If you were hit by a drunk driver in Georgia, the legal process can seem daunting, especially as you recover from injuries and cope with emotional stress. Wade Law Office is dedicated to helping victims of drunk driving accidents understand their rights, navigate legal procedures, and seek fair compensation. Offering a free consultation, we can guide you through each stage of the claims process. Call us today at 770-282-1188.
Types of Drunk Driving Accidents and Potential Settlement Ranges
Drunk driving accidents can result in significant injuries and financial burdens. Each type of accident brings unique injuries, damages, and potential settlement amounts.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions caused by drunk drivers often occur due to delayed reaction times. Common injuries include whiplash and back injuries, which can require extensive recovery and treatment. Settlements for these types of accidents generally range from $20,000 to $50,000, depending on injury severity and the extent of the at-fault driver’s liability.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions with a drunk driver are among the most severe, frequently leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These cases often include extensive medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. Settlement amounts can vary widely based on the severity of injuries and the insurance coverage available.
Side-Impact Collisions
Also known as “T-bone” accidents, side-impact collisions caused by drunk drivers can result in head trauma, fractures, and other severe injuries. Settlement amounts generally cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, depending on the extent of injuries and liability factors.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents, typically resulting in injuries, are especially dangerous when caused by a drunk driver. Victims of these accidents can seek compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering, with settlement amounts ranging from $50,000 to $150,000.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
In cases where a drunk driver leaves the scene, victims may face significant financial losses. Settlements for hit-and-run accidents cover medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma, with average settlements ranging from $30,000 to $80,000.
Determining Liability
In a drunk driving accident case, liability can extend beyond the intoxicated driver. Georgia law permits victims to hold additional parties accountable, which may influence compensation amounts.
The Drunk Driver
The drunk driver is typically the primary at-fault party, as their negligence directly caused the accident. To pursue compensation, victims must establish that the driver’s actions directly resulted in the injuries and damages sustained.
Bars and Restaurants
Under Georgia’s dram shop laws, bars and restaurants may be liable if they served alcohol to an intoxicated individual who then caused an accident. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help determine whether dram shop liability applies in your case.
Employers
If the drunk driver was performing work duties or using a company vehicle, their employer might be liable for damages. This additional layer of liability can be especially relevant in cases involving commercial drivers or delivery workers.
Vehicle Owners
When a drunk driver is operating someone else’s vehicle, the vehicle owner could also be held accountable, particularly if they knowingly allowed the intoxicated person to drive.
Understanding Insurance Coverage for Drunk Driver Accidents in Georgia
Insurance coverage plays a significant role in determining the compensation amount a victim can receive. In Georgia, specific insurance requirements provide some level of financial protection for accident victims.
Minimum Insurance Requirements
Georgia mandates that all drivers carry minimum liability insurance coverage, which includes $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
In cases where the drunk driver has no insurance or inadequate coverage, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can cover medical expenses and property damage. This type of coverage is essential in protecting against financial losses due to the at-fault driver’s lack of coverage.
Medical Payments Coverage
Georgia drivers can add medical payment coverage to their policies. This option helps cover immediate medical costs for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
Types of Compensation Available to Victims
Victims of these accidents may be entitled to various types of damages. These damages fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic.
Medical Expenses
Medical bills from a drunk driving accident can accumulate quickly, covering costs such as emergency room visits, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and any ongoing care. Settlement amounts for medical bills aim to cover all related costs, ensuring you have the resources for a full recovery.
Lost Wages and Income
Severe injuries may prevent you from working temporarily or even permanently. Compensation for lost wages includes both income lost during recovery and future earnings if injuries limit your ability to return to work.
Pain and Suffering
In addition to economic damages, victims can seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress experienced after an accident. Pain and suffering damages account for the impact of the accident on the victim’s quality of life.
Property Damage
Accidents often result in extensive damage to vehicles and personal belongings. Settlements for property damage cover vehicle repair or replacement costs, as well as any other property lost or damaged in the accident.
Calculating Settlement Amounts
Calculating drunk driver settlement amounts in DUI cases involves assessing economic and non-economic damages. Insurance companies may attempt to lower the payout by focusing on contributory negligence, but an experienced car accident attorney can help ensure a fair settlement.
Economic Damages: Tangible costs such as medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost wages are typically straightforward to calculate based on actual expenses.
Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering damages may be calculated using a multiplier method, where economic damages are multiplied by a number that reflects injury severity.
Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident
Taking the right steps after an accident with a drunk driver in Georgia can greatly impact the strength of your case and settlement amount.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, seeking medical attention is essential. Injuries can manifest later, and early documentation is crucial in supporting your claim.
Gather Evidence
Documentation strengthens your case. Collect police reports, witness statements, and photos from the accident scene to establish liability and the extent of damages.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Consulting an attorney ensures you have legal representation and support throughout the claims process. An experienced personal injury attorney can handle negotiations with the insurance company, helping you secure a fair settlement.
The Role of a Lawyer in Drunk Driving Accident Settlements
An experienced personal injury lawyer can provide valuable assistance by handling evidence collection, negotiations, and court representation, if necessary.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
Insurance companies often prioritize minimizing settlements, especially in drunk driving cases. A skilled lawyer will handle negotiations to secure a fair outcome that addresses all your damages.
Representing You in Court
If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may advise filing a lawsuit. Your attorney will present evidence, argue on your behalf, and fight for maximum compensation.
Wrongful Death Claims in Drunk Driving Accidents
Some accidents result in wrongful death, leaving loved ones to face both emotional and financial burdens. Georgia law allows surviving family members, such as spouses, children, or parents, to seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other losses.
Time Limits for Filing a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Georgia
In Georgia, victims of car accidents typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Acting quickly is critical, as missing this deadline could prevent you from seeking compensation.
Reach Out for Guidance on Your Drunk Driving Accident Case
Drunk driving accident victims can get life-altering injuries and substantial financial burdens. Understanding your rights and the types of damages available can help ensure fair compensation. Wade Law Office offers a free consultation to help you evaluate your claim, navigate insurance negotiations, and seek justice in Fayetteville, GA. When facing the aftermath of a drunk driving accident, having an experienced attorney by your side can make all the difference in achieving a fair settlement and securing the resources you need for recovery. Call us today at 770-282-1188.
