Even though the rates for drinking and driving have gone down in the last ten years, there are still too many drivers and passengers that are killed or injured due to careless drivers that make the decision to operate their vehicles while impaired.
One of the best defenses against an impaired, speeding, distracted, or drunk driver is to wear your seatbelt and drive defensively. However, even cautious drivers can sustain injuries in drunk driving accidents even though they are not at fault. Contact an Atlanta drunk driving accident lawyer from H Groves Law firm today if you or your loved one was killed or injured in a car accident due to a driver that was driving drunk or under the influence. Call us at (770) 329-1868 now for a FREE consultation.
Drunk Driving Statistics In Georgia
According to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, FBI crime reports, and the CDC, the U.S. Drug Test Centers compiled a list of the states rated as worst for DUIs (driving under the influence). The state of Georgia ranked close to the middle in the 23rd spot. Atlanta is not known for its safe drivers.
According to analyzed DUI statistics, Georgia saw close to 348 DUI-related arrests (per 100,000) people in 2018. This is compared to a national DUI arrest rate of around 309 per 100,000 people. Harsher penalties and laws, anti-drunk driving campaigns, and an increase in ridesharing may have lowered the arrest rates for drunk driving. Yet driving under the influence is still one of the prominent factors in accident fatalities on the roads and contributed to 25% of deaths that occurred in 2019.
What Are The BAC Limits In Georgia?
Drivers in the state of Georgia are often charged with DUI when their BAC (blood alcohol level) is 0.08% or higher. Drivers arrested for a DUI in Georgia will be faced with a criminal case against them and have their license suspended.
What To Do After An Accident With A Drunk Driver?
All types of traffic accidents can result in injuries, but due to impaired judgment, drivers that are drunk can often cause accidents that are more severe. Below are a few important steps you should be following after your accident:
Assess Your Injuries
The moments directly after the accident can be frightening and confusing. You might feel compelled to exit your vehicle immediately directly after the incident. But you may have sustained injuries that could make your condition worse if you move. This is why it is important to take your time to ensure you won’t be causing yourself harm by trying to move around.
Call The Police
If you are able to move safely without aggravating your condition, the next step involves calling the police. It is important to obtain a report of the accident for insurance claims (regardless of who is at fault).
Get To Safety
If you are able to move it is recommended to get to safety by leaving your vehicle or moving your vehicle off or to the side of the road.
Document The Scene
When possible take pictures of your vehicle and the accident scene and take down the details of witnesses.
Seek Medical Attention
This is an important step. Your safety and well-being are something very important to consider. Depending on how severe your injuries are, you might want to make a 911 call at the scene of the accident. This will be the quickest way to get the medical attention that you need.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Drunk Driving Accident In The State Of Georgia?
While there isn’t an average or standard settlement relating to drunk driving accidents, there are different types of damages that victims can be compensated for. Below are some examples of the common damage types that can be included in a claim.
Medical Expenses
Emergency room visits or hospitalization can amount to thousands of dollars. When pursuing a settlement, it is important to include your medical expenses. Here are some injuries that may be covered:
- Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Broken Bones
Vehicle Replacement And Repairs
If your vehicle needs to be replaced or is in need of repairs after your accident, you are entitled to pursue compensation from the party that is at fault for the accident.
Loss Of Income
If the injuries you have sustained in your accident have forced you into taking time off work, you can also go after compensation for the wages you have lost over that time.
Non-Economic Damages
The law also recognizes non-economic damages. An example of non-economic damages is pain and suffering. There are no limits on the amount that you could recover for this type of damage. Your attorney can help you accurately assess what your “pain and suffering” is worth.
Other examples of non-economic damages also include:
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement
- Diminished enjoyment of life
How Long Do I Have To File A Claim In The State Of Georgia?
In the state of Georgia, there is a statute of limitations in place which means you will only have two years to file your claim after an accident involving drunk driving. It is important to file a claim as quickly as you can, and the expert team at H Groves Law is here to help you.
How Much Will an Attorney Cost?
H Groves Law works on a contingency basis. When attorneys work on contingency fees, it means the attorney getting paid will be dependent, or contingent, on their client, successfully recovering their claim (a settlement).
As the ABA (American Bar Association) explains, the attorney will agree on a percentage of their client’s winnings (at the beginning of the case). If the lawyer is not able to win the case, the client won’t owe the attorney any fees.
Contact An Atlanta Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer from H Groves Law Today!
If you were involved in a road accident with a drunk driver, you deserve compensation and the case will most likely warrant special attention. When you have the right legal experts on your side, it becomes easier to go after the financial compensation that you need to start recovering from your injuries and setbacks.
The negligent driver should be held accountable for their reckless conduct, so don’t hesitate to call H Groves Law today at (770) 329-1868. Our legal team will provide you with a free consultation to review your case and help you to go after the compensation that you rightly deserve.
