Drinking too much in the privacy of your own home is not against the law, but when people consume too much alcohol and get behind the wheel, they are putting everyone else around them in danger. All too often, drunk drivers get into car accidents leading to serious injuries or loss of life.

Drunk driving accidents can happen anywhere – from Green Valley sidestreets and Las Vegas freeways to Henderson thoroughfares and unpaved roads in Clark County. DUI offenders face stiff penalties including fines, incarceration, and license suspensions – but that doesn’t mean much to the innocent victim who was hurt in the accident.

If you are involved in a car crash caused by a drunk driver, the first thing you should do is get the proper medical attention. However, if you are able to function without worsening your injuries, or if another occupant in your vehicle is unhurt, there are some steps that can be taken to bolster a future personal injury claim against the drunk driver.

Watch the suspect. Note what he or she says and does before authorities arrive. Look for signs of intoxication such as slurred speech, a stench of alcohol, or a severe lack of balance.
Find witnesses. Get the statements and contact information of people who saw the accident happen. Remember that there could be witnesses watching from windows of buildings.
Take photos. Even if you just have a camera phone, you can photograph the accident site, your vehicles, and any non-auto related damage (like crushed garbage cans or knocked over signs). You should also photodocument your injuries starting from the time you sustain them and then periodically until they are healed.

Then take all this data to your initial consultation with your personal injury attorney. It will help persuade a jury that you deserve compensation for the toll a drunk driver has taken on your life.