Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Accidents in Atlanta
If you were hit by a drunk driver, our attorneys can fight for you
Drugs and alcohol play a role in car accidents every year. There is no excuse for driving under the influence and drunk drivers need to be held accountable. Victims can be left with serious injuries that impact their lives physically, emotionally, and financially. Yet recovering financial compensation is more difficult than it should be.
The experienced drunk driving accident attorneys at Fried Goldberg LLC are familiar with the tactics that insurance companies use to minimize compensation for drunk driving crash victims. That’s why we spend the time to build strong cases that insurance companies have to take seriously. We are dedicated to helping our clients recover maximum compensation.
Due to impaired judgment, reaction time, motor skills and decision-making, these accidents are usually serious and often fatal. Lawsuits are essential to obtaining compensation for deserving victims, but they are also a good reminder to those who have and haven’t received DUIs of the punishment that exists for driving under the influence.
When do drunk driving accidents happen? Mostly during late-night hours, especially on weekends and holidays. But they can happen at any time. Whether you were rear-ended by a drunk driver, injured in a hit-and-run by a drunk driver, or were hurt in any type of crash involving an impaired driver, it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible.
Types of injuries suffered in drunk driving accidents
Drunk driving accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, which can vary in severity depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. Some common injuries seen in drunk driving accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): The impact of a drunk driving collision can lead to head injuries, including concussions, contusions, or even more severe traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on cognition, memory, motor skills, and overall quality of life.
- Spinal cord injuries: An accident can cause significant trauma to the spine, resulting in spinal cord injuries. These injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and requiring extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and lifelong accommodations.
- Broken bones and fractures: The forceful impact of a drunk driving collision can cause fractures and breaks in various parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries may require surgical intervention, immobilization, and prolonged healing periods.
- Soft tissue injuries: Whiplash, sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries are common in drunk driving accidents. These injuries can cause pain, stiffness, limited mobility, and may require physical therapy or other forms of treatment for recovery.
- Internal injuries: There can be damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. Internal injuries can be life-threatening and may require immediate medical attention and surgical intervention.
An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer can assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term consequences of your injuries. An attorney can then seek fair and just compensation on your behalf.
Building strong cases against impaired drivers
The decision to drive while impaired is one of gross negligence. Victims who are injured or killed by a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol are owed compensation for medical bills, loss of income if injury sustained prevents them from working, and pain and suffering. Some injuries are so severe they lead to long-term disability and an inability to return to work.
But even if they are facing charges, impaired drivers may deny doing anything wrong and refuse to accept responsibility for what happened. This can make recovering financial compensation more complicated. That’s why our firm investigates your crash to get the facts.
As part of the investigation, our legal team will:
- Gather evidence – This includes police reports, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and any available surveillance footage. We will also obtain the toxicology report and any other relevant documents indicating the driver’s level of intoxication.
- Talk to witnesses – We will identify and interview witnesses who were present at the scene of the accident. Witness testimony can provide crucial details about the driver’s behavior, signs of intoxication, and the events leading up to the collision.
- Consult experts – If needed, we can also consult with expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals, who can provide their expertise and testify to support your case.
Remember, your civil case for damages is distinct from any criminal charges the drunk driver may be facing. You can recover damages in civil court even if the charges are dropped or the alleged drunk driver is acquitted in criminal court.
Schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyers
If you were hit by a drunk driver, we can help. Our firm holds impaired drivers accountable for the damages they cause. Our car accident attorneys fight back against insurance company attempts to pay you less. If the insurance company won’t agree to a fair settlement, we’ll fight for you in court.
One common question people have is, “Who can I sue after a drunk driving accident?” If a drunk driver caused your accident, they can be held liable for damages, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Under dram shop or social host liability laws, establishments or hosts who served alcohol to an intoxicated driver may be sued in some cases. Another common question is, “How much compensation can I receive?” Because each case is different, there is no average settlement amount.
Our lawyers will explore all possible sources of recovery, including vicarious liability of employers, underinsured motorist coverage and dram shop liability.
Learn more about how we can help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.