Drunk driving is extremely dangerous in Douglasville. Drunk driving accidents can leave victims with thousands of dollars in medical bills, long-term injuries, or even result in death. If you were hurt because of a drunk driver, you are probably entitled to compensation. Contact a Douglasville drunk driving accident lawyer to get started today.
Our lawyers have been helping drunk driving victims and their families recover what they need for more than 20 years. We understand how painful and stressful this type of accident can be on everyone involved. Our primary goal is full compensation for your costs so you can begin moving forward. To schedule a FREE consultation with us, call today at (404) 948-4815.
How to Prove the Other Driver Was Drunk
Alcohol slows reaction time and impairs one’s ability to make rational decisions. When an accident involves alcohol, the drunk driver is almost always the cause. Drinking and driving is also against the law. The drunk driver chose to get behind the wheel while impaired, which is a very negligent behavior.
To file a personal injury claim after any accident in Georgia, you must be able to show the other driver was being negligent. This is much easier to do after a drunk driving accident because driving under the influence is clearly negligence. However, you will still need to provide the insurance company will evidence.
Valuable Evidence in a Douglasville Drunk Driving Accident
Since drinking and driving is against the law, police investigation and criminal proceedings can help provide evidence in your personal injury claim. You can also collect evidence of the accident and the other driver’s fault by:
- Calling Douglasville police to report the accident as soon as it happens.
- Taking pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and your vehicle damage.
- Getting the names and contact information of any witnesses to your accident.
- Getting a copy of the police report, the driver’s arrest records, and DUI breath or blood alcohol test results.
- Seeing a doctor right after your accident.
- Telling your drunk driving accident lawyer about how the accident has affected you.
A drunk driving accident lawyer can help you obtain as much information as possible in the drunk driving case. The drunk driver made a bad choice that put you in harm’s way. They should be held responsible for the damages they have caused you. The more evidence you have of their wrongdoing and your damages, the better.
Recovering Punitive Damages from a Drunk Driving Accident in Douglasville
Punitive damages are a unique type of damages you can claim after a drunk driving accident. Punitive damages are awarded when the at-fault driver has acted in a reckless way or with mal intent. They imply the person has made decisions without regard for the consequences to others. The primary purpose of punitive damages is to punish and discourage further wrongdoing.
Many auto accidents happen after a driver acted in a careless way, but most of the time, the at-fault driver did not intend to cause harm. That’s not the case with punitive damages. The drunk driver made a decision that put others in harm’s way—and they should have known better.
Insurance Companies Don’t Like to Acknowledge Punitive Damages
Insurance companies are known for finding ways to pay as little as possible in a personal injury claim. They will often try to hide drunk driving in an attempt to avoid punitive and other damages. If this happens, you will need an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer on your side.
Other Damages You Can Claim After a Drunk Driving Accident
If the drunk driver fully caused your accident, you are also entitled to compensation of all costs resulting from the accident. Those can include:
- Medical expenses, including doctor visits and medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Vehicle repair costs
- Lost wages from missed work time
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy
- Pain and suffering damages, such as emotional trauma or fear you now experience
Pain and suffering damages fall under the category of “general damages.” General damages cannot be easily calculated like medical bills and lost wages. They are common in drunk driving accidents, as such a traumatic collision can lead to emotional issues that stay with accident victims for many years.
Again, the insurance company will likely not want to pay out the full value of your claim for these damages. To protect your rights and not get taken advantage of, it’s best to work with a trusted Douglasville drunk driving accident lawyer.
What to Do if You Lost a Loved One in a Drunk Driving Accident
Drunk driving fatality statistics have shown 29% of vehicle traffic deaths were caused by alcohol impairment in 2017. Drunk driving accidents can be very serious, and unfortunately, they can be fatal. When someone is killed by a drunk driver, their family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
Wrongful death means someone has died because another person was being negligent. That negligence has left the deceased’s loved ones to handle costs and put things back together. A wrongful death claim is meant to cover these costs and help the family recover.
Damages you can claim in a wrongful death case include:
- Medical bills from the deceased’s last injury or illness
- Loss of future income
- Hospital, burial, and funeral costs
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering the deceased experienced before their death
Only certain family members can file a wrongful death claim: the deceased’s surviving spouse, children, parents, and the estate, in that order. It’s best to contact a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible after the death to know your options for sure.
Talk to a Douglasville Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer for Free
Deciding to drink and operate a vehicle is a crime in Douglasville. You should not have to pay for the costs of another person’s very poor decisions. If you were hurt because of a drunk driver, our lawyers can help. We have more than 20 years of experience working on (and winning) drunk driving cases. We never take a fee unless we win you money, so it’s risk-free to work with us. Plus, the consultation is always FREE! To get started with your free consultation today, contact us online or call us at (404) 948-4815.
