Drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable, yet they continue to cause serious injuries and fatalities on Georgia’s roads. When a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their ability to make safe driving decisions is impaired, putting everyone on the road at risk. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver in Athens, Georgia, you deserve justice and the compensation necessary to recover from your injuries.
At Ted Law Firm, we specialize in representing victims of drunk driving accidents in Athens and the surrounding areas. Our experienced lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal process, hold the responsible parties accountable, and recover the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
What Does Drunk Driving Accident Compensation Cover in Georgia?
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the following damages:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any ongoing medical treatments.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income you’ve lost while recovering from your injuries, and any future loss of income if your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma caused by your injuries.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the trauma of the accident.
- Permanent disability: If your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, you may be entitled to additional compensation for future losses.
- Property damage: Compensation for damage to your vehicle or personal property involved in the accident.
- Punitive damages: In cases of drunk driving, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the driver’s reckless behavior and deter future misconduct.
- Wrongful death: If a loved one was killed in a drunk driving accident, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.
At Ted Law Firm, we’ll work hard to ensure you’re fairly compensated for the full scope of your damages.
Common Causes of Drunk Driving Accidents in Athens
Drunk driving accidents happen when a driver operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Some of the most common causes of drunk driving accidents in Athens include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI): Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs often make dangerous decisions on the road, such as speeding, running red lights, or failing to yield.
- Reckless driving: Alcohol impairs a driver’s judgment and reaction time, leading to aggressive behaviors like tailgating, swerving between lanes, or driving at excessive speeds.
- Driving while fatigued: Drunk drivers may also be fatigued from long hours on the road, making them more prone to accidents.
- Failure to obey traffic laws: Drunk drivers often fail to obey basic traffic laws, such as stopping at intersections or using turn signals.
- Poor judgment and slower reaction time: Alcohol and drugs significantly slow reaction time, making it difficult for drivers to avoid accidents when approaching hazards.
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident due to any of these causes, you may be entitled to compensation.
Types of Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
Injuries from drunk driving accidents can range from minor to catastrophic. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Concussions, brain damage, or skull fractures caused by impacts with the vehicle or the road.
- Spinal cord injuries: Injuries to the spine that can result in paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
- Fractures and broken bones: Injuries to the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis from the force of the crash.
- Internal injuries: Organ damage, internal bleeding, or other serious injuries from blunt force trauma.
- Whiplash: Neck injuries caused by the sudden jolt of a crash, which can lead to long-term pain and discomfort.
- Facial injuries: Cuts, bruises, or fractures caused by impact with airbags, the steering wheel, or broken glass.
- Burns: Injuries caused by fire or hot components of the vehicle.
- Emotional trauma: Psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), from the traumatic nature of the accident.
- Fatal injuries: In tragic cases, drunk driving accidents result in wrongful death claims for the victim’s family.
Even accidents that seem minor can lead to lasting injuries. It’s important to seek medical care immediately after a crash to ensure you receive proper treatment.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Athens
If you’ve been involved in a drunk driving accident, here’s what you should do:
- Seek medical care immediately: Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, get checked by a healthcare professional to document any injuries and prevent long-term complications.
- Call 911: Report the accident to law enforcement, especially since DUI-related crashes often require police reports.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle or property.
- Collect information: Get the contact details and insurance information from the drunk driver, and speak with any witnesses who saw the accident.
- Avoid admitting fault: Never admit liability at the scene. Let the police and insurance companies determine fault after they complete their investigation.
- Contact Ted Law Firm: Reach out to our experienced drunk driving accident lawyers for a free consultation and guidance on how to proceed with your claim.
Who Is Responsible in a Drunk Driving Accident?
In most drunk driving accident cases, the intoxicated driver is at fault. However, other parties may also share responsibility in some cases:
- The drunk driver: The intoxicated driver is typically responsible for the accident and the damages caused.
- Bars or restaurants: If the driver was overserved alcohol at a bar or restaurant, the establishment may share liability under Georgia’s Dram Shop Laws.
- Other drivers: In some cases, another driver’s actions may have contributed to the accident, such as unsafe lane changes or running a red light.
- Insurance companies: We handle all dealings with insurance companies to make sure you receive a fair settlement for your injuries.
At Ted Law Firm, we conduct a thorough investigation into your case to determine all responsible parties and ensure they are held accountable for your damages.
How We Help Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Athens
At Ted Law Firm, we are committed to helping victims of drunk driving accidents recover the compensation they deserve. Here’s how we can help:
- Investigate the accident: We gather evidence, review police reports, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build a strong case.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: We deal directly with insurance companies to ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve.
- File a lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial and fight for justice.
- Provide emotional support: We understand the trauma that comes with being involved in a drunk driving accident, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Talk to a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Athens Today
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident in Athens, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner we can begin working on your case and securing the compensation you deserve.
At Ted Law Firm, we proudly serve clients in Athens, Clarke County, and throughout Georgia. You don’t pay unless we win your case—no upfront costs, just experienced legal help from a team that puts your recovery first.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
