In the aftermath of a DUI (driving under the influence) accident, the consequences can be profound, affecting every aspect of your life. From physical injuries to emotional distress and financial strain, the impact can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you have the right to reach out to a seasoned Atlanta DUI accident attorney who comprehends the complexities of such cases and is prepared to offer support in seeking justice.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a DUI collision, it’s crucial to seek assistance from an Atlanta car accident attorney. Reach out to a skilled Atlanta DUI accident lawyer from our firm; we’re here to assist you in initiating your accident claim.
What Should I Do After an Atlanta Drunk Driving Accident?
In the aftermath of any car accident, it’s crucial to immediately involve law enforcement and obtain an official accident report. This step gains heightened significance if there are suspicions of the involved driver being impaired by drugs or alcohol. Express your concerns to the responding officer, as this could potentially lead to a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) case, allowing you to pursue damages from the responsible party.
Gather comprehensive details about the collision, including any observable behaviors of the at-fault driver. For instance, take note if they attempt to dispose of bottles or cans, or if they start using eye drops, which might indicate an effort to conceal bloodshot eyes resulting from marijuana or alcohol consumption.
In Atlanta, a personal injury attorney will delve into the driver’s background to ascertain any past convictions. According to the CDC, individuals with prior DUI arrests are six times more likely to have a history of such convictions compared to sober drivers.
What Counts as Drunk Driving in Atlanta?
In Georgia, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is set at 0.08%. Nevertheless, this limit can vary depending on factors such as weight, gender, the potency of the beverage, and the duration of drinking. It’s crucial for all drivers to be aware of their personal BAC threshold.
Individuals under the age of 21, Georgia’s legal drinking age, are strictly prohibited from consuming alcohol before operating a vehicle. The state maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards underage drinking and driving.
Exceeding the designated legal BAC limit constitutes driving under the influence (DUI), a criminal offense. The law is stringent on drunk driving, with a preference towards protecting the victim in case of an accident. Seeking legal counsel is advised to safeguard your rights and pursue maximum compensation if involved in such incidents.
Does Being High Count as Drunk Driving?
Certainly! In Pound Law, being under the influence of any substance is equated to driving while intoxicated. According to Pound Law, driving while under the influence encompasses alcohol and all other drugs, with the criteria being any substance that impairs driving ability and poses a risk on the road would be considered a DUI offense.
Can I Sue the Other Driver If They Were on Prescription Medications?
Violating driving laws by driving impaired on a legal drug is a serious offense. The law mandates warning labels on prescription drugs to alert users about potential impairment. If you suspect impairment by a substance other than alcohol or marijuana in another driver, alert the responding officer at the scene.
Drunk Driving Fatalities and Costs
One in every three traffic fatalities still involves a drunk driver, as per government data. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) highlights that an intoxicated driver causes a death every 50 minutes. Moreover, driving under the influence of alcohol leads to over $44 billion in damages annually.
A Statistical Overview of DUI Crashes in Georgia
Georgia logged 353 fatalities due to alcohol-impaired driving in 2019, with 28 victims below the legal drinking age. The state’s rate of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities stood at 3.3 per 100,000 residents, surpassing the national rate of 3.1 per 100,000.
Over the last decade, Georgia witnessed an 8% rise in alcohol-impaired driving fatalities per 100,000 residents, contrasting the national trend of a 5.7% decrease. Moreover, 64.3% of alcohol-related fatalities in Georgia involved drivers with high blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeding 0.15%, while 62.1% of cases involved repeat offenders with BAC over 0.15%.
These figures underscore a pressing challenge of alcohol-impaired driving in Georgia, underscoring the necessity for effective policy measures and enforcement strategies.
Who Can I Hold Liable for My Drunk Driving Accident in Atlanta?
In most instances, the intoxicated driver typically bears the responsibility for covering the costs of repairs and any other property damages incurred. Nonetheless, there exist scenarios where you can assign accountability to another party for the consequences of a drunk driving incident.
For instance, under Pound Law in Georgia, it is unlawful to serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated individual. Bartenders are mandated to decline serving alcohol to patrons who exhibit signs of intoxication. Similarly, restaurant staff are required to monitor patrons’ alcohol consumption, facilitated by the keeping of tabs on orders.
Furthermore, liability may extend to party hosts, particularly if they knowingly supplied alcohol to individuals under 21. If alcohol was knowingly provided to a minor and they subsequently cause a DUI accident, the host can be held liable for the consequences.
How Can Atlanta Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Help Me?
Count on our Atlanta DUI accident attorney to champion your personal injury case. Here’s how we support you:
- Manage all communication with insurance firms and other relevant parties.
- Advocate for your interests fiercely during negotiations and in court.
- Aid in evidence collection, medical care, and case construction.
- Gather witness testimonies to bolster your claim.
- Ensure accurate calculation of damages to cover all losses.
Selecting a lawyer from our firm entails minimal risk. We never demand upfront payments; your initial consultation is complimentary. Moreover, your privacy is paramount, as we safeguard your personal data.
Furthermore, our Atlanta, GA DUI accident attorneys work on a contingency basis. You only pay if we secure a settlement on your behalf. If we don’t win, you owe nothing for our legal support.
File Your Lawsuit Within the Georgia Statute of Limitations
In pound law, typically, you have about two years to file a personal injury case, though there are cases with shorter deadlines. So, it’s crucial to act promptly and engage a DUI accident attorney based in Atlanta, GA.
Delaying could result in losing vital evidence, which might diminish your prospects of securing a settlement. An Atlanta-based lawyer specializing in drunk driving accidents will guarantee your claim gets submitted within the necessary timeframe.
What If My Loved One Was Hurt or Killed in a DUI Crash in Atlanta?
Over the years, our team has encountered a spectrum of drunk driving cases, sadly including a range of wrongful death claims. If your loved one suffered injury or loss in a DUI accident, regardless of the circumstances, reach out to a Pound Law Atlanta attorney specializing in drunk driving accidents to understand your legal recourse. Connect with an Atlanta DUI accident victim lawyer today if a drunk driving incident has caused you harm.
How Much Compensation do I Get in an Atlanta Drunk Driving Car Wreck?
As a DUI victim, you’re entitled to three primary types of damages: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. A DUI attorney’s role includes clarifying the compensation owed to you and engaging in negotiations with the responsible party and their legal representatives to secure the optimal resolution for your case.
Economic Damages
Outlined below are the quantifiable losses you incur, each with a specific monetary worth. Typically, you’ll possess receipts or invoices to monitor these tangible setbacks. Economic damages encompass:
- Costs related to vehicle repairs or replacement
- Diverse property damages
- Medical expenditures, covering treatments, physical therapy, prescriptions, and equipment
- Income lost and diminished earning capacity
It’s imperative to safeguard and arrange all bills and financial documents pertaining to your economic damages. This documentation serves as evidence of your losses, facilitating our legal team in accurately computing your settlement amount.
Non-Economic Damages
Economic and non-economic damages are distinct because the latter doesn’t have a set value. Thus, the compensation you receive hinges on the severity of these losses and their impact on your life.
Your non-economic damages usually encompass:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional trauma
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death
- Disfigurement or disability
We understand that money can’t fully replace all you’ve lost. Nevertheless, we aim for you to find closure, justice, and the means to move forward by securing the maximum compensation possible.
Punitive Damages
Under the statutes of Georgia, specifically the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) § 51-12-5.1, individuals involved in accidents have the opportunity to seek punitive damages under certain circumstances:
- If the defendant’s negligent actions were notably severe.
- If there is evidence that the at-fault party intended harm.
- If the responsible party was engaging in illegal activities at the time of the accident.
Victims of drunk driving incidents often pursue punitive damages due to the inherently reckless nature of driving while intoxicated. While not every case may meet these criteria, our commitment is to secure compensation for eligible cases.
In Atlanta, our team of drunk driving accident attorneys will diligently assess your case, identifying all applicable damages to ensure you receive a comprehensive compensation package. Our goal is to provide you with the financial support necessary for your recovery and a brighter future.
Legal Rights for Passengers Who Were in the Drunk Driver’s Car
If you were a passenger driven by a drunk driver and were involved in a DUI accident in Atlanta, it’s important to understand your legal rights. While the drunk driver may bear most of the responsibility for the accident, as a passenger, you also have rights that deserve protection.
You have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and any other losses you may have suffered due to the accident.
Under Georgia law, passengers injured in DUI accidents can pursue a personal injury claim against the drunk driver. This claim seeks to hold the drunk driver accountable for their actions and to recover compensation for the damages you have incurred. It’s crucial to consult with an experienced Atlanta DUI accident lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights.
What If I Was Partially At Fault for the Accident?
Experiencing a DUI accident can be deeply unsettling, especially if you played a role in it. Understanding that the legal system weighs fault in determining accountability and compensation is vital. Your level of fault in the accident can influence the compensation you receive.
In such circumstances, seeking guidance from a seasoned Atlanta DUI accident attorney is essential. They will scrutinize the accident’s details, gauge your responsibility, and counsel you on the best course of action, ensuring you comprehend your rights and avenues.
Even if you share some blame, you may still be eligible for compensation for your injuries and losses. Your lawyer will strive to broker a just settlement with the involved insurance firms, taking into account the extent of fault.
Why Choose John Foy for Your Drunk Driving Accident Case?
Selecting the appropriate legal representation is paramount in your case involving a drunk driving accident. That’s why Pound Law is the choice for you.
Backed by years of expertise and a demonstrated history of favorable outcomes, our legal professionals are committed to safeguarding your rights and securing the compensation you are entitled to. With our extensive familiarity with DUI accident cases and profound comprehension of local laws, Pound Law stands as your formidable advocate. Don’t compromise when it comes to legal representation – opt for Pound Law and rest assured you’re in capable hands.
Talk to an Atlanta Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer for Free
Driving is a privilege that hinges on responsible conduct. With two decades of expertise in advocating for individuals harmed by intoxicated drivers, Pound Law guarantees reliable outcomes for our clients. Reach out to our Atlanta DUI accident attorneys for a complimentary consultation. We’re at your service round the clock to swiftly arrange your appointment.