Every day, approximately 28 people die from drunk driving accidents nationwide. What makes this statistic especially devastating is the idea that these tragic accidents could’ve been avoided by one person taking away the keys. Instead, too many people in Dunwoody are involved in drunk driving accidents, and the devastation they cause can last long after the accident. You don’t have to face this aftermath alone. Our Dunwoody drunk driving accident lawyers are here to help.
Our lawyers have dedicated over twenty years to helping victims of drunk driving accidents. If you or your loved one were hurt, you need someone who is compassionate, dependable, and has a deep familiarity with the law. Let us give you a FREE consultation and get you started. Fill out the form to the right or call us at (404) 341-6555 and get your free consultation today.
What are some common drunk driving accident injuries in Dunwoody?
Drunk driving collisions can be a scary experience. Hopefully, all drivers are using safety precautions when driving, such as wearing a seatbelt and following the rules of the road. But even the most cautious driver can still get injured in a collision. At the point of impact, our bodies can contort in a number of unnatural ways. Below are some of the most common injuries in drunk driving accidents:
- Spinal Injuries: The force of impact from a collision can send torso lunging forward then flinging back, all in a matter of seconds. The severity of the spinal injury depends on a number of factors, including how fast the car that hit you was going, and where on your spinal the greatest damage was done. A ruptured or slipped disc, and partial or complete paralysis can result from a spinal injury.
- Leg and knee injuries: Injuries to the leg and knee are more common in side impact collisions. Broken bones, shattered knees, and torn ligaments are all injuries that can cause long term complications. In some cases, a victim with knee or leg injuries have a permanent walking problems.
- Neck injuries: Whiplash is a common injury, especially when a person is hit from behind. The way the neck “whips” back and forth upon impact can cause damage to soft tissue. However, there other, more severe injuries as well. The impact from a collision can crush the trachea and damage the larynx. This can result in difficulty eating, breathing and moving.
- Chest injuries: Rib and sternum injuries are common in high speed collisions. These injuries are even more serious when no seat belt is used, allowing you to collide with the dashboard or steering wheel. Broken bones that puncture vital organs can be life threatening.
- Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries occur when a collision causes the neck to jolt or if the head hits the side window, dashboard or steering wheel. A traumatic brain injury can cause life long cognitive disabilities. Objects that fly into the car and hit the skull can also cause traumatic brain injuries.
No matter what injuries you have, always see a medical professional immediately. Even a minor injury can become chronic if not treated. In addition, it is important to your case that a medical professional officially documents the injuries you sustained from the accident. Your lawyer can use this to strengthen your case when negotiating with insurance companies.
What are punitive damages, and how do I get them?
In a typical car accident case, victims may receive a financial settlement to cover any medical costs and loss of wages as a result of the accident. But drink driving accidents are a little different. In addition to the regular settlement, you are entitled to punitive damages as well. Punitive damages are separate and are filed in a civil suit. Since drunk driving is a criminal act, punitive damages are designed to punish the drunk driver, deter other drivers from drinking and driving, and give you further financial compensation to help you fully recover physically, mentally and emotionally from the accident.
The amount of money that victims may receive from punitive damages varies state to state. Georgia law dictates that victims must specifically ask for punitive damages to be awarded. Failing to make a specific request for punitive damages in the original claim prevents a person from seeking punitive damages in the future.
What is considered drunk driving in the state of Georgia?
In the eyes of the law, a person is considered to be driving drunk if their blood alcohol level is at or above .08%. However, alcohol isn’t the only substance that a driver can get a DUI for. Below are other substances that, if significantly impairs a person’s ability to drive safely, can result in a DUI:
- Prescription Drugs
- OTC drugs that cause drowsiness
- Marijuana
- Heroin, cocaine, crack and other illegal drugs.
As you can see, a drug doesn’t have to be illegal to result in a DUI. Any substance that impedes a person’s ability to follow the rules of the road can result in a DUI.
A drunk driver isn’t automatically at fault for an accident. Their negligence still has to be proven. A good lawyer will examine your case from every angle in order to prove that the driver was driving negligently as a result of their intoxication and is at fault for the accident.
Talk to a Dunwoody Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer for Free
Drunk driving accidents are a horrific experience that no one should have to experience. It can be hard to stay on top of insurers, medical appointments and the legal process when you are still emotionally recovering. Let us help you—and put more than twenty years of experience on your side. Fill out the form to the right or call us at (404) 341-6555 and get your FREE consultation today.
