Drunk driving is an egregious action that needlessly puts lives at risk. In today’s world of convenient rideshare apps, there is no reason for any person to drive under the influence of alcohol or other substances, yet 13,524 drunk driving fatalities occurred in Georgia in a single recent year—an astonishing 32% of all fatal accidents.
If you or your loved one was injured in a drunk driving accident in Atlanta, the criminal justice system ensures that the driver faces charges and penalties for their actions; however, that doesn’t compensate your family for the physical and financial damages you’ve suffered. Call a car accident attorney in Atlanta from Marc Brown Law Firm to represent your best interests.
Why Choose Marc Brown Law Firm as Your DUI Accident Attorney In Atlanta?
The attorneys at Marc Brown Law Firm have dedicated their careers to advocating for injury victims harmed through no fault of their own. When someone else causes you serious injuries with economic damages as well as pain and suffering, you shouldn’t be left responsible for the expenses. At Marc Brown Law Firm, we understand the deep distress associated with becoming the victim of a drunk driver. We offer the following advantages to your case:
- An attorney dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome through a settlement or lawsuit on your behalf
- A team of attorneys and associates who prepare every case as if for trial to put strength behind your compensation claim
- A lead attorney with a history of litigation on behalf of insurance companies which gives him insightful perspective and a significant advantage in your case
- A compassionate attorney dedicated to your case with a policy of compassion, respect, and communication so you’re always involved in the progress of your case
We never charge injury victims upfront. Instead, we assume all the financial risk as we investigate your case and negotiate with the drunk driver’s insurance company to maximize your compensation. We only get paid if and when we obtain the compensation you’re due.
Drunk Driving Defined Under Georgia Law
Under § 40-6-391 in Georgia Code Title 40, the law states the following:
“A person shall not drive or be in actual physical control of any moving vehicle while under the influence of alcohol to the extent that it is less safe for the person to drive… or the person’s alcohol concentration is 0.08 grams or more at any time within three hours after such driving or being in actual physical control from alcohol consumed before such driving…”
This law also describes DUI as involving intoxication from other substances, including those lawfully prescribed.
Georgia’s law enforcement agencies can pursue charges against the drunk driver as either a misdemeanor crime or a felony, depending on whether or not the driver has a previous DUI conviction and whether the accident caused serious harm or fatality to accident victims. Unfortunately, that’s where law enforcement’s duty ends in the justice system. To claim financial compensation for losses, a car accident victim must turn to the civil courts through a car accident claim for damages against the driver’s insurance or through a lawsuit.
Why Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney In Atlanta?
Even if the other driver in your collision was intoxicated, it doesn’t mean their insurance company will quickly issue you a check for your damages like medical expenses and lost wages. A car accident claim for damages proceeds independently from any criminal charges in the case and can move forward regardless of the outcome of the criminal case against the driver. Insurance companies protect their profits at your expense unless you have an experienced attorney safeguarding your best interests. Your attorney from Marc Brown Law Firm will do the following on your behalf:
- Investigate all aspects of the accident and document evidence of the drunk driver’s liability
- Make a compelling case by examining the police report, reviewing eyewitness testimony, and viewing photo and video evidence available
- Carefully calculate your economic and non-economic damages to ensure you recover the maximum compensation available to you
- Send a demand package to the insurance company with a strong, evidence-backed case for your full compensation
- Negotiate with the insurance company to obtain the largest possible settlement
- Take your case to court with a lawsuit if the insurance company fails to make an acceptable settlement offer
The drunk driver’s insurance company does not have your best interests at heart. Under Georgia’s fault-based insurance system, they could reduce the amount of compensation in your claim by your percentage of fault if they find cause to do so, for instance, if you were exceeding the speed limit when the accident occurred or their “experts” claim that you could have avoided the collision. An experienced Georgia accident attorney defends your rights against these and other common insurance company tactics often used against injury victims who have substantial claims for damages.
What Damages Can I Recover In My Atlanta DUI Accident Claim?
Accidents involving drunk driving often cause serious injuries. In some cases, a drunk driver fails to apply their brakes or otherwise minimize the force of the collision due to their intoxicated state and reduced reaction time. Common damages claimed in drunk driving accident cases include the following:
- Property damage to a car or truck
- Medical expenses already incurred
- Future medical expenses for ongoing care or additional recommended procedures, physical therapy, or home health aid
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost earnings
- Future income loss
- Diminished earning capacity (if the accident caused disability)
- Compensation for pain and suffering
Depending on the circumstances of the case and the severity of the injuries, additional compensation could be available for non-economic damages such as compensation for loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, loss of limb, or the loss of one of the senses. If a loved one died in the accident, close family members could recover compensation and a sense of justice in a DUI wrongful death claim.
Call Marc Brown Law Firm for Representation In Your Atlanta DUI Accident Case
You and your family shouldn’t have to take on the additional distress of a complex accident claim while also trying to recover from the physical injuries and emotional trauma of the accident. Instead, demand financial accountability and justice after suffering from the results of another driver’s intoxication. Contact Marc Brown Law Firm for a free consultation so we can begin strategizing the best possible path toward recovery.