk driver is clearly at fault.

But if the case is more complex, if fault is questioned, if there are high medical costs, or if someone disputes your version of events, things can take longer.

What matters most is that you don’t rush into accepting a lowball offer. Your lawyer will help you decide when a settlement offer is fair or when to keep pushing.