Drunk Driving Statistics in Georgia
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Georgia has excellent enforcement of its laws pertaining to drunk driving. However, it is one of a handful of states that does not allow the use of ignition interlocks for first-time offenders.
In 2012, MADD reported the following in Georgia:
- 301 drunk driving fatalities, or 25 percent, of all total traffic deaths (.08 BAC or higher)
- 11 percent increase in drunk driving fatalities
- 5,700 alcohol-related injuries (.01 BAC or higher)
- 9,041 alcohol-related crashes (.01 BAC or higher)
If you’ve been injured in a Georgia car accident, you should speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our office directly at (800) 234-9556 to schedule your free consultation with an Atlanta DUI injury lawyer.
see how we've made a difference
If you are hesitating to call us for help, take a look at our recent case results.
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$160,000 $160k Settlement for Man in Rear-End Collision
Settlement for Man in Rear-End Collision
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$525,000 $525k Result for Man Injured by Dump Truck
Result for Man Injured by Dump Truck
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$1,320,000 $1.32 Million for Man Involved in T-Bone Collision
Man Involved in T-Bone Collision
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$200,000 $200k for an Individual Was Injured in an Accident While on the Side of the Road
For an Individual Was Injured in an Accident While on the Side of the Road
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$150,000 $150k for Client Who Injured Knee in Accident When at Fault Driver Failed to Yield
For Client Who Injured Knee in Accident When at Fault Driver Failed to Yield
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
While any type of car crash can be devastating and cause permanent injuries or death, a drunk driving accident is particularly detrimental to those involved, as drunk drivers are often unable to react quickly enough to swerve or avoid crashing into another vehicle at the last moment.
Drunk driving incidents often cause severe injuries such as:
- Soft tissue damage
- Bone fractures
- Amputation
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Brain injuries
- Burn injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Death
Injuries sustained in drunk driving crashes can range from mild to severe, but many can cause significant pain and lifelong complications for victims. In some cases, an individual may be permanently disfigured, paralyzed, or hurt in a way that will limit his or her ability to work.
What Damages Could Be Available Following a Drunk Driving Accident?
Victims of drunk driving who have been injured and are suffering from a drastic reduction in their quality of life may consider pursuing a claim against the party responsible to seek compensation for lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and medical expenses such as long-term care, rehabilitation, therapy, treatments, or surgeries.
Additionally, in the event that a drunk driving accident causes a fatality, the surviving family members may be eligible to pursue a claim for loss of consortium or companionship, medical expenses, funeral or burial costs, or loss of income if the decedent was the primary wage-earner of the household. A Georgia drunk driving accident lawyer can help you understand and pursue your rights.
Contact Van Sant Law, LLC today to get started with our Atlanta drunk driving accident attorneys.
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Proven Record of Results
Van Sant Law has recovered millions in compensation for our clients’ benefit.
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Years of Experience
Van Sant Law is committed to professional and experienced personal injury representation.
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Awards and Accolades
10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo™, Super Lawyers Rising Stars, National Trial Lawyers Association Top 40 Under 40
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Strategic and Aggressive
Our legal team includes former defense attorneys for large insurers who know how they settle injury claims.
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Personal and Compassionate
Our firm works hard to ensure that your needs are taken care of during your recovery time. We work for you so you can get your life back.
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No Fee Guarantee
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. Meaning there are no fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you!
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"The team was personable, efficient and guided me through the process with ease."
I had the best experience with VanSant Law. I am forever grateful for Van Sant Law and will use them in the future.
- Moe -
"Let the Van Sant team handle your case! You're in good hands."
Attorney David M. Van Sant is one of the best injury trial attorneys here in the Atlanta area. They are precise and unique in their approach. When I had my car accident, my whole world was turned upside down, but with Attorney Van Sant and his team of professionals dedication and quality of service, my life is back on track.
- Crystal -
"They were diligent, timely, and very informative during the whole process."
Van Sant Law worked on my personal injury case, and they have gone above and beyond in representing me as a client. They gave multiple updates throughout the course of the case. I would highly recommend Van Sant to friends and family, and I would choose them as my personal injury attorney if I were to have a personal injury claim. Thank you, Van Sant Law!
- Tyriq R. -
"Very knowledgeable, straight forward and communicated with me every step of the way."
I used Van Sant Law for my auto accident claim and I'm so glad I did! Parker, my attorney, was especially great. He really eased my pain and got me the best settlement possible. I highly recommend Van Sant Law. They did right by me and I'm very happy with their level of service.
- Mark A. -
"I highly recommend him as a personal injury attorney."
My attorney, David Van Sant and his law firm were outstanding in handling my personal injury case. I was out of work for a considerable amount of time due to an automobile accident and Mr. Van Sant and his entire team were always kind, professional, knowledgeable and especially available. This law firm did their absolute best to answer and return calls and at no time did I ever feel like just a number or stranger. My experience with Mr. Van Sant and his law firm (from beginning to end), were very positive as well as favorable.
- Lars S. -
"Van Sant Law was the right support to call after my car accident with my daughter."They were referred to me by a close friend of mine. Extremely professional, and asked the language I feel comfortable to discuss my case in. Alex Rusanov was my case manager and explained every aspect of my case during the process. I would highly recommend to use this law firm if you were injured in a car accident. Drive safe and stay alert!- Angela
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"I truly felt they were in my corner and had my best interest at heart."
Van Sant Law was just the right people to call after my car accident. They were referred to me by a friend. They were helpful and understanding of my needs and pains. From start to finish they were helpful in explaining the process with the doctors and insurance. Thank you for getting me back on feet.
- Abby C. -
"My results have been positive & I would highly recommend Van Sant Law to family & friends."
I had a head on collusion that left me with a totaled car & very bad injuries. From the first time I spoke to David Van Sant to the end I have been totally satisfied. I worked with Patricia she was very compassionate yet professional she was always ready to answer any concerns that I might have. I am grateful that my daughter found this law firm for me.
- Karen J.
Our firm is dedicated and committed to providing you with the best legal services possible, from your education on the issues to fighting for positive results for your case. Through a free, initial consultation, we will make sure you understand the best way to approach your case, and we’ll review any relevant documents that you provide us with to make sure we have a full, detailed picture of your situation.
FAQ
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I Was in an Accident Involving a Drunk Driver. What Should I Do?
After any type of injury accident, the most important thing to do immediately is contact the police to report the incident. If law enforcement has probable cause to believe that the other driver was drunk or under the influence, the perpetrator can be arrested. Calling 911 to report your accident can also ensure an ambulance is dispatched, so trained medical professionals can assess victims’ injuries and begin providing needed care.
If you’re able to do so without risk of further injury, gathering evidence at the scene of the crime can assist your drunk driving accident lawyer with your case. Taking photos of the vehicles and of your injuries (or the injuries of your passengers, if applicable) documenting the names and contact information for witnesses, recording witness’s statements, and capturing photos or videos of the accident scene itself can be useful in helping you obtain the compensation you are entitled to receive under Georgia law.
You will also need to contact your insurance company to report the accident and arrange to have your vehicle repaired. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you with understanding your legal rights and can handle communications and negotiations with the responsible party’s insurer, removing some of the stress from your shoulders so you can focus on healing from your injuries.
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Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Georgia?
Yes. It is completely understandable if contacting an attorney is not the first thing you want to do after receiving medical care for injuries sustained in a drunk driving accident. However, there is a danger that waiting too long to take action could result in your claim being barred by the “rule against perpetuities.” In Georgia, an accident victim or surviving family members generally have two years after the date of the accident in which to file a lawsuit against the responsible drunk driver. In some cases, though, that time frame is extended to allow for criminal prosecution of the driver. In that case, the two-year period starts after the criminal prosecution is over (up to six years after the accident.
While two years sounds like a lot of time, it is important to reach out to a drunk driving accident attorney sooner rather than later. That’s because it is easier to gather and preserve evidence closer to the date of the accident. Your attorney can help you understand the applicable time frames and filing deadlines specific to your potential claim for damages.
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Who Is the Defendant If I File a Claim for Damages After a Drunk Driving Accident?
While the driver who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident is obviously responsible, there may be other potential defendants against whom you may have a legal claim. In addition to the driver and his or her insurance company, you may also have a claim against a relative residing in the driver’s home. What’s more, you may have a legal claim against the bar, restaurant, other establishment, or individual who served alcohol to the driver, if applicable.
When a drunk driver is uninsured or underinsured, victims should also be able to recover compensation from their own insurance policies. Some victims are also able to obtain monetary compensation from the Georgia Crime Victim Compensation Fund.
Your drunk driving accident attorney will work to understand all relevant facts and circumstances to identify all parties who bear liability and hold them responsible.
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