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Helping The Injured Protect Their Rights
Being injured is a costly experience that can impact your day-to-day life during recovery and possibly leave you with long-lasting injuries for the rest of your life. Understanding what the implications of an injury are can be difficult to understand, and the many types of damages that could be available to you are not always readily apparent.
Our award-winning personal injury lawyers know the best way to go up against insurance companies because we used to work with them and use that experience to help you win.
Voted Among the Best Personal Injury Firms in Gwinnett County 6 Years in a Row
In Duluth, traffic accidents are alarmingly common due to the network of highways and roads, with the carelessness of drivers significantly contributing to this problem. One such dangerous and illegal behavior is drunk driving.
If you’ve been involved in a collision caused by a drunk driver, it’s only fair that you get compensated for your suffering and losses. At Spaulding Injury Law, we have extensive experience in dealing with car accidents and stand ready to fight for the rights of drunk driving accident victims. Contact us for a complimentary case evaluation today.
DUI Law in Georgia
Under Georgia law, a driver is considered under the influence if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, for commercial vehicle drivers, the BAC limit is just 0.04%, and for drivers under the age of 21, it’s 0.02%. These laws can help frame your case, as any violation of these limits can act as strong evidence of negligence on the part of the drunk driver.
Establishing the Driver’s Intoxication During the Incident
It might come as a surprise, but the burden of proving the other driver’s intoxication falls on you. While it can be tough, there are numerous ways to confirm the driver was under the influence at the time of the accident. Police officers, suspecting intoxication, will perform a blood or breath test. These tests can also be administered even if the driver is unconscious, as the evidence is crucial to pursue criminal charges.
Regrettably, there are instances when the driver doesn’t undergo alcohol testing. In these cases, you must have alternative evidence proving their impairment. Recall the driver’s behavior before and after the accident. Indications of reckless driving, such as lane swerving, can suggest drunkenness. Witnessing their exit from a bar might provide additional proof.
Physical signs like stumbling or slurred speech can also indicate inebriation. Even without a chemical test, there are other ways to substantiate the driver’s intoxication. Our drunk driving accident team at Spaulding Injury Law can help analyze your evidence and strengthen your claim.
What Advantages Does Hiring a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Bring to Your Case?
The legal complexities of a drunk driving car accident can be daunting, but Spaulding Injury Law is prepared to assist new clients with these issues.
Hiring an accident attorney can prove indispensable for several reasons:
- Insurance companies are not your allies: As profit-oriented entities, their profits dwindle with each claim they pay out. There’s more incentive for them to reject claims. To counter this, it’s crucial to have an experienced accident lawyer manage your claim.
- Evidence in drunk driving accidents can vanish rapidly: Crucial to every claim, evidence can quickly disappear following an accident. Witness memories fade, accident scenes are cleared, and potentially useful items are discarded. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses can be especially time-critical as it may be automatically erased after a set period.
- Legal deadlines: According to Georgia statutes, we must file drunk driving car accident cases within two years from the date of the accident. This deadline is also applicable to other personal injury claims.
- Building a strong case: Time is of the essence in personal injury cases. Spaulding Injury Law will make every moment count in your favor. We promptly start collecting evidence and constructing your claim.
Another benefit of hiring a drunk driving accident attorney is that it allows you to prioritize your health while we focus on your legal restoration. The last thing you need during your physical recovery is the added stress of handling a lawsuit on your own.
The Significance of the Police Report to Your Claim
Among the evidence we’ll collect, the police report is a vital source of information and carries significant weight in negotiations with the insurance company.
The report includes:
- Witness information
- Road conditions
- Accident scene description
- Statements from both drivers
- Pictures of the scene and vehicles involved
- Evidence of either driver’s intoxication
- Insurance and license information of the involved vehicle
The insurance company considers the police report when evaluating your case. Despite clear evidence, they may challenge it. You can request a report from the local police station where the accident occurred, or we can obtain a copy once you hire our firm. Any discrepancies in the report will need to be addressed.
Long-term Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents
The long-term impact of drunk driving accidents can be devastating. Victims may suffer from lifelong injuries, permanent disability, and even psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, the financial implications can be substantial, as victims may have ongoing medical expenses and may be unable to return to work. At Spaulding Injury Law, we consider these long-term impacts when calculating the potential compensation in drunk driving accident cases.
Determining Your Case Value for a Drunk Driving Accident
Various factors are considered when assessing case value for a drunk driving accident, including property damage and the severity and permanence of your injuries. The more extensive or permanent the injuries, the higher the necessary compensation. Insurance policy limits are another contentious factor influencing your drunk driving claim.
We strive for compensation to cover:
- Past and future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
At Spaulding Injury Law, we don’t compromise when it comes to our clients. We aim to secure every dollar you’re entitled to. We have procured considerable financial recoveries for our clients, including:
- $1.4 million
- $1.2 million
- $1.1 million (multiple times)
These are just a few examples. Your injury claims could require more or less than these amounts. An accurate damages assessment can only be obtained by working with a Duluth drunk driving accident attorney.
Types Of Cases We Handle
There are many different ways that personal injuries can happen, and each resulting legal claim will be different with its own unique circumstances. Our Duluth personal injury lawyers handle many types of cases, and we help clients after the following and more:
Consult a Duluth Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today
We have a proven history of successfully advocating for our clients, earning us recognition among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association. If you’ve been in a drunk driving accident in Duluth, reach out to Spaulding Injury Law. We’ll arrange an initial consultation at your convenience to discuss your legal options.
Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Duluth, GA
We help victims in Duluth and inside the Gwinnett County Area and our firm is conveniently located near Duluth. We have an office in Lawrenceville at 223 Scenic Hwy S #202 Lawrenceville, GA