A single mistake by a drunk driver can have catastrophic consequences, including horrible injuries and huge medical bills, or even death, for the victims of an accident. Drunk driving accidents are unfortunately more common than they should be on East Point roads. If you or a loved one has been injured because of a collision with a drunk driver, you/they shouldn’t have to pay for the damages. If you are now wondering how to handle the aftermath of the accident, it’s time to call an East Point drunk driving accident lawyer who can help you.
Our attorneys are dedicated to helping drunk driving accident victims recover the money they need to pay for their expenses and move on as fully as possible. With more than two decades of success under our belts, we know how to handle drunk driving accident insurance claims, and we fight tirelessly for the rights of victims. You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s huge mistake. Let us give you a FREE consultation to talk about your situation and explore your options. We work under a model that is risk-free to you: We don’t get paid unless we win you money. For your free consultation today, call us at 404-341-6555 or fill out the online form to your right to get started.
What Counts as Drunk Driving in East Point?
Drunk driving means the driver was intoxicated by alcohol. Legally, a driver is considered to be driving under the influence if they have a blood alcohol level (BAC) or 0.08% or higher.
In the State of Georgia, a driver can violate the DUI laws in two different ways:
- DUI “Per Se”: A breath or blood test result shows the driver’s BAC is 0.08% or higher.
- DUI based on other evidence: The local police use other clues, such as slurred speech or an open bottle in the car, to determine the driver is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
DUI for Commercial Drivers and Underage Drivers
There are some exceptions where someone can be considered as driving under the influence below the 0.08% mark. Commercial drivers can be arrested for DUI with a BAC of 0.04% or higher. For a teen or underage drivers, they cannot have a BAC of 0.02 grams or more in their system while driving a vehicle.
Other DUI Situations
Alcohol is not the only substance that can leave someone unfit to drive, however. A driver can be “under the influence” if they’ve consumed any substance that affects their judgment behind the wheel. This can include:
- Marijuana
- Other illegal drugs like meth, cocaine, crack, ecstasy, and more
- Some prescription medications, such as painkillers or Xanax
- Over-the-counter drugs that can make someone drowsy or inhibit reaction time
As you can see, a substance doesn’t have to be illegal or prohibited in day-to-day situations to possibly lead to a DUI (driving under the influence) arrest. But there must be evidence that the driver was significantly impaired and affected their driving.
A good drunk driving lawyer will know how to ask the right questions and compile evidence proving the other driver in your accident was under the influence. If they are found to be at fault, they will be liable for all your damages.
How Much Money Can I Recover if I Was Hit By a Drunk Driver?
Since Georgia is an “at-fault state,” the person whose actions led to the accident is also responsible for covering all damages resulting from it. This means the money you can recover depends on what you lost because of the accident.
Expenses you can claim for a drunk driving accident may include the following:
Medical Costs
If you were injured in a drunk driving accident, you’re probably facing many medical expenses like:
- Medical bills for doctor visits, tests, and/or surgeries
- Prescription medications
- Costs of traveling to and from appointments
- Potential future expenses like rehabilitation or physical therapy
All of these costs may be covered if the other driver is found to be at fault.
Vehicle Repair Costs
This includes repairing damage to your car, or even the cost of replacing the vehicle—whether you were driving in a car, truck, or on a motorcycle during the accident.
Missed Wages
Many car accident victims find themselves having to take time off of work to recover from their accident. This can bring double the stress as you rack up medical bills without being able to keep earning money at work. Thankfully, time lost from missed work is something you can claim as damages.
Pain and Suffering
If a physical injury is present, you can seek recovery for mental and emotional damages, as well.
The costs of a drunk driving accident can be extreme, especially if your injuries are severe. But the higher your damages, the more you should be able to submit as a claim to the other driver’s insurance. To make sure you seek recovery for all you’re entitled to, speak with a drunk driving accident lawyer immediately after your accident.
Can I Still Recover Money if I Was in the Car with the Drunk Driver?
If you were a passenger in the drunk driver’s vehicle, the situation can get a little more complicated. Police will likely test your BAC for alcohol during or after the arrest, and authorities will question the reasoning for getting into a vehicle with a drunk driver. However, if you were hurt in the accident, you still have the right to seek financial recovery from the driver’s insurance company for your damages.
Since pursuing compensation for your expenses will likely be harder as a passenger in the drunk driver’s car, it’s best to retain the services of a drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as you can. They can help build a case showing you did not have a fault in the accident and were still a victim.
Talk to an East Point Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer for Free
If you were injured in a drunk driving accident, you should never have to pay for the drunk driver’s careless choice to get behind the wheel. Let our experienced drunk driving accident attorneys help you seek recovery for your costs. Insurance companies are known for using various tactics to avoid paying out what a victim really deserves—including even pointing the finger at you. We have 20+ years of experience standing up to insurers and fighting for the rights of drunk driving victims.
For a FREE consultation with one of our attorneys as soon as possible, contact us today. Call 404-341-6555, or fill out the form to your right to get started.
