Drunk drivers put everyone on Atlanta roads at risk. At no fault of your own, a drunk driving accident can change your life within seconds—and you should not have to pay for it. Speak with an experienced Atlanta drunk driving accident lawyer to know your compensation options today.
Our car accident attorneys have been helping injury victims for over 20 years. We know how painful and overwhelming being hit by a drunk driver can be, and we are dedicated to protecting your rights. We can assist you in building a strong insurance claim to seek the compensation you deserve.
To schedule a FREE consultation and get your questions answered today, call us at (404) 341-6555 or contact us online. We do not charge a fee unless we win you money, so there is no risk to you. Reach out today to get started at no cost.
What Drunk Driving Means in Atlanta
According to Georgia Code section 40-6-391, no one should operate a motor vehicle if they:
- Are under the influence of alcohol to the point where it’s less safe for them to drive;
- Are under the influence of a combination of two or more forms of alcohol, drugs, or toxic vapors to the point where it’s less safe to drive; or
- Have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 grams or higher within three hours of driving.
Drunk driving refers to driving under the influence of alcohol. Driving under the influence (DUI) can refer to being impaired by drugs or other substances that prevent you from driving safely. This can also include prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs that cause drowsiness or other symptoms that make the user unsafe to drive.
Why Drunk Drivers in Atlanta Are So Dangerous
Alcohol can impair a driver’s:
- Judgment
- Visual functions
- Mood
- Steering ability
- Ability to multi-task
- Memory
- Speed control
- Ability to drive in a straight line
- And so much more
Plus, most people are far drunker than they realize. Even if someone feels fit to drive safely, they might have blood alcohol levels high enough to cause serious impairment. Drunk drivers are more likely to make huge mistakes on the road, be prone to road rage, or exhibit other behaviors that endanger other drivers.
All drivers in Atlanta have a duty to drive safely so that others don’t become harmed. If someone decides to drink and drive, they have been incredibly negligent, which means they are responsible for any resulting accidents.
If you were injured in a drunk driving accident in Atlanta, the drunk driver should be held responsible. Our lawyers can help you build a case to seek compensation for what you lost. To discuss your options during a FREE consultation, call (404) 341-6555 today.
Common Damages from Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents are often very serious. They can result in injuries like:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Damaged organs
- Nerve damage resulting in paralysis
- Loss of limbs
- Whiplash
- Scarring and disfigurement
Even minor injuries can develop into serious ailments after a drunk driving accident. No matter how you were injured, you may have a legal case. Your lawyer can determine the full extent of your damages so you know what compensation you are entitled to receive.
What to Do After Being Hit By a Drunk Driver in Atlanta
If you were hurt in a drunk driving accident, your well-being is the number one priority. Get immediate medical attention for any serious or life-threatening injuries. Call 911 or have someone else call for an ambulance so you get the treatment you need.
If you are well enough to remain at the scene, here are some actions you can take to begin building your case.
Call the Police
Any accident in Georgia with injuries and/or more than $500 in property damage should be reported to the police. Call the police right away to report the accident so that authorities know it happened.
Officers should arrive at the scene and create an accident report of the crash. This will be important evidence of the accident for your case.
Take Pictures
Use your phone or a camera to take pictures of:
- Your injuries
- Your vehicle damage
- The entire accident scene
If the drunk driving is acting aggressively or exhibiting impaired behavior, you might try to take a video of their actions. But only do this if you feel it’s safe.
Exchange Information
If the other driver is safe to approach, exchange the following information with them:
- First and last name
- Contact information
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance information
You might also take a picture of the driver’s vehicle and license plate. This will help you identify them if they perform a hit and run, which is more likely with drivers who are impaired and not thinking clearly.
Talk to Witnesses
If anyone else saw your accident happen or noticed the other driver’s actions, ask for their contact information. They might be incredibly helpful in corroborating your account of the accident.
Go to a Doctor
If you did not get medical attention at the accident scene, see a doctor as soon as possible after leaving the scene. If you wait too long, the other driver’s insurance company might doubt your injuries or try to say you were not hurt as badly as you say during the crash.
Seeing a doctor will also give you a good idea of how seriously you were hurt, which will help you know what your future medical costs will look like.
Time is Limited on Your Drunk Driving Accident Claim
The statute of limitations on personal injury cases in Georgia is two years from the date of the injury. This means you only have two years to file your claim, and there are many steps to take in the process.
It’s best to reach out to a lawyer right away so they can help you stay on track and build the strongest case possible.
Get a Free Consultation with an Atlanta Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
Don’t get stuck paying for the costs of an accident caused by a drunk driver. Our attorneys can help you gather evidence, build an insurance claim, and hold the driver accountable. You might even be able to take the driver to court for their mistakes, and we can help you every step of the way.
To learn more and schedule a FREE consultation, call (404) 341-6555 or contact us online today. We have more than 20 years of experience helping accident victims like yourself, and we are dedicated to getting you the recovery you need and deserve.
