When you’re injured by a drunk driver in Georgia, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Medical bills, missed work, and pain from your injuries can quickly take over your life. A Fayetteville drunk driving accident lawyer understands what you’re going through and can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Drunk drivers who cause accidents should be held responsible for the harm they inflict on innocent victims. However, dealing with insurance companies and the legal system while you’re trying to recover can be challenging and stressful.
That’s where Wade Law comes in. Our car accident lawyers have extensive experience and will fight for your rights. Contact us today at 770-282-1188 for a free consultation.
Why Choose Wade Law as Your Drunk Driving Accident Attorney?
When you’re facing the aftermath of a drunk driving accident, you need a legal team with the strength, skill, and dedication to protect your future. At Wade Law, we bring more than 80 years of combined trial experience to every case we handle. Our track record includes over $10 million recovered for clients across Georgia, reflecting our commitment to securing meaningful results for those harmed by negligence. We take pride in offering compassionate, personalized legal support from the moment you contact us.
We know that serious accidents don’t follow a schedule, which is why you can reach our team 24/7 to arrange a consultation. When you choose Wade Law, you’re choosing attorneys who will stand by your side, guide you through every step, and fight relentlessly for the justice you deserve.
What Sets Wade Law Apart:
- Over 80 years of combined trial experience
- More than $10 million recovered for Georgia clients
- Compassionate, personalized attention to every case
- 24/7 availability to schedule a consultation
How a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
If a drunk driver hits you, a DUI accident lawyer fights for the justice you deserve. Your lawyer will work quickly to gather crucial evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, dashcam or surveillance footage, and medical documentation, to build a strong foundation for your claim. They will also calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and future financial needs.
Your drunk driving accident attorney will deal with the insurance company, negotiating aggressively for a fair settlement. If the insurer refuses to offer appropriate compensation, a lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. With the right legal support, you can stay focused on healing while your lawyer fights for the justice you deserve.
How an Attorney Supports Your Case:
- Gathers evidence such as reports, records, and witness statements
- Negotiates with the drunk driver’s insurance company on your behalf
- Represents you in a lawsuit if the insurer won’t offer a fair settlement
- Ensures all deadlines are met
What Compensation Can You Claim for a Drunk Driving Accident?
After a drunk driving accident, many people are left facing unexpected medical bills, time away from work, and long-term challenges they never saw coming. While every case is different, Georgia law allows victims and families to pursue financial compensation for a wide range of losses.
Compensation Available to DUI Accident Victims
If you were injured by a drunk driver, you may be able to recover compensation for both your financial losses and the personal impact the accident has had on your life. These damages are meant to help you rebuild, access necessary medical care, and move forward without carrying the burden of costs caused by someone else’s reckless choices.
You may be able to recover money for:
- Medical bills, including emergency care, surgery, and ongoing treatment
- Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and long-term care needs
- Lost wages and reduced future earning ability
- Property damage, such as repairs or replacement of your vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages
Punitive Damages in Georgia Drunk Driving Cases
Punitive damages may be awarded in a drunk driving accident lawsuit. These damages are designed to punish and discourage reckless behavior. In the state of Georgia, the cap for punitive damages is $250,000. But this limit does not apply if the motorist’s judgment was substantially impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Wrongful Death Claims After Fatal Drunk Driving Accidents
If you lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim in Georgia. This type of claim allows certain family members to seek compensation for losses such as:
- The income the victim would have earned
- Loss of love, companionship, and support
- Funeral expenses
- The victim’s medical bills
While money can’t replace your loved one, a wrongful death claim can help ease the financial burden during a very difficult time.
How Long Do You Have to File a Drunk Driving Auto Accident Claim in Georgia?
In Georgia, if you’ve been injured in a DUI accident, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit is called the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, and you’ll lose your right to seek compensation.
For wrongful death cases—when someone dies as a result of a drunk driving accident—Georgia law also provides a two-year statute of limitations, but the countdown begins on the date of the person’s death rather than the date of the accident itself.
A few important exceptions that can extend or pause these deadlines. If the injured person is a minor (under 18), the two-year clock doesn’t start until they turn 18, giving them until their 20th birthday to file. If the drunk driver leaves the state of Georgia after the accident, the time they’re gone may not count toward the two-year limit.
It’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
How Much Will Hiring a DUI Accident Lawyer Cost?
This is a common question for accident victims. Fortunately, most personal injury attorneys, including our team at Wade Law Office, don’t charge upfront legal fees. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay us if you receive compensation through a settlement or lawsuit. Our payment is a percentage of the settlement or lawsuit award.
What To Do After an Accident With a Drunk Driver In Georgia
A crash involving a drunk driver can leave you shaken, confused, and unsure of what to do next. Taking the right steps immediately after the accident can protect your health and your ability to file a strong car accident claim.
Call 911 for Medical Attention
Your health should always come first. Call 911 right away so emergency medical personnel can evaluate your injuries. Even if you feel fine, some injuries aren’t immediately obvious, and getting medical care creates important documentation for your claim.
Call the Police
Law enforcement needs to be notified of any suspected drunk driving accident. The police will assess the situation, document the scene, and create an official report. This report can be vital evidence when proving the other driver was impaired and responsible for the car crash.
Gather Evidence
If it’s safe to do so, take photos or videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries. This information can help show what happened and support your case later. Small details captured early can make a big difference.
Ask Witnesses for Information
Witnesses can provide powerful statements about what they saw. Try to get names, phone numbers, and brief descriptions of what they observed. Their accounts may help confirm the drunk driver’s behavior or the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Reaching out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible can protect your rights and strengthen your case. A drunk driving accident lawyer can guide you through the claims process, communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Common Are Drunk Driving Accidents in Georgia?
According to data collected over the years, the rate of driving under the influence goes up during holidays such as Labor Day, Memorial Day, Christmas, etc. A quarter or more of all highway accidents in the State of Georgia are caused by drunk drivers, with Fulton County recording the highest numbers.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), 67% of Americans will be involved in DUI accidents in their lifetimes. According to the Department of Transportation, three people are killed in drunk driving crashes every two hours. This is an issue we cannot ignore, as the next victim could be you or a loved one.
What Are the BAC Limits in Georgia?
The state of Georgia’s BAC limits are as follows:
- Motorists with a blood alcohol concentration above .08% are considered to be driving under the influence.
- Commercial motorists with a BAC over .04% are considered to be under the influence.
- Drivers under 21 years with a blood alcohol concentration above .02% are considered to be under the influence.
A breath analysis test or a blood test can be done in order to determine BAC. If a driver refuses, then they are deemed to have been operating a vehicle under the influence. Intoxicated driving is a serious offense in Georgia.
Schedule Your Free Drunk Driving Accident Case Review Today
Auto accidents can be devastating and life-changing. If you or someone you love is hurt in a drunk driving accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The team at Wade Law is ready to stand by your side, handle the legal work, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. You can fill out our online form or call us at 770-282-1188.
