When motorists get behind the wheel, they are expected to drive carefully and with awareness of others on the road. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and some individuals choose to act recklessly while driving.
Drunk driving car accidents in Atlanta can lead to catastrophic consequences, including irreparable property damage and severe injuries. If an intoxicated motorist harmed you or your loved one, contact our legal team today. A seasoned car collision attorney could review your case and help fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
The Dangers of Drunk Driving
Driving while intoxicated, whether by alcohol or under the influence of other drugs, can impair a person’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. Drunk drivers have slower reaction times and reflexes, which can easily contribute to a crash.
A vehicle driven by an intoxicated motorist can drift across the center line and into oncoming traffic, or swerve off the road into other cars or obstacles. Rear-end accidents could also occur when a drunk driver is unable to slow down or stop in time for traffic.
These kinds of collisions can result in severe injuries, usually to other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, including the following:
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Whiplash
- Organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain damage
- Death
Recovering from your injuries can require expensive medical care and long-term rehabilitation. A car wreck attorney in Atlanta could help you pursue fair compensation after a drunk driving incident to cover these costs.
Injury Claims Based on Drunk Driving Accidents
Personal injury claims usually involve negligence, which is the legal concept of holding one person responsible for causing the injuries of another, even if unintentional. Negligence claims require proof of several elements: a duty of care, breach of that duty, causation, and damages.
Every driver has a duty to drive carefully. To sue a drunk motorist, you must prove that their actions caused your damages, such as lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Individuals can collect evidence like medical records and police reports to help prove the at-fault party’s negligence.
The Statute of Limitations
Under the statute of limitations, plaintiffs have two years to bring a claim, per Official Code of Georgia § 9-3-33. This period begins on the date of the injury, and seeking legal advice could ensure that they file their claim on time.
Percentage of Fault
According to OCG § 51-12-33, a plaintiff can be held partially at fault for their own injuries in an accident. If this happens, the court may reduce their damages proportionally, and the individual could lose all compensation if found to be more than 50 percent responsible for their own injuries.
Working with a car crash attorney in the Atlanta area could help injured parties navigate these legal rules pertaining to a drunk driving case. A lawyer could collect evidence to prove the other party’s majority liability and ensure your claim is filed on time.
Discuss Your Drunk Driving Accident Case With an Atlanta Attorney Today
After a wreck, you might not know what to do next as you receive treatment for injuries and attempt to recover. Fortunately, a compassionate personal injury attorney could help you make up for your losses through a claim for compensation.
Our legal professionals stand ready to help individuals injured in drunk driving car accidents in Atlanta, whether through an insurance settlement or by fighting for damages in court. Call our office today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.