Experienced Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys in Douglasville
Drunk driving accidents can have life-changing consequences, including serious injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial hardship. If you have been in a car crash with an intoxicated driver, a Douglasville drunk driving accident lawyer can fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Hartley, Rowe & Fowler, P.C., we are committed to helping DUI accident victims navigate the often complicated legal process. A Douglasville car accident lawyer will work to build a strong case, negotiate with the insurance company, and represent you in a personal injury lawsuit if necessary.
Contact us today for a free consultation!
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Douglasville, GA
Driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road. Alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to make quick decisions, slows reaction times, and affects coordination. A drunk driver is more likely to swerve, run red lights, and fail to brake in time to avoid a collision. This puts everyone on the road at risk.
Statistics show just how severe the problem of drunk driving is. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 37 people in the United States die every day in drunk-driving crashes. That’s one person every 39 minutes.
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a drunk driver in Douglasville, it’s crucial to take the right steps to protect yourself and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do.
Report the Car Wreck to the Police
The first thing you should do after a drunk driving accident is call the police. In Georgia, it’s a legal requirement to report any accident involving injuries or significant property damage to the police. A police report will help document the details of the accident and can serve as an essential piece of evidence if you need to file a personal injury claim.
Additionally, the responding officer will likely conduct a breathalyzer test on the at-fault driver, which will help establish that they were driving under the influence of alcohol.
Exchange Information with the Drunk Driver
You should exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved in the crash. This includes their name, phone number, driver’s license number, vehicle registration details, and insurance information.
If the other driver is intoxicated, it may be difficult for them to provide clear information. Do your best to gather all the necessary details. However, don’t argue with the drunk driver.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
As the victim of a drunk driving accident, it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible to support your case. Take photos of the scene, your vehicle, and any visible injuries. If there were any traffic cameras in the area, ask the police to obtain the footage.
Collect contact information from witnesses, as their testimony could be crucial in your personal injury claim. The more evidence you can gather, the stronger your case will be.
Seek Medical Care
You should seek medication attention after an auto accident even if you don’t feel injured. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be apparent right away.
Medical records are important evidence for your drunk driving accident case. If you wait to seek medical care, the insurance company may argue that your injuries were not serious or were caused by something other than the collision.
Notify Your Insurance Company
You should notify your insurance company about the accident. Your insurer will contact the drunk driver’s insurance company. Provide basic information about the accident to your insurance company, but avoid giving a recorded statement.
You should have a Douglasville drunk driving accident lawyer handle communication with the other driver’s insurance company. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. An experienced attorney can help ensure you’re not taken advantage of.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
After an accident with a drunk driver, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced Douglasville drunk driving accident lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim. They can also help you gather the necessary evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
How a Douglasville Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
A Douglasville drunk driving accident lawyer can provide essential support in various ways, helping you secure the compensation you deserve.
Gathering Evidence
A Douglasville drunk driving accident attorney will gather all relevant evidence, including police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and medical records. We may also work with accident reconstruction experts to establish fault.
Negotiating a Settlement
Many drunk driving accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, negotiating a fair settlement can be challenging, especially when the insurance company tries to minimize your compensation.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys will handle all negotiations on your behalf, ensuring that you are not pressured into accepting a low offer. We will work tirelessly to ensure that the settlement covers all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Representing You in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our team has the skills and experience to represent you in a personal injury lawsuit and fight for your rights in front of a judge and jury. We will work diligently to present your case and advocate for the compensation you deserve. With Hartley, Rowe & Fowler, P.C. by your side, you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands.
What Compensation Can DUI Accident Victims Recover?
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident in Douglasville, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. A DUI accident lawyer will work to secure full compensation for your damages.
Medical Bills
Injuries resulting from a drunk driving accident can lead to significant medical expenses, including emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing care. You may also face long-term medical costs if your injuries require extensive treatment. Your compensation should cover all current and future medical expenses related to the accident.
Lost Wages and Lost Future Income
If you’ve had to miss work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work in the future or limit your earning potential, you may also be entitled to compensation for lost future income. This can include both wages you’ve already lost and the income you are projected to lose in the future due to your injuries.
Property Damage
If your vehicle was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for repairs or the total loss of your vehicle. Your lawyer can help ensure that the at-fault driver’s insurance company covers the cost of replacing or repairing your vehicle.
Pain and Suffering
In addition to financial losses, you may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the accident. This can include compensation for physical discomfort, emotional distress, anxiety, and a reduced quality of life.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving extreme negligence or recklessness, such as drunk driving accidents, victims can seek punitive damages in a lawsuit. These damages are designed to punish the at-fault driver and discourage similar behavior.
In most personal injury cases, punitive damages in Georgia are capped at $250,000. However, there are exceptions. There is no limit on punitive damages if the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Wrongful Death and Fatal DUI Crashes
If a loved one has tragically died in a DUI crash in Georgia, the family can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the drunk driver. A wrongful death claim allows surviving family members to seek compensation for their loss, including damages for emotional suffering, loss of companionship, and financial losses that may result from the death.
In Georgia, immediate family members such as spouses, children, and parents of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim. The goal of the lawsuit is to hold the at-fault driver accountable for their actions and to provide financial relief for the family during an incredibly difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Douglasville drunk driving accident lawyer cost?
At Hartley, Rowe & Fowler, P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases. This means you don’t pay any upfront fees or out-of-pocket expenses. Instead, we only collect a fee if secure a settlement or win your drunk driving accident case in court.
Our fee is a percentage of the compensation. This ensures we are motivated to fight for the maximum recovery possible.
What evidence can help a DUI accident lawsuit?
The following types of evidence can help victims win a DUI accident lawsuit and recover compensation:
- Police Report: This can reveal if a driver was arrested for DUI and help prove who caused the crash.
- Breathalyzer or Blood Test Results: If the at-fault driver’s BAC was above the legal limit, this is strong evidence in a drunk driving accident lawsuit.
- Witness Statements: Witness testimonies can help establish how the crash happened.
- Accident Scene Photos and Video: Photos of the accident scene, your vehicle, your injuries, and any property damage are vital.
- Medical Records: Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment are crucial.
- Traffic Camera Footage or Dashcam Videos: Video footage from traffic cameras or a dashcam can offer a clear view of the events leading up to the accident.
How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident lawsuit in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations sets a two-year deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit after an accident in most cases. If an accident victim dies, the deadline for a wrongful death lawsuit is two years after the victim’s death.
However, there are some exceptions. For example, the statute of limitations may be paused if there is an ongoing criminal case against the drunk driver. You should act quickly after an accident. A Douglasville drunk driving lawyer can help you understand the time limits for your case and ensure your lawsuit is filed by the deadline.
Contact Our Douglasville DUI Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk driving accident in Douglasville, Georgia, don’t wait to seek legal help. At Hartley, Rowe & Fowler, P.C., we are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you recover the compensation you deserve.
Call 678-825-6004 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation. Let our experienced Douglasville drunk driving accident lawyers handle your case so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.
