Drunk Driving in Georgia
People who drive while intoxicated or otherwise under the influence of alcohol are breaking the law. If they cause an accident and are caught, then they will be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). Afterward, they will face the consequences of criminal proceedings against them.
As someone who has been hit by a drunk driver, you might not be too concerned with the criminal charges against that driver. However, the evidence that is used by prosecutors to secure a conviction can be the same evidence that helps prove liability to the advantage of your case.
Criminal evidence that could help with your case includes:
- Field sobriety test results
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results
- Driver’s criminal history and driving record
- Conviction and sentencing requirements
Our attorneys can network with criminal prosecutors if necessary to build a stronger case against the drunk driver who hit you. Thanks to our experience and reputation, local professionals from various fields and backgrounds trust our firm and attorneys.
Why Is Drunk Driving So Dangerous?
Some people believe that “buzzed” driving is safe, which means they think that having one or two drinks before driving is not dangerous. This is wrong. Any amount of alcohol in a person’s system is enough to impair them to the point that they should not drive. Even if a driver’s BAC is below the legal limit of 0.08, they can pose a severe hazard to others on the road due to intoxication.
After one drink of alcohol, a driver can suffer:
- Reduced focus
- Blurred vision
- Increased reaction time
- Worsened motor control
Please take careful note of what the other driver says after they hit you. If they mention that they had “just one drink,” then that admission could be what stacks liability against them. Remember: A drunk driver isn’t automatically fully liable for a crash; you still have to prove that they were liable with convincing evidence. Let us be the law firm that helps you with that task.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
Common injuries may include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The sudden force of a crash can cause the brain to hit the skull, leading to TBIs. This injury type can range from concussions to more severe trauma, leading to long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, and changes in behavior.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The force from a crash could damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or full paralysis. Victims with spinal cord injuries often face extensive medical treatments and physical therapy and could require long-term or lifelong care.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: High-impact wrecks frequently result in broken bones, which include fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Some fractures require surgery, and recovery may take months, often leaving victims temporarily or permanently unable to work.
- Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Neck and back injuries, like whiplash, are common in drunk driving crashes. While sometimes less visible, these injuries can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues, affecting a victim’s quality of life and capability to perform daily tasks.
- Internal Injuries: Drunk driving accidents can cause severe internal injuries to organs like the liver, spleen, and kidneys. These injuries may not be instantly obvious but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Emotional and Psychological Injuries: Beyond physical harm, many victims of these accidents experience emotional distress, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These issues may affect their personal relationships, work performance, and overall mental well-being.
What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?
These damages fall into several categories, including:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are developed to compensate victims for the financial losses that are associated with the accident. This category includes the following:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical fees that are related to the injuries sustained in the accident.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work because of recovery. If injuries prevent victims from returning to their previous employment, they may also be liable for lost earning capacity.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for any damage to the victim’s vehicle and personal property, as well as costs associated with vehicle repairs or replacement.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate victims for the intangible losses associated with their injuries. These damages include:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical distress endured because of injuries sustained in the accident.
- Emotional Distress: Many accident victims experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress following a traumatic incident. Compensation for emotional distress addresses the psychological impact on the victim’s life.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If injuries stop victims from engaging in activities they previously enjoyed, they may be entitled to damages for the diminished quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium: If the accident impacted the victim’s relationships with family members, such as a spouse, the victim or family may seek compensation for this loss.
- Punitive Damages: Punitive damages punish the responsible party for particularly reckless or egregious behavior, such as driving while intoxicated. Courts award these damages to compensate the victim and prevent others from committing similar behavior. Because drunk driving is considered a highly reckless act, victims may be eligible for punitive damages, which can significantly increase the overall compensation received.
Contact Our Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Atlanta Today
When a drunk driver causes a crash, they will most likely deny any wrongdoing because they know they’ll end up in serious legal trouble otherwise. You have to be ready for their denial and any pushback from their auto insurance provider that won’t want to pay you anything. The Roth Firm, LLC, and our Atlanta drunk driving accident attorneys can give you the strength and knowledge your case needs to succeed.
It all starts with a call to (404) 999-4705 and a FREE consultation. Our Atlanta drunk driving accident lawyer accept calls 24/7.
