DUI Accidents
Car accidents and the aftermath can be stressful experiences. You can face severe injuries, damage to your vehicle and mental pain and anguish. However, when you are involved in a car accident with a driver who was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the risks are more severe.
Drunk driving, known as DUI, is a considerable problem on today’s roadways and a common cause of motor vehicle accidents. If you are injured in a car accident with a drunk driver, you should not have to bear the burden of medical costs. You could seek damages, but a personal injury attorney could fight to make sure you are getting a fair settlement.
In many of these cases, when the negligent driver also committed a criminal offense such as DUI, drunk driving or leaving the scene of a crash, your attorney can seek punitive damages.
Attorney for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents in Atlanta
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a clear act of negligence. Not only is a drunk driving putting his or her own life in danger, that person is putting other drivers, passengers and even pedestrians at risk for harm. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be eligible for damages to cover your actual losses, your pain and suffering, your lost wages, and even punitive damages.
Call us to find resources for victims of drunk and drugged driving. Learn more about how the criminal justice responses to drunk and drugged driving crashes. We provide compassionate representation to the victims of drunk and drugged driving as they seek a civil remedy and money damages to cover their damages from these senseless acts.
Contact a skilled Atlanta drunk driving accident attorney at The Balams Firm. ReShea Balams has experience representing clients in the Atlanta area who have been injured in car accidents. She fights for the rights of the drivers and works to get the compensation they deserve. Call us to find out how much your case might be worth.
Call (404) 445-2005 to schedule a free case evaluation. The Balams Firm represents clients throughout the Atlanta area, including Lawrenceville, Marietta, Decatur, Buckhead, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, East Point, Smyrna Brookhaven, Roswell, Milton, Forest Park, Duluth or College Park.
Issues in Atlanta Drunk Driving Accident Cases
Georgia DUI Laws
Drunk driving is a serious crime that plagues several states. Each state has a different law defining what is considered drunk driving. In Georgia, drunk driving is defined as:
- 0.08 percent or higher for drivers 21 years old or older operating regular passenger vehicles;
- 0.04 percent or higher for drivers 21 years old or older operating commercial vehicles; and
- 0.02 percent or higher for drivers younger than 21 years old.
A drunk driver may make the decision to drive despite having consumed alcohol, which is a reckless decision. Even if the driver thinks he or she is capable of driving under the influence, it still is considered a crime. If a driver is over the legal alcohol limit and causes an accident, a personal injury attorney could prove he or she was negligent.
Damages for DUI Accidents in Georgia
If you have been involved in an accident with another driver who was under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, you may be eligible for punitive damages. Punitive damages are monetary punishments from the at-fault party that are reimbursement for the economic and noneconomic costs of the accident.
The damages in the civil lawsuit are intended to make an example of the driver and discourage repeat behavior. Damages, however, are not always available in car crash cases, but they are likely in cases involving drug and alcohol use. The law recognizes that drivers acted carelessly when they chose to drink and get behind the wheel.
Some of the damages that may be recovered in a Georgia civil court include:
- Emergency medical care
- Long-term medical treatments
- Loss of income
- Rehabilitation and occupational therapy
- Loss of wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
It is important you contact an experienced drunk driving accident attorney when seeking damages. Insurance companies will try to reach a settlement with you, but an attorney can make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Medical bills and car repairs should not be solely your burden. Your attorney will be able to help you find the best option for your DUI accident case. If the other driver is uninsured, your attorney will work to get compensation however possible, including using your own insurance company.
Drunk Driving Accident Resources
MADD Georgia Office: Mothers Against Drunk Driving is a national organization that seeks to toughen sanctions against driving under the influence.
1000 Circle 75 Parkway SESuite 45
Atlanta, GA 30339
Nighthawks DUI Task Force: This special division of the Georgia Department of Public Safety patrols for drunk driving in Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Clayton and Gwinnett Counties.
Finding the Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer for Victims in Georgia
If you have suffered due to the negligence of a drunk driver behind the wheel, contact an Atlanta DUI accident attorney at The Balams Firm. You have a right to pursue compensation, and The Balams Firm will help you take on the insurance company to get what you deserve.
We represent the victims of DUI and drunk driving accidents throughout DeKalb, Cobb, Clayton, Gwinnett and Fulton Counties. Call (404) 445-2005 to schedule a free consultation.
