Award Winning
Drunk driving isn’t just careless, it’s a choice that destroys lives. When someone decides to get behind the wheel impaired, they endanger everyone on the road. For victims and families, the aftermath can be devastating.
At Ted Law Firm, our Augusta drunk driving accident lawyers fight for justice, accountability, and compensation for victims injured by reckless drivers. We represent people across Richmond County, Columbia County, and the CSRA, making sure drunk drivers, and the establishments that served them are held responsible.
You don’t pay unless we win.
Local Roads, Local Representation
Augusta is no stranger to drunk driving tragedies. With busy roads, nightlife near the riverfront, and heavy commuter traffic, DUI-related crashes happen far too often.
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), Richmond County reports over 600 alcohol-related crashes each year, with dozens of fatalities and severe injuries many along:
- I-20 and I-520 (Bobby Jones Expressway)
- Washington Road and Riverwatch Parkway
- Broad Street and Downtown Augusta
- Peach Orchard Road and Wrightsboro Road
If you or someone you love was hurt on these roads, Ted Law Firm will fight to get you justice and financial recovery.
Don’t Just Be a Statistic
Augusta DUI Crash Data (GDOT 2022)
| Type of Crash | Crashes | Injuries | Fatalities |
| DUI-Related Crashes | 618 | 355 | 23 |
| Alcohol-Impaired Drivers (BAC .08+) | 512 | 290 | 21 |
| Drug-Impaired Drivers | 106 | 65 | 2 |
Each number represents a life changed forever by someone’s reckless decision. At Ted Law Firm, we make sure those responsible pay the full price for their actions.
Understanding Georgia Drunk Driving Laws
Drunk drivers face both criminal charges and civil liability, but these are two separate cases.
| Type of Case | Purpose | Handled By |
| Criminal DUI Case | To punish the drunk driver (fines, jail, license suspension). | State Prosecutor |
| Civil DUI Injury Claim | To compensate victims for injuries, losses, and suffering. | Private Attorney (Ted Law Firm) |
Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, you have two years from the date of the crash to file your claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident?
Drunk driving cases often involve multiple responsible parties. We pursue every liable entity to maximize your compensation.
- The drunk driver – for negligence, recklessness, and impaired driving.
- Bars or restaurants – for overserving intoxicated patrons (Dram Shop liability under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-40).
- Employers – if the drunk driver was working at the time.
- Vehicle owners – for negligent entrustment.
- Insurance companies – for coverage disputes or bad faith practices.
Our attorneys uncover every angle to ensure you receive full justice.
Dram Shop Liability in Georgia
Under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-40, Georgia law allows victims to hold bars, restaurants, or social hosts responsible if they:
- Served alcohol to someone visibly intoxicated, or
- Served alcohol to a minor under 21, and that person caused a crash.
Punitive Damages for Drunk and Reckless Drivers
In addition to compensation for your injuries, Georgia law allows punitive damages under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1. These are designed to punish and deter reckless conduct like drunk driving.
Punitive damages are often awarded without caps in DUI cases because the driver’s conduct was intentional and dangerous.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Crashes
Drunk driving accidents often occur at high speeds, leading to catastrophic injuries. We represent victims suffering from:
- 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
We partner with leading Augusta medical providers, including AU Health and Doctors Hospital of Augusta, to fully document your injuries and long-term care needs.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- Property damage and vehicle replacement.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement.
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members.
- Punitive damages for reckless conduct.
We calculate the full value of your case, not just what the insurance company wants to pay.
Understanding Fault in Georgia
Georgia follows the modified comparative negligence rule (the 50% rule):
- You can recover damages if you’re less than 50% responsible for the crash.
- Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
We make sure insurers don’t misuse this rule to lower your payout.
Wrongful Death Claims in DUI Crashes
When a drunk driver’s actions cause a fatal crash, surviving families can pursue justice through a wrongful death claim under O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2.
Families may recover compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Medical costs before death.
- Loss of companionship and financial support.
- Emotional anguish and pain.
We handle these cases with compassion and care, and with the determination to hold every responsible party accountable.
What To Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Augusta
- Call 911 and request emergency services and law enforcement.
- Seek medical attention immediately — even if you feel fine.
- Document the scene – take photos, get witness names, and request a copy of the police report.
- Avoid speaking to insurance companies before calling a lawyer.
- Contact Ted Law Firm – we’ll handle your claim, communication, and evidence collection.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Evidence in DUI crash cases disappears fast, witness memories fade, and video footage may be deleted within days. Acting quickly allows us to:
- Preserve critical evidence (BAC, surveillance, dashcams).
- File your claim within Georgia’s two-year deadline (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33).
- Protect your case from insurance interference.
- Increase your chance of full compensation.
Why Choose Ted Law Firm
- Decades of experience handling Georgia DUI and car accident claims.
- Millions recovered for injured victims across the CSRA.
- Deep local knowledge of Augusta’s courts, judges, and insurance carriers.
- No fees unless we win guaranteed.
- 24/7 availability for free consultations.
- Compassionate, justice-focused representation.
At Ted Law Firm, we don’t just represent victims we fight for safer roads and stronger accountability for drunk drivers in Georgia.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I sue a drunk driver in Georgia?
Yes. You can file a civil lawsuit for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
2. How long do I have to file a DUI injury claim?
You have two years from the accident date under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.
3. Can a bar or restaurant be held responsible?
Yes. Under Georgia’s Dram Shop Law (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-40), establishments can be liable if they overserved the driver.
4. What damages can I recover?
Medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, punitive damages, and wrongful death compensation.
5. Do I have to wait for the criminal case to end?
No. You can file your civil claim while the criminal DUI case is pending.
6. What if the drunk driver has no insurance?
You may recover through your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
7. What does it cost to hire a Ted Law Firm?
You pay nothing upfront — we work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we win.
Talk to an Augusta Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
If a drunk driver injured you or took the life of someone you love, you deserve justice and accountability. Ted Law Firm is here to fight for you with compassion, integrity, and the strength to win. Serving Augusta, Evans, Martinez, Hephzibah, North Augusta, and the entire CSRA.No fees unless we win. No risk, just results. At Ted Law Firm, we fight for Augusta’s families because every life matters, and every drunk driver should face the consequences of their choices.
