The loss of life due to drunk driving accidents is a heartbreaking reality. The CDC reports that over 10,000 people die in the United States each year as a result of these accidents. In Georgia alone, thousands of people lost their lives to drunk driving accidents in the past decade.
Spaulding Injury Law is committed to serving victims of drunk driving accidents during their time of need. Our Roswell drunk driving accident attorneys have extensive experience in helping clients secure fair compensation for their injuries and losses. If you were injured by a drunk driver in Roswell, reach out to our team today for a free consultation.
Is Drunk Driving a Crime in Roswell?
In Roswell, driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense. Despite this, not all drivers are deterred from drinking and driving. In 2020, Georgia saw 12,008 DUI convictions.
Authorities typically measure intoxication using blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) tests. Georgia law states that a person should not operate or be in control of a moving commercial vehicle if their BAC is 0.04 percent or higher. A BAC of 0.08 percent or higher constitutes a DUI per se, which serves as automatic evidence of the crime.
However, BAC tests are not the only means of proving a DUI. Unsafe driving behavior while having a measurable amount of alcohol in one’s system can also result in a DUI conviction. While specific BAC levels serve as direct evidence of a DUI, circumstantial evidence may also be used by prosecutors.A DUI conviction in Georgia is a misdemeanor in most cases unless the intoxicated driver causes injury or death.
Jail time for a first-time DUI conviction ranges from 30 days to 12 months, while a second conviction can result in 90 days to 12 months of jail time. A third conviction may lead to 120 days to 12 months in jail, and a fourth conviction within 10 years is automatically classified as a felony, which can result in up to 5 years in state prison.
Who Can Be Held Liable If the Drunk Driver Has No Insurance in Roswell?
Georgia law requires drivers to carry auto insurance; however, some people fail to comply. If an uninsured drunk driver injures you, you may still be able to seek compensation through other means.
Your Roswell drunk driving accident attorney will likely file a lawsuit against the drunk driver. However, uninsured drivers often lack the resources to cover your losses. In such cases, your best option for recovering compensation might be to file a claim with your own insurer through your uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist policy. While not legally required, you must decline this coverage in writing if you choose not to purchase it.
In some instances, you may also pursue a lawsuit under Georgia’s dram shop laws. These laws permit recovery of compensation from negligent bars, restaurants, or other alcohol vendors whose actions contributed to the accident, such as selling alcohol to someone visibly intoxicated who later causes an accident.
What Are the Most Common Injuries Resulting from a Drunk Driving Accident?
Drunk driving accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, which may include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Severed, crushed, or amputated limbs
- Lacerations and puncture wounds
- Sprains, strains, bruises, and other soft-tissue injuries
- Permanent disfigurement
- Burns
- Post-traumatic stress disorder and other forms of emotional distress
Compensation for Drunk Driving Accident Victims
The compensation you may receive depends on the severity of your injuries and other losses. If you were injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, the personal injury attorneys at Spaulding Injury Law can help you seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Permanent disfigurement and disability
- Lowered quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Wrongful death
- Damaged personal property
What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Drunk Driving Injury Lawsuit in Georgia?
Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against a drunk driver who injured you. This deadline is strictly enforced, and missing it almost always means forfeiting your right to seek compensation for your injuries in court. Therefore, you need to contact a drunk driving accident attorney as soon as possible after a crash. Contact our Roswell drunk driving accident attorneys today.
How Spaulding Injury Law Can Help Our Clients
You may be entitled to pursue compensation for your losses, but recovering from your injuries could hinder your ability to be thorough in your pursuit.Consider hiring an attorney from our team as soon as possible after your accident. We can provide numerous services to help build a strong accident claim, including:
- Clarifying relevant laws or legal jargon you do not understand
- Keeping you updated on the case’s progress
- Advising you on what to say to avoid jeopardizing your case
- Gathering pertinent documents and reports
- Investigating the accident scene
- Reviewing photos or videos of the accident, property damage, and your physical injuries
- Speaking with eyewitnesses
- Consulting experts knowledgeable about your case
- Identifying liable parties and their insurers
- Calculating all your possible present and future losses
- Filing your claim with the at-fault party’s insurance provider
- Negotiating with the insurance company to obtain a fair settlement
- Representing you in court if necessary
While these services may seem overwhelming and costly, we can take on your case for a contingency fee, meaning there are no hourly or upfront expenses when you hire us. Rather, we take our fee from your settlement or court award. You don’t pay a dime of our attorney’s fees if we don’t win your case.
Contact a Roswell Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Drunk driving is a serious crime with devastating consequences for innocent lives. The car accident attorneys at Spaulding Injury Law are dedicated to helping victims of drunk driving accidents understand their rights and secure the compensation they deserve.
We are prepared to fight for you. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, contact Spaulding Injury Law today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Type Of Cases We Handle
Personal Injury Lawyer in Roswell
Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Roswell
Roswell Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer
Roswell Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer