Any auto accident in Cartersville can be serious, but things become even direr when drunk driving is involved. Impaired drivers have delayed reaction times, less concentration, reduced vision, lack of coordination, and more, which can lead to catastrophic consequences during a collision. If you were hurt in a drunk driving accident (or if a loved one was killed in one), you’ll want to speak with a trusted Cartersville drunk driving accident lawyer right away.
Our drunk driving accident lawyers understand how painful this type of collision can be for everyone involved. For the past 20 plus years, we have been dedicated to helping accident victims get the compensation they deserve—at no risk to our clients. We don’t charge a fee unless we win you money, and the consultation is always FREE.
Call us today at (404) 341-6555 or contact us online and we’ll examine the details of your case during your FREE consultation. We’ll match you with the best drunk driving accident lawyer for your case so you can get started as soon as possible.
What “Drunk Driving” Means in Cartersville
A drunk driving accident is also known as a DUI accident—or “driving under the influence.” According to Georgia Code section 40-6-391, this can be under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, a controlled substance, or another substance that makes them less safe to drive.
When it comes to drunk driving while under the influence of alcohol, the following applies:
- A driver is also considered to be driving under the influence if they have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or more.
- If the person is a commercial driver, they must not have a BAC of 0.04% or more.
- A driver who is under the age of 21 can be considered DUI with a BAC of 0.02% or more.
It’s important to know that someone does not have to have a BAC above the legal limit to be in trouble. If they are under the influence of someone that makes them less safe to drive, it’s not legal for them to be operating a vehicle. This can include prescription medications or over-the-counter medicines that cause drowsiness or other impairment issues.
How to Show the Other Driver Was Drunk in Cartersville
In Cartersville and the rest of Georgia, if you were injured in an auto accident caused by someone else, you are entitled to compensation for your damages. However, you will need to show that the other party was negligent in your accident.
Drunk driving is a clear sign of negligence on the road, so the drunk driver is almost always found to be at fault in the accident. So, how do you prove that the other driver was drunk at the time of your accident? Below are some ways you can begin gathering evidence of the other driver’s impairment.
Calling the Police
If an accident results in injuries, death, or $500 or more in property damage, the parties involved have a legal responsibility to report the accident to the police. After the drunk driving accident, call the Cartersville police department and tell them what happened. Tell the dispatcher that you were in an accident and that you suspect the other driver is drunk.
After you report the accident, officers will respond to the scene. Since you have expressed your concern that the other driver is impaired, they will likely run some field sobriety tests and a breath test to check if the driver is drunk.
If the driver is found to be above the legal limit for BAC, they can be arrested for driving under the influence. This will create clear evidence of the driver’s impairment, which is good for your case. Even if the driver’s impairment was below the legal limit but there was still some alcohol in their system, it can still help your case in showing that they were negligent.
Watching and Recording the Driver’s Actions
When the accident happens, you might be immediately suspicious that the other driver is impaired on something. Other times, you might not notice until you’ve both stopped your vehicles and begin interacting. Either way, the more evidence you can gather at the scene, the better.
Some common signs of drunkenness include:
- Drifting between traffic lanes or switching without a turn signal
- Ignoring lights, stop signs, or other roadways signals
- Rapidly changing speeds
- Driving without headlights at night
- Drifting on and off of the road
- Slurred or incoherent speech
- Clumsiness
- Redness of the face
- Unfocused eyes
If you notice any of these signs in the other driver, take note of them to report to the police. If you feel safe enough doing so, you might try getting a video of the driver’s behavior. This can act as powerful evidence to show how they were acting.
Gathering More Evidence at the Scene
Although it might not directly prove that the other driver was drunk, gathering information at the scene helps show what happened. Here are some ways you can do that:
- Take pictures of your injuries, your vehicle damage, and the entire accident scene.
- Talk to any witnesses who saw the accident happen, especially if they also noticed the other driver’s drunk behavior, and get their contact information.
- Make quick notes on everything you remember or notice about the accident.
After you leave the scene, be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible and keep track of all medical bills, missed work time, and other damages.
Calling a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
You will also want to contact an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer immediately after your accident. A lawyer who specializes in drunk driving cases will know what to do first and how to begin building a strong case. The goal is to get you full compensation for all of your damages.
If you’re worried about the cost of hiring a lawyer, keep in mind that most drunk driving accident lawyers do not charge a fee unless they actually win you money. Then, their fee is simply taken as a percentage of any settlement or award they win you. Plus, most will offer a free consultation to get started.
Talk to a Cartersville Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Our drunk driving accident lawyers have been helping accident victims win what they deserve for over 20 years. We know how to handle these delicate cases and seek the fullest compensation possible for you and your family. Let us take on the details of your case so you can focus on healing.
Call us today for a FREE consultation and case evaluation. If you decide to work with us, there is no fee unless we win you money. Call (404) 341-6555 or contact us online to get started with your FREE consultation.
