Motorists who operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol are one of the most significant challenges on Georgia’s roads and highways. Alcohol can severely disrupt a driver’s ability to react to hazards and assess changing road conditions. Its sedative effects also increase the possibility of falling asleep at the wheel. For these reasons, drunk driving can lead to particularly dangerous accidents. In many tragic cases, these collisions can be fatal. Those who survive face excruciating injuries, overwhelming emotional trauma, and steep medical expenses.
If you have suffered injuries in a Duluth drunk driving accident, the team at Kevin A. Adamson, P.C. can give you the support and legal advocacy you need at this time. Our Duluth drunk driving accident lawyer will listen compassionately to your story, gather evidence to prove that the drunk driver was liable and fight for the compensation you deserve for your losses. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Duluth drunk driving accident attorney.
What Injuries Happen in a Drunk Driving Accident?
Drunk driving accidents can lead to catastrophic and permanent injuries for all parties involved.
Some common injuries suffered drunk driving accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that can cause long-term cognitive impairment
- Spinal cord injuries potentially resulting in paralysis
- Severe burns from vehicle fires after collisions
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Broken bones
- Severe lacerations from shattered glass
- Emotional trauma like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
In the worst cases, drunk driving accidents can ultimately turn fatal due to the reckless behaviors and severely delayed reaction times of these motorists. Contact our Duluth drunk driving accident lawyer today.
At What Blood Alcohol Level Is a Person Considered Under the Influence?
Under Georgia law, anyone who is driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08 percent or higher can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI). If the driver is under the age of 21, the law is even stricter. Minors with a BAC level of .02 percent or higher can face DUI charges.
Even if a drunk driver is convicted on these charges, injury victims can still file a civil lawsuit to hold them financially accountable for their wrongdoing. In many cases, the DUI conviction will strengthen your claim and perhaps even increase your compensation. An experienced Duluth drunk driving accident attorney can help you understand how these variables affect your case.
What Should I Do If I Am Hit by a Drunk Driver?
If you suffer injuries in an accident with a drunk driver, taking the following steps can make a significant difference to your claim:
- Save all healthcare records, doctor’s notes, and invoices to demonstrate your medical expenses.
- Collect information relating to your missed time at work, such as payslips, W-2 forms, and a note from your HR department.
- Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries on social media, as the insurance company can use public statements against you.
- Contact an experienced Duluth drunk driving accident lawyer who can handle all communications with insurance adjusters, investigate the accident, and work to maximize your claim.
Who Could Be Held Liable for My Injuries After a Drunk Driving Accident?
In most drunk driving accident cases, the intoxicated driver is considered primarily liable for any injuries they cause. As such, their insurance company would likely pay out much of the claim settlement or court award.
However, liability can also extend to other parties in some cases. For example, if the drunk driver was served past the point of intoxication at a bar or restaurant or by a social host, those establishments or individuals could share liability under Georgia’s dram shop laws. In some cases, an employer may also share liability if an employee is driving drunk while working. An experienced car accident lawyer will investigate the collision to determine all potentially responsible parties.
What Compensation Can I Get in a Duluth Drunk Driving Accident Claim?
Depending on the specific variables surrounding your case, you may be eligible to recover compensation for losses such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income from missed time at work
- Reduced earning capacity
- Physical and mental pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If you have lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, you may also be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover funeral expenses, medical bills for their fatal injuries, loss of income for dependents, and other losses.
Would I Be Entitled to Compensation If I Were a Passenger in the Drunk Driver’s Car?
Georgia law permits passengers who suffer injuries in accidents to file claims against at-fault intoxicated drivers. While many passengers are reluctant to seek compensation from someone they know, it is important to remember that the money will come from the driver’s insurance policy. Speak to a skilled drunk driving accident attorney for help understanding your rights and options if you have suffered injuries as a passenger in a drunk driver’s car.
Does Georgia Have a Time Limit for Filing a Personal Injury Claim?
Georgia law allows injured individuals a two-year window from the date of the accident, during which they can file a lawsuit. Failing to file on time could keep you from seeking the compensation you deserve. A knowledgeable Duluth car accident attorney can help protect your claim by ensuring that you meet all deadlines.
Contact a Duluth Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Life after a drunk driving accident can feel disorienting and overwhelming. At such a vulnerable time, you need someone on your side who can look after your best interests and fight for what you deserve. The team of DUI accident lawyers at Kevin A. Adamson, P.C. has a proven track record in recovering compensation for injured Georgians. We are ready to put our skills to work for you. We’ll take care of the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on your recovery.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get your life back on track. A Duluth personal injury lawyer.