Award Winning
A drunk driving crash is not an accident it is a violent, preventable act that shatters lives. In Columbus, where families drive along Veterans Parkway, commuters rely on JR Allen Parkway, soldiers travel through Fort Moore gates, and students gather at Uptown bars and restaurants, drunk drivers place everyone at risk. When an impaired driver chooses to get behind the wheel, the consequences can be catastrophic.
At Ted Law Firm, our Columbus drunk driving accident lawyers fight for victims harmed by reckless, intoxicated drivers. We pursue compensation not only for medical bills and lost wages, but also for the emotional trauma, long-term injury impacts, and punitive damages Georgia law allows in DUI cases. Whether the crash happened downtown, near Benning Road, on I-185, or in a quiet neighborhood, we are here to protect your future.
If you or a loved one were injured by a drunk driver, don’t wait. Insurance companies act quickly, and so must you.
Local Roads, Local Representation
Drunk driving crashes in Columbus frequently occur on:
- Veterans Parkway — retail traffic + nighttime DUI risk
- Macon Road — fast-moving traffic near restaurants & bars
- JR Allen Parkway / US-80 — high-speed impact crashes
- I-185 — military commuter routes with late-night collisions
- Whittlesey Boulevard & Bradley Park — shopping and restaurant zones
- Buena Vista Road & Flat Rock Road — aggressive driving patterns
- Uptown Columbus (Broadway/Riverwalk) — DUI crashes near nightlife
- Fort Moore perimeter roads — heavy weekend traffic
These areas are known for severe DUI crashes often involving:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Side-impact/T-bone crashes
- High-speed rollovers
- Pedestrian or cyclist strikes
- Multi-vehicle pileups
No matter where your crash occurred, we understand Columbus traffic patterns, and how drunk driving cases unfold.
Understanding Drunk Driving Accidents in Georgia
Georgia recognizes DUI crashes as reckless misconduct, not simple negligence.
This means victims may pursue:
✔ Compensatory damages
For medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.
✔ Punitive damages
To punish drunk drivers and deter future misconduct.
✔ Dram Shop damages
Against bars or restaurants that:
- Overserved a visibly intoxicated driver
- Served alcohol to a minor who caused the crash
The criminal DUI case does NOT compensate victims only the civil case does.
Common Injuries in DUI Crashes
Because drunk drivers react slowly, brake late, and drift into oncoming lanes, injuries are often severe:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Emotional trauma and post-accident anxiety
- Wrongful death in fatal crashes
These injuries may require hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and lifelong medical care.
Who Is Liable in a Columbus DUI Accident?
Liability may extend to multiple parties, including:
1. The Drunk Driver
Always the primary defendant.
2. A Bar or Restaurant (Dram Shop Liability)
Under Georgia law, they are liable if they:
- Knowingly served a minor
- Overserved someone who was noticeably intoxicated
3. The Driver’s Employer
If the driver was working or driving a company vehicle.
4. Rideshare or Delivery Services
Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Uber Eats drivers may provide multiple layers of insurance.
5. Vehicle Owners
For negligent entrustment.
6. Government Entities
If road defects or signal malfunctions contributed.
We pursue all available insurance policies to maximize recovery.
Georgia DUI Law: Negligence per se
Driving under the influence violates Georgia Code §40-6-391.
In civil cases, this creates negligence per se, meaning:
- The driver is automatically considered negligent
- You do NOT need to prove carelessness
- Only causation + damages must be shown
This makes DUI injury cases often stronger than other auto claims.
Types of Recoverable Compensation
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical care
- Surgery & rehabilitation
- Medications & imaging
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Long-term medical expenses
- Transportation & property losses
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- PTSD and anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability or disfigurement
Punitive Damages
Available in nearly ALL DUI cases.
Wrongful Death Damages
If the crash was fatal.
What To Do After a Drunk Driving Crash in Columbus
- Call 911 immediately
- Request medical evaluation
- Photograph the scene & injuries
- Collect witness information
- Save receipts, hospital records & crash documentation
- Request the police DUI report
- Do NOT speak with any insurance adjuster
- Do NOT accept quick payments
- Contact [Your Firm] immediately
DUI cases rely heavily on police reports, BAC evidence, and witness statements early legal intervention is critical.
Why Legal Help Matters
Insurance companies often try to minimize your claim by saying:
- “The injuries were minor”
- “You were partially at fault”
- “Your medical treatment isn’t necessary”
We counter them by:
- Obtaining police bodycam footage
- Securing breathalyzer, blood test & field sobriety evidence
- Preserving surveillance footage from bars or stores
- Interviewing witnesses
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Pursuing punitive damages
- Filing Dram Shop claims when appropriate
Drunk driving cases are high-stakes we treat them that way.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
- Bar/restaurant surveillance is erased quickly
- Police DUI evidence may not be preserved without action
- Witnesses become hard to locate
- Insurance companies move fast to undervalue claims
- Georgia’s 2-year deadline approaches quickly
The sooner you call, the stronger your case.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do drunk driving victims get higher compensation?
Often yes — because punitive damages apply.
2. Can I sue a bar that overserved the driver?
Yes — under Georgia’s Dram Shop Act.
3. What if the DUI charges are reduced or dismissed?
Your civil case can STILL succeed.
4. What if the driver fled the scene?
UM/UIM insurance may cover your damages.
5. Can I recover for emotional trauma?
Yes — PTSD, anxiety, and fear are recognized injuries.
6. What if the driver was working at the time?
The employer may be liable.
7. Do you charge upfront?
No, you pay nothing unless we win.
Five Star Service
We pride ourselves on creating “wow” moments for our clients. That’s why Ted Law Firm has 5 star ratings, a client choice award from Avvo and and clients hire us again and again.
Free Rental Car Help
Many people who have been involved in a car accident don’t know how to navigate their insurance coverage. Our attorneys will review your insurance policy for free* and ensure you’re getting any rental car benefits you’re entitled to.
Next Generation Law Firm
Our firm uses 21st century technology and the latest law to maximize claim value, push your case forward quickly, and keep you informed every step of the way.
Pay Nothing Until We Get You $$$
FREE* Case Review. Immediate work. We even front the cost for ordering medical records, getting police reports, and conducting an investigation while we work up your claim.
30 Day Guarantee
We’ll help you for 30 days, through the roughest part of your wreck. We’re so confident in our client experience that we offer this: If you’re not completely satisfied, you won’t be charged a fee and you’ll be free to do as you please.
FREE Legal Resources
We have created a ton of free videos and guides to get you immediate help on your claim.
Contact Us Columbus Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one was injured by a drunk driver in Columbus, Fort Moore, Phenix City, or anywhere in the Chattahoochee Valley, you deserve justice not excuses. At Ted Law Firm, we fight aggressively, compassionately, and relentlessly to secure the compensation you deserve and hold drunk drivers accountable. Call today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.
