Atlanta Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
At GMV Law Group, we understand the devastating impact that drunk driving accidents can have on victims and their families. As dedicated Atlanta drunk driving victim lawyers, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to those who have suffered due to the reckless actions of impaired drivers.
Our experienced legal team has recovered millions for clients. Contact our Atlanta car accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
How Can an Atlanta Drunk Driving Victim Lawyer Help?
Being involved in a drunk driving accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. Victims often face significant physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens. In these challenging times, an Atlanta DUI accident attorney can provide essential support.
Gathering Evidence
Proving the other driver’s negligence is a crucial step in any personal injury claim, especially in DUI accident cases. An Atlanta DUI accident attorney will gather evidence to build a strong case against the drunk driver. Important evidence in cases involving drunk driving often includes:
- The police report
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Evidence from the criminal case if available
- Accident reconstruction
We use the evidence to demonstrate the drunk driver caused the accident and document your injuries and losses.
Settlement Negotiation With the Insurance Company
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, making it difficult to get a fair settlement. Atlanta DUI accident lawyers will handle communications with the responsible driver’s insurance company. They will aggressively negotiate for the full compensation you deserve for your medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Legal Representation
Filing a personal injury claim involves complex legal procedures and strict deadlines. An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer can guide you through this process, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and on time. This includes:
- Filing Claims: Preparing and submitting all required legal documents for the drunk driving accident claim.
- Court Representation: Representing you in court if the case goes to trial, presenting a compelling argument to the judge and jury.
What Is Considered Drunk Driving in Georgia?
The legal limit in Georgia is 0.08% blood alcohol content (BAC). Driving with a BAC over the limit is considered drunk driving. Georgia’s zero-tolerance policy makes it illegal for anyone under the legal drinking age of 21 to drink alcohol before driving.
Not only is drunk driving a serious criminal offense, it also puts others in danger. Alcohol impairs drivers’ judgment, reaction times, and coordination. Accident victims have a right to file a civil lawsuit and seek compensation after a drunk driving crash.
How Much Is a Drunk Driving Accident Case Worth?
The value of your case will depend on the severity of your injuries and other factors. There are three categories of damages in DUI accident cases: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Victims have the right to recover damages for medical expenses and other financial losses. These are known as economic damages and can be calculated using bills and receipts. Examples include:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
Drunk driving accident victims can recover compensation for the impact of the car crash on their life. This category can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability or disfigurement
When deciding on the amount of non-economic damages, insurance companies and juries consider the severity of injuries and the impact on the victim.
Punitive Damages
Impaired driving is considered especially reckless behavior, and drunk driving victims can often recover punitive damages. Courts award punitive damages to victims to punish the at-fault party for particularly egregious conduction. Georgia law limits punitive damages to a maximum of $250,000, however, this limit doesn’t apply if the defendant’s judgment was substantially impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Wrongful Death and Drunk Driving Accidents
Sadly, fatal DUI accidents are all too common. The CDC reports that thousands of deaths are caused by impaired driving every year. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 32 people in the United States are killed every day in crashes with drunk drivers.
If a family member was killed in a car accident with an intoxicated driver, our DUI accident attorneys can help you hold the liable party accountable in a wrongful death lawsuit.
FAQs About Drunk Driving Accidents
Can Passengers Sue a Drunk Driver?
Yes, passengers can sue a drunk driver if they are injured in a DUI accident. Passengers have the right to seek compensation for injuries, medical expenses, and other damages caused by the car accident.
If you were the passenger riding with the drunk driver or in the other vehicle, you should talk to a personal injury lawyer about your rights.
Does Driving High Count as DUI?
Driving under the influence of drugs violates driving laws. Drunk drivers and intoxicated motorists under the influence of marijuana or other drugs can be held legally responsible for an accident. Talk to a DUI accident lawyer for help with your personal injury case.
How Much Does an Atlanta Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Cost?
There is no upfront cost to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer at GMV Law Group. Our law firm represents victims of car accidents on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case. Our payment is a percentage of the settlement or compensation in your drunk driving accident case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit?
In Georgia, you generally have two years after an auto accident to begin a personal injury lawsuit. It’s important to contact a drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible. If you wait too long, important evidence may be lost.
Can Others Besides the Drunk Driver Be Liable?
In some drunk driving accident cases, other parties in addition to the driver can be held liable.
In Georgia, it is illegal for restaurant servers and bartenders to serve alcohol to an intoxicated customer. Under the Dram Shop Law (Georgia Code § 51-1-40), a bar or restaurant may share liability for a drunk driving accident. A party host who served alcohol to someone under 21 can be liable for a DUI accident caused by the teen driver.
Trucking companies can be held vicariously liable for DUI accidents caused by intoxicated CDL drivers.
What to Do After an Accident With a Drunk Driver
- Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get a medical evaluation to document any injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
- Report the Accident: Provide accurate information to the police. Mention any signs of intoxication in the other driver.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Exchange Information: Obtain the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle registration.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not discuss fault or apologize, as these statements can be used against you later.
- Avoid Speaking to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company: We recommend allowing our lawyers to handle all communications with the at-fault driver and the driver’s insurance company and lawyer.
- Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of medical treatments, expenses, lost wages, and any communication with insurance companies.
- Contact an Attorney: Consult with an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer to understand your rights and begin building your case.
Contact an Atlanta Drunk Driving Victim Lawyer Today!
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident with an impaired driver, you need an experienced drunk driving accident attorney on your side. GMV Law Group is dedicated to helping clients get the maximum compensation.
Our team will advocate for a fair settlement and are ready to represent you in a lawsuit if the insurance company doesn’t offer adequate compensation. You can rely on our law firm to help you navigate the legal process and support you at every step. Contact us today at 404-975-4878 for a free consultation!
