Drunk driving in Georgia is one of the biggest threats that residents face on the roadways each day. 

A person driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs can be held accountable for your injuries and other damages. Third parties who contributed to the accident can also be held liable in Georgia. 

An attorney with experience handling DUI accident cases can help you get the compensation you need while navigating the complex legal system. 

Drunk Driving Cases in Georgia 

In 2019, according to Georgia’s Department of Driver Services, there were 19,208 drunk driving convictions along with 2,965 administrative license suspensions (ALS).

An ALS occurs when a blood alcohol content (BAC) test measurement is .08 or more for non-commercial drivers over the age of 21, .02 or higher for drivers who are under the age of 21, or .04 or higher for commercial drivers. 

In addition, there were 11,786 cases involving a refusal to take the state-administered BAC test. This results in an implied consent suspension, which, like the ALS, is an administrative action and not a criminal conviction.

These statistics highlight the need for experienced legal representation for victims of DUI accidents.

Injuries caused by a drunk driver can require costly medical treatments and years of ongoing care. They can prevent victims from returning to work, putting their families’ financial futures at risk. 

An attorney can assess the extent of your injuries and damages to calculate the value of your legal claim so you get the compensation you deserve. 

Understanding Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents in Georgia are all too common, especially in larger cities like Atlanta, which is the state’s largest city and has a population of about half a million people. 

DUI accident cases involve severe injuries and deaths. The vehicles involved include cars, large trucks, commercial vehicles, busses, and motorcycles. Bicycle riders and pedestrians can be seriously injured or killed by drunk drivers. 

At-fault drivers include teenagers all the way to senior drivers, and drunk driving accidents aren’t limited to late evening hours. The accidents they cause can occur at any time during the day. 

Many drunk drivers are repeat offenders, having driven while drunk many times before finally getting caught. 

How an Attorney Can Help You If You’ve Been Injured by a Drunk Driver

Having a DUI attorney by your side will help you get the compensation you deserve. They can handle difficult and complex negotiations with insurance companies that try to avoid compensating victims.

The severity of your injuries plays a large part in the amount of compensation you’re entitled to receive. With the right evidence and the help of a skilled attorney, you can secure a larger settlement from insurance companies who want to avoid a trial. 

Your attorney will help you obtain the maximum restitution allowed under Georgia state law. They can submit medical records, police reports, photographs, and videos that support your claims.

You need a personal injury lawyer who can offer swift and aggressive legal representation against an at-fault drunk driver. 

They can hold third parties accountable who may have contributed to your accident. These include owners, management, and staff of bars or restaurants that knowingly served alcohol to an intoxicated customer. 

If the at-fault driver caused your accident while working or operating a commercial vehicle, their employers may also be held liable for your injuries and damages. 

Consult with an experienced DUI attorney so that you can have a dedicated legal advocate who will defend your legal rights in a Georgia court of law.