$1,250,000
$160,000
$150,000
Key Points:
- Cases involving Driving Under the Influence of alcohol and drugs are on the rise in College Park
- Injuries in DUI cases can be even more severe than other accidents for a number of reasons and can, therefore, be more life-altering and more financially devastating
- Proving the at-fault driver was under the influence can depend upon gathering solid evidence
- A personal injury lawyer can help you find and use the at-fault driver’s assets when injury costs exceed insurance coverage limits.
- By retaining a personal injury specialist, you stand a better chance of getting full and fair compensation for your losses
Drunk driving is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. When a drunk driver causes an accident, the insurance company representing the driver may try to deny or minimize the victim’s claim. Our law firm aggressively goes after insurance companies who represent drunk drivers. We have a proven track record of success in helping victims of impaired driving accidents get the compensation they deserve.
College Park Has a DUI Problem and Personal Injury DUI Lawsuits Can Help Reduce the Problem
According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety, there were 1,003 DUI arrests in College Park, Georgia in 2021. This represents a rate of 73.4 DUI arrests per 10,000 residents. The national average for DUI arrests is 62.2 arrests per 10,000 residents.
The DUI rate in College Park has been increasing in recent years. In 2019, there were 885 DUI arrests in the city, and in 2018, there were 827 arrests. This increase is concerning, as it indicates that the problem of drunk driving is getting worse in College Park.
The high rate of DUI arrests in College Park is a serious problem. Drunk driving is a leading cause of traffic fatalities, and it puts everyone on the road at risk. There are a number of things that can be done to address this problem, including
- Increasing public transportation options
- Educating people about the dangers of drunk driving, and
- Enforcing DUI laws more strictly.
Personal injury DUI lawsuits can help reduce the problem of DUI in College Park
When a drunk driver causes an accident, the victim can sue the driver for damages. These damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish the drunk driver and deter them from driving drunk in the future.
Personal injury DUI lawsuits can also help to raise awareness of the dangers of drunk driving. When people see that drunk drivers are being held accountable for their actions, it may discourage them from driving drunk.
How A DUI Accident is Different than the Usual Car Accident in College Park
A DUI accident is a car accident that is caused by a driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. DUI accidents are more likely to be serious than standard car accidents therefore they can result in fatalities, serious injuries, and property damage.
DUI accidents are more likely to be serious than standard car accidents for several reasons. Drunk drivers make more mistakes while driving including exceeding the speed limit, not paying attention to the road, and making poor decisions.
Alcohol and drugs in the system impair a driver’s ability to act quickly. Drunk drivers have slower reflexes causing complications in an accident situation meaning that they:
- May not be able to brake in time,
- May not be able to react quickly to a situation
- May not be able to steer their vehicles out of the way of danger if encounter a hazardous situation.
Injuries from DUI-Related Accidents are Often More Costly
Injuries from a DUI accident can be more costly than other accident injuries. This is because DUI accidents are often more severe than other accidents. Drunk drivers are more likely to speed, drive recklessly, and make poor decisions behind the wheel. This can lead to more serious injuries, such as head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries.
In addition, DUI accidents can have long-term consequences for victims. Victims of DUI accidents may need to undergo extensive medical treatment, including surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care. They may also miss work, which can lead to financial hardship.
Costs for DUI Accident Injuries Often Exceed the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Coverage
When you are injured in a DUI accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for paying for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, if the cost of your injuries exceeds the insurance company’s policy limits, you may be left with significant financial losses.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you recover the full amount of compensation you deserve, even if the insurance company’s policy limits are not enough. An attorney can:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence. Your attorney will investigate the accident and gather evidence to prove that the other driver was at fault. This evidence can include police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
- Negotiate with the insurance company. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to try to get them to pay the full amount of your claim. If the insurance company refuses to pay, your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf.
- Represent you in court. If necessary, your attorney can represent you in court to get you the compensation you deserve.
Also, in addition to the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage, there are other assets that an attorney can leverage to recover compensation for a DUI injury victim. These assets may include:
- The at-fault driver’s assets. This could include the driver’s home, car, savings, other insurance policies, and other property.
- The at-fault driver’s employer. If the at-fault driver was driving for work at the time of the accident, their employer may be liable for some or all of the damages.
- The government. In some cases, the government may be liable for damages caused by a DUI accident. This could happen if the government was negligent in its hiring or supervision of the at-fault driver, such as if the driver was a government employee who was driving a government vehicle.
It is important to note that not all of these assets will be available in every case. Your attorney will need to investigate the specific facts of the case to determine what assets are available and how to best pursue them.
Our Legal Team Knows How to Prove That Drivers Were Drunk at the Time of an Accident
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our legal team knows how to prove that drivers were drunk at the time of an accident, and we will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
There are several ways to prove that a driver was drunk at the time of an accident. One way is to obtain a blood alcohol test (BAC) from the driver. A blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher is considered to be legally drunk in Georgia. If the driver refuses to take a BAC test, this can also be used as evidence of intoxication.
Another way to prove that a driver was drunk at the time of an accident is to gather witness testimony. Witnesses who saw the driver before or after the accident may be able to testify that the driver was visibly intoxicated. Witnesses may also be able to testify about the driver’s erratic driving behavior, such as swerving in and out of lanes, driving too fast, or running red lights.
The police report from the accident scene can also be used as evidence of intoxication. The police report may include information about the driver’s BAC, the driver’s erratic driving behavior, and any other evidence of intoxication.
Proving the At-Fault Driver Was Drunk Can Result in More Compensation
In the event of a car accident, proving that the at-fault driver was drunk can result in more compensation for the injured party. This is because drunk driving is considered to be a form of negligence, which means that the driver acted illegally, carelessly and without regard for the safety of others.
When a driver is found to be negligent, they are liable for the damages that their negligence caused. In the case of a car accident, this could include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
If the at-fault driver was drunk, they may also be liable for punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded as a punishment for the driver who behaved recklessly in order to deter them from driving drunk in the future.
The amount of compensation that an injured party receives will depend on the severity of their injuries, the amount of their financial losses, and the level of negligence of the at-fault driver. However, proving that the at-fault driver was drunk can significantly increase the amount of compensation that is awarded.
In general, the driver who is found to be at fault for the accident will be liable for the damages caused by the accident. However, there are some cases in which other parties may also be liable for a DUI accident. For example, if a bar or restaurant over-served the drunk driver, the bar or restaurant may also be liable for the accident.
The factors that determine liability in a DUI accident will vary depending on the specific facts of the case. However, some of the factors that may be considered include:
The driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
The driver’s driving behavior before and after the accident
The weather conditions at the time of the accident
The road conditions at the time of the accident
The presence of any other contributing factors, such as distracted driving or road rage
The victim of a DUI accident may have a number of legal rights, including the right to:
Seek medical treatment for any injuries sustained in the accident
File a lawsuit against the at-fault driver
Recover damages for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses
The victim of a DUI accident may have a number of legal options available to them, including:
To seek compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the at-fault driver has insurance, the victim may be able to file a claim with the insurance company to seek compensation for their losses.
To file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This is the most common option for victims of DUI accidents. In a lawsuit, the victim can seek damages for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
To file a claim with the government. In some cases, the victim of a DUI accident may be able to file a claim with the government for compensation. For example, the victim may be able to file a claim with the state’s Victims of Crime Compensation Fund.
The amount of compensation that a victim of a DUI accident can expect to receive will vary depending on the specific facts of the case. However, some factors that may be considered in determining the amount of compensation include:
The severity of the victim’s injuries
The victim’s lost wages
The victim’s pain and suffering
The victim’s emotional distress
Hiring an attorney is not always necessary, but it can be a good idea, particularly if the cost of your injuries exceeds the insurance company’s policy limits. An attorney can help you identify and draw upon the at-fault drivers other assets that might be leveraged to help you win the compensation you deserve. Here are some additional tips to help you if you have been injured in a DUI accident:
- Get medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t think you are injured, it is important to see a doctor right away. This will help to document your injuries and make sure that they are treated properly.
- Get a copy of the police report. The police report will document the details of the accident, including the names of the drivers, the vehicles involved, and the injuries sustained.
- Get witness statements. If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information so that you can get their statements later.
- Contact an attorney. If the cost of your injuries exceeds the insurance company’s policy limits, you should contact an attorney to discuss your legal options before you consider settling the claim.
Our Law Firm Aggressively Goes After Insurance Companies Who Represent Drunk Drivers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk-driving accident, we encourage you to contact our law firm for a free consultation. We will fight to get you the maximum compensation possible for your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. We understand that this is a difficult time for you, and we are here to help.
Our Law Firm Has Never Defended a Drunk Driver
Our team of experienced lawyers is dedicated to helping College Park victims of driving accidents caused by impairment by drugs or alcohol. We know the law and we know how to fight insurance companies. We will not give up until you get the justice you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.
