Choosing to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence is exactly that: a choice. Drivers are responsible for their actions on the road, and any decision that neglects to take others into account could be negligent. If you suffered injuries following a drunk driving accident in Albany, you already know this, and you may be considering options to seek justice.
A personal injury suit filed with the help of an Albany drunk driving accident lawyer could help you recover compensation. Drunk driving is an irresponsible choice, but you can hold the driver responsible by filing a claim. To learn more about what you may be entitled to seek, contact the office of Bader Scott Injury Lawyers now for a free consultation at (404) 888-8888.
Drunk Driving Accident Scenarios
Driving under the influence of alcohol can lead to the loss of sound judgment, poor coordination, slowed reaction times, and decreases in reasoning and self-control, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). All of those are crucial to operating a vehicle effectively. Without them, a driver could perform any of the following infractions:
- Running lights
- Drifting or lane change errors
- Wrong-way driving
- Speeding
- Ignoring traffic signs
- Failure to yield
T-bone crashes, sideswipes, and head-on collisions can all result from these scenarios. Moreover, additional damage can occur when a driver must swerve or slam on the brakes to avoid or minimize a collision with a drunk driver. An intoxicated driver can also strike more than one vehicle in an accident. In short, even minor intoxication can lead to impaired judgment and lasting damage.
Hit-and-Run Drunk Driving
In some cases, a drunk driver may strike another vehicle or individual and leave the scene. They may flee the site knowingly or without being aware of the damage they caused because of their level of intoxication. If you suffered from a hit-and-run collision that involved a drunk driver, you could be left with even more confusion following your accident. The driver may not have even been caught.
You still have options. Contact the team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers to learn how you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries at (404) 888-8888.
Teen Drunk Driving Accidents
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one in 10 high school teenagers drinks and drives. If you were hit by a drunk teen driver, it is important to remember that all licensed drivers are treated equally under the law. By having that license, that teen is taking responsibility for how they operate the vehicle.
However, pursuing compensation against a teen driver can be complicated, with the potential for delayed payouts. Your Albany drunk driving accident lawyer can explain how to move forward.
Other Vehicles
There are many drunk driving accident scenarios. You may have been a pedestrian hit by a drunk motorcyclist or a bicyclist hit by a drunk automobile driver. These are some common parties involved in DUI accidents:
- Pedestrians
- Bicycles
- Motorcycles
- ATVs
- Motor vehicles
If you were a pedestrian or in a smaller vehicle, you likely suffered more damage than the other party who caused the crash. However, even if the drunk driver was operating an ATV or motorcycle and caused your accident, you can still pursue compensation. They behaved recklessly, and they may be liable for your losses.
For a free legal consultation with a drunk driving accidents lawyer serving Albany, call (404) 888-8888
Georgia’s Impaired Driving Laws
The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety highlights consequences for drunk drivers that include jail time, fines up to $5,000, and other penalties, depending on the number of offenses they have incurred. This, however, does not pay your medical bills or compensate you for how the accident changed your life.
Even if the offending driver did not yet receive a sentence, you can still file your personal injury suit. You should not wait to do so. Georgia’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury suit is two to four years, depending on the circumstances of the accident. The clock starts ticking from the time of the accident, according to O.C.G.A. §9-3-33. Get started today with a free consultation from the office of Bader Scott Injury Lawyers.
Albany Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Compensation for Now and Later
Recovering from an accident can be a long process, and many insurance companies and responsible parties may want to conclude with the suit as quickly as possible. However, your DUI personal injury attorney can work as an intermediary, so you are not pressured into accepting a settlement that does not meet your needs. Furthermore, your suit will attempt to recoup compensation not only for your current health needs but also for future ones related to the collision.
These are some of the medical bills you may be facing now:
- Emergency department visits
- Specialist exams
- Follow-up appointments
- Imaging tests
- Medical equipment
- Missed work
Some additional expenses you may face later:
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic care
- In-home assistance
- Psychological counseling
- Diminished earning capacity
- Reduced quality of life
There may be a statute of limitations on filing, but that does not mean that your possible compensation is limited to the costs you face within that time frame. Your legal team can help evaluate your case’s worth, including the health costs you may face down the road. These factors will influence how your settlement offers are negotiated and whether a case will go to court.
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We Help Hold Drunk Drivers Responsible
The equation is simple — the person who drove while under the influence was irresponsible. They were negligent and you are entitled to seek compensation. Contact the team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers today to learn how an Albany drunk driving accident lawyer can help you hold the intoxicated driver accountable.
Call today for your free consultation at (404) 888-8888.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form