# What to Do After a Drunk Driver Hits You in Atlanta | Van Sant Law

**Table of Contents***[*Expand*]*

1. What to Do After a Drunk Driver Hits You in Atlanta
2. What Should You Not Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Atlanta?
3. What Evidence Should You Gather After a Drunk Driving Accident?
4. How Long Do You Have to Sue a Drunk Driver in Georgia?
5. What If I Was Partially At Fault?
6. Get Help from a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

After being hit by a drunk driver in Atlanta, you should call the police, document the scene, visit a doctor, notify your insurance company, and reach out to a lawyer.

The aftermath of a crash with a drunk driver can be overwhelming, especially if you sustained serious injuries. An [Atlanta drunk driving accident lawyer](https://www.vansantlaw.com/atlanta-ga/car-accident-lawyer/drunk-driving/) from Van Sant Law can provide guidance and help you pursue a claim against the driver who hit you.

## What to Do After a Drunk Driver Hits You in Atlanta

After being hit by a drunk driver in Atlanta, it’s important to:

- **Call 911**: Report the accident and tell the dispatcher that you believe the other driver may be intoxicated.
- **Document the crash**: If you are able, photograph the vehicles, road, traffic signals, debris, and any visible injuries.
- **Gather information**: Get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license information, insurance information, and vehicle details. In addition, if any witnesses are present, ask for their contact information.
- **Get medical help**: Allow emergency medical personnel to evaluate you at the scene. If you do not need an ambulance, seek medical care as soon as possible after leaving the scene.
- **Avoid admitting fault**: Do not apologize for the crash or speculate about what happened when speaking with the other driver, witnesses, or insurance representatives.
- **Notify your insurance company**: Report the accident promptly, even if you believe the drunk driver was entirely responsible.
- **Keep your records**: Save medical bills, medical records, repair estimates, insurance correspondence, photographs, and other documents related to the accident.
- **Talk to an attorney**: A drunk driving accident attorney from Van Sant Law can evaluate your situation and break down your options before you accept a settlement.

For a free legal consultation, call [770-886-9199](tel:+17708869199)

## What Should You Not Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Atlanta?

Everything you do after a car accident in Atlanta will affect your ability to pursue compensation.

You should avoid:

- **Leaving the scene**: Remain at the scene and cooperate with responding law enforcement.
- **Confronting the drunk driver**: An intoxicated driver may behave unpredictably. Avoid arguing, threatening them, or attempting to determine whether the driver is drunk yourself.
- **Admitting fault**: Avoid saying that you caused the crash, apologizing for what happened, or speculating about who was responsible. Even seemingly harmless comments could be used against you later.
- **Downplaying your injuries**: Do not tell the other driver, police, or an insurance adjuster that you are fine. Some injuries may not become apparent immediately.
- **Skipping medical treatment**: Make sure you visit a doctor, follow their recommendations, and attend all follow-up appointments. Gaps in treatment can make it more difficult to establish the extent and cause of your injuries.
- **Giving recorded statements to insurers**: The other driver’s insurer may try to obtain statements that could be used to minimize your claim. Do not [provide a recorded statement after an Atlanta accident](https://www.vansantlaw.com/faqs/should-you-provide-a-recorded-statement-after-atlanta-accident/).
- **Accepting a quick settlement**: The first settlement offer you receive may not account for future medical treatment, lost income, ongoing pain, or other damages.
- **Posting about the accident on social media**: Any photos, comments, or statements about your injuries and activities could potentially be taken out of context and used to challenge your claim.
- **Destroying or discarding evidence**: Keep photographs, medical records, bills, repair estimates, insurance correspondence, and other documents related to the accident.
- **Waiting to hire a lawyer**: Evidence can become harder to obtain as time passes. Reach out to Van Sant Law right away to start building your claim.

## What Evidence Should You Gather After a Drunk Driving Accident?

The strength of your evidence can make or break your drunk driving accident case. Useful types of evidence may include:

- [Police reports](https://www.fultoncountyga.gov/inside-fulton-county/fulton-county-departments/police/obtaining-a-police-report) and citations
- Photographs and videos of the accident scene
- Photographs of vehicle damage
- Photographs of your injuries
- Medical records and bills
- Statements from eyewitnesses
- Surveillance or traffic-camera footage
- Vehicle repair estimates
- Insurance correspondence
- Employment records showing lost income
- Evidence of the other driver’s intoxication
- Documentation of your pain and physical limitations

A car accident lawyer from Van Sant Law can collect evidence that supports your claim.

[Click to contact](https://www.vansantlaw.com/contact-us/) our personal injury lawyers today

## How Long Do You Have to Sue a Drunk Driver in Georgia?

In most cases, Georgia law gives you two years from the date of a drunk driving crash to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. In addition, you typically have four years to file a property damage lawsuit. Missing the applicable deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation through the courts.

Different deadlines may apply in certain circumstances. A car accident attorney from Van Sant Law can assess your situation and determine how much time you have left to file a lawsuit.

Complete a [Free Case Evaluation form](https://www.vansantlaw.com/contact-us/) now

## What If I Was Partially At Fault?

Being partially at fault for an Atlanta drunk driving accident does not necessarily prevent you from recovering compensation.

Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that as long as you are less than 50% responsible for a crash, you can still pursue damages. However, if you are 50% or more responsible, Georgia law bars you from recovering damages.

If you share liability for the crash, your compensation will be reduced according to your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages total $250,000 and you are found to be 10% at fault, you would receive $225,000.

## Get Help from a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Being hit by a drunk driver can turn your life upside down. If this happened to you or one of your family members, a drunk driving accident attorney from Van Sant Law can handle your claim and negotiate with the insurance company so you can focus on your recovery.

Schedule a free consultation to get help with your claim.

Call or text [770-886-9199](tel:+17708869199) or complete a [Free Case Evaluation form](https://www.vansantlaw.com/contact-us/)

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Source: https://www.vansantlaw.com/faqs/what-should-i-do-after-being-hit-by-a-drunk-driver-in-atlanta/