Stonecrest Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Drunk driving remains a serious public safety problem in Georgia and throughout the United States. According to data collected by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), an average of 700 people are injured in drunk driving wrecks every single day. Too many lives have been ruined by intoxicated driving.
Drunk drivers must be held accountable for the damage that they have caused to innocent victims. If you were hurt in a DUI crash, you need access to the full available compensation so that you can pay for your medical costs and provide financial support for yourself and your family.
At MG Law, our drunk driving accident attorneys in Stonecrest have the skills and experience to help DUI accident victims get justice and the maximum available compensation. If you or your family member was hurt in a crash with an intoxicated driver, you need strong legal representation. To arrange a free, no obligation review of your personal injury case, please do not hesitate to contact our Stonecrest, GA law office today.
What Makes Drunk Driving Accident Injury Claims Different
Under Georgia law, (Georgia Code § 51-12-33) auto accident injury claims are based on fault. To hold another driver — or any other party — legally responsible for a car crash, the plaintiff must be able to establish that the defendant was negligent and that their negligent conduct played a role in causing the collision.
Intoxicated driving is, by definition, negligent driving. Drunk/drugged driving is against the law and violators can face very serious criminal penalties. In fact, in cases where a major accident occurred, the drunk driver is likely to face heightened criminal charges. That being said, injured victims cannot rely on the criminal justice system to help them get full and fair financial compensation. As important as the criminal case is — it may produce evidence that can be used in your personal injury case — it is imperative that you hire a Stonecrest drunk driving accident lawyer who can help you bring a strong, compelling civil lawsuit.
Pursuing Criminal Charges and a Civil Lawsuit
Driving under the influence in Georgia is a serious criminal violation. In fact, a first-time DUI conviction in Georgia can result in a jail sentence of up to 12 months. Other penalties include a fine of between $300-$1,000, license suspension, and community service. Second and third impaired driving offenses generally lead to far more serious punishments.
It is important to remember that criminal charges and a civil lawsuit are completely different legal matters. One punishes the offender for breaking the law, while the other seeks to give financial compensation to the victim because of the drunk driver’s negligence or recklessness. As a victim of drunk driving, you can pursue a civil lawsuit against the offender even if they are also being criminally prosecuted.
If a drunk driver hit you and caused you injuries, it is likely the police will file a warrant for the driver’s arrest. But if the police do not take action against the drunk driver, the victim can submit an application to a court demanding a warrant for the arrest of another person. After the victim has submitted the application, they can pursue various solutions, like mediation, to resolve their criminal complaint against the driver.If you file a civil lawsuit, you need to file a complaint in the appropriate court. The complaint should include your version of the facts supporting your claims, which court has jurisdiction, and the amount of damages you are seeking from the plaintiff. Once done, you also need to notify the drunk driver that you are suing them. Technically, you can file criminal charges and a civil lawsuit against a drunk driver at the same time. However, you should consult a capable Stonecrest drunk driving accident lawyer to decide the best strategy for obtaining the justice you deserve.
Drunk Driving Accident Victims Deserve the Maximum Available Compensation
Similar to other Georgia personal injury claims, drunk driving accident victims are entitled to compensation for their damages. The value of your drunk driving accident settlement offer will depend on the amount of damages that you suffered in the crash. Financial recovery should be made available for your direct monetary losses as well as your intangible damages. More specifically, compensatory damages can include recovery for:
- Vehicle repairs/replacement;
- Emergency room care;
- Medical bills;
- Physical rehabilitation;
- Lost wages;
- Diminished earning capacity;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Disfigurement/scarring; and
- Wrongful death damages.
In drunk driving accident claims, victims and their family members may also be entitled to punitive damages. Awarded in a very limited number of personal injury claims, punitive damages are designed to punish the gross negligence of the defendant. They are only awarded in cases in which the defendant’s actions were especially reckless or egregious. While punitive damages are not tied to any specific loss that the victim suffered, they are still granted to the victim as part of their settlement offer or personal injury verdict. DUI accident victims should speak to an attorney about the potential to recover punitive damages.
Why Choose MG Law
If you or your loved one was hurt in a DUI accident, you need top legal representation on your side. At MG Law, our Stonecrest drunk driving accident lawyers have the skills and knowledge required to handle complex personal injury claims. No matter the specific circumstances of your crash, we are prepared to help. Among other things, our legal team will:
- Conduct a free, confidential case evaluation;
- Listen to your story and understand your needs;
- Explain your rights and options to you;
- Conduct an in-depth investigation of your crash;
- Gather and assemble all evidence, including medical records;
- Negotiate with the insurance company; and
- Prepare for DUI accident litigation.
We will fight tirelessly to get you the full financial compensation. Our law firm takes on most drunk driving accident claims on a contingency fee basis — we only get paid if you get paid.
Were You Injured in a Drunk Driving Crash in Stonecrest?
Our legal team can help. At MG Law, our Stonecrest DUI accident attorneys are committed advocates for injured victims and their families. To set up a free, fully confidential review of your personal injury case, please do not hesitate to contact us today. We serve communities throughout DeKalb County, including Brookhaven, Doraville, Pine Lake, Stonecrest, and Tucker
Our highly-skilled legal team is always ready to assist with any injury cases, such as: