Regardless of how careful you are on the streets of Gainesville, Georgia you could still end up being a victim of a car accident due to the reckless or negligent actions of another driver. Drunk driving is a serious offense and an act that can lead to severe injuries, damages, and even death.
If you have been a victim of a drunk driving accident, you deserve compensation. However, the process can be overwhelming especially if you have been injured. This is where experienced Gainesville drunk driving accident lawyers come into the picture.
The team at H Groves Law has been in the field for years and knows how to protect the rights of our clients. You should not suffer due to the carelessness of another party. Call our Gainesville car accident lawyers today at (770) 329-1868 to learn more about your legal options.
Drunk Driving Stats in Georgia
Some noteworthy stats about drunk driving in Georgia include:
- About 30% of accident fatalities in the US involve drunk driving.
- Over 290,000 injuries happen per year from drunk driving incidents.
- Georgia is one of the most dangerous places for drunk driving in the country.
What Are the BAC Limits in GA?
In the state of Georgia, the blood alcohol concentration limits are as follows.
- Motorists with a BAC above .08% are considered to be driving under the influence.
- Motorists under the age of 21 with a BAC of .02% and above are deemed to be under the influence.
- Commercial drivers with a BAC of above .04% are deemed to be driving under the influence.
BAC is determined through a breath analysis test or a blood test. If a motorist refuses to take the test, they are deemed to have been operating the vehicle under the influence.
What Should I Do Following Drunk Driving Accident?
Following an accident with a drunk driver, it is advisable to do the following.
Call the Police
Even if you do not think you are seriously hurt, it is imperative to call the relevant authorities. If someone has sustained severe injuries, call for an ambulance. Bear in mind that you will need a police report when making a claim.
Check on Others
Following the accident and you are in a position to move, make the effort to check on the other party. If they have sustained severe injuries, call 911 immediately.
Record the Scene
If you are in the position, take photos and videos of the accident scene. Ensure you record elements that will help with your scene with your claim including damages to the car, injuries, skid marks, weather conditions, etc.
Talk to Witnesses
Chances are someone saw the accident occur. These individuals can be especially helpful when proving your case and can be able to present details you may have missed. If there was a witness at the scene, ask them for statements and take their contact information.
Exchange Information
If there’s no one who needs emergency attention, you’ll want to exchange relevant information with the other party. This includes contact information like name, phone number, and physical address. You will also want to exchange car insurance information, driver’s license number, license plate number, etc.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, it is imperative to seek medical attention. You may have sustained internal injuries that usually take days or even weeks to manifest. Injuries like internal bleeding can be fatal. Also, you will want to have any injury documented for fair compensation.
Contact a Lawyer
When dealing with pain and unforeseen damages, it can be hard to pursue a claim on your own. As such, it is advisable to seek legal counsel to figure out how much money you should claim. A Gainesville drunk driving accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case and fight for your rights.
What Damages Can I Recover From a Drunk Driving Accident in GA?
Georgia state law allows you to seek three types of damages. These include:
Economic Damages
These cover monetary losses experienced following the accident. Examples are:
- Medical expenses in the present and future resulting from the accident
- Lost wages and expected loss of future income
- Property damage, including damage to your car and any other property from the accident
Non-Economic Damages
These entail damages that are subjective in nature. They include pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of companionship in the event of wrongful death, etc.
Punitive Damages
These are awarded to punish the motorist at fault. This is particularly the case if they were grossly reckless or negligent. Georgia has a cap of $250,000 for punitive damages but this limit does not apply if the motorist’s judgment was significantly impaired by alcohol.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Drunk Driving Claim in GA?
Yes! In Georgia, you have 2 years from the time of a drunk driving accident to file a personal injury claim. If this period passes, you will not have legal grounds to recover damages from the liable party.
However, you may want to note that DUI case drivers may be prosecuted, meaning the 2-year limit may be extended in some circumstances.
How Much Will a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Cost?
When it comes to making claims, most people fret about the cost of hiring a lawyer. However, you do not have to worry when working with professionals, as they operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not have to worry about the fees as you only pay if you win the case. If you lose, you don’t have to pay a cent.
Hire a Gainesville Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today!
Drunk driving is an offense that’s not taken lightly in the state of Georgia, given how many lives it has claimed over the years. Victims experience life-altering injuries if they survive and numerous other damages.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of such an accident, do not hesitate to call us at (770) 329-1868 in order to seek justice and seek compensation.
The team at H Groves Law has been in the field for years and knows how to protect the rights of our clients. Reach out to our law office near Gainesville for a free consultation.
