Since drunk drivers have impaired judgment, they recklessly drive when they’re behind the wheel. Their reaction times are slower, which can make accidents catastrophic. We understand the severity of damages and injuries that can be caused by a drunk driving accident. If you suffer an injury in a DUI accident, you need compensation for your injuries.
Bader Scott Injury Lawyers are Carrollton auto accident attorneys that know how sensitive these cases can be. When you are involved in a DUI accident, you have damages and injuries that deserve compensation. You have a right to safely make it to your destination while you are behind the wheel of your vehicle.
A drunk driver takes this right away from you. If you or someone you know suffers injury in a drunk driving accident, you need the help of an experienced attorney. Contact our offices today to schedule your free consultation. We want to get you the compensation that you need to move on from this accident.
Facts About Drunk Driving.
Even though there are commercials and information to reduce the number of DUI related accidents, we still see a significant number of drunk driving accidents annually. If you are driving a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) over 0.08, you are driving drunk.
There are over 10,000 drunk driving fatalities in our country every year. Of these accidents, Georgia accounts for 500. 30% of deaths from all Georgia vehicular accidents are because of drunk drivers. So, you can see that drunk driving accounts for a large number of deaths in our country and our state.
What is a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)?
Your BAC determines how much alcohol is in your system. A breathalyzer can determine your BAC by measuring your body’s metabolization of alcohol.
Your body will safely metabolize a shot, glass of wine, or beer every hour. Drunk drivers rarely pay attention to what they are drinking and how fast they are drinking their drinks. Your BAC can be affected by several factors like gender, body size, and physical health.
Some drinkers have a higher tolerance for alcohol than others. “Tolerance” can be dangerous when they go out drinking because they feel like they are safe to drive. Georgia has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. So, a police officer can charge you with a DUI even if your BAC isn’t above 0.08.
Law enforcement must maintain the safety of the road. If you are driving erratically, and alcohol is in your system, it’s up to the office to decide whether they want to charge you with a DUI. The “Less Safe” law allows an officer to give you a DUI even if you aren’t over the legal limit.
Who is Responsible for Paying for My Injuries in a DUI Accident?
The drunk driver is the first source where you should seek compensation. Once you have been in an accident, you need to get the information from any parties that were involved. Just like a regular accident, you will go through their insurance company to cover your damages and injuries.
However, there is a criminal element in this case. We have helped some of our clients file lawsuits against restaurants and bars that contributed to the drunk driver’s impairment. Each case is different, and holding several parties responsible can be complicated. If you want to seek damages from third parties, you should hire legal representation. Call our offices to schedule an appointment to go over your options.
What should I do After Being Involved in a Drunk Driving Accident?
For the most part, you should treat a drunk driving accident like any car crash. First, you need to make sure that everyone is safe at the scene. If you’re in the middle of the highway, you should move your car. Even if your vehicle is immobile, you should get off the road if possible. However, don’t just stand on the side of the road as this is dangerous. There have also been many instances where other vehicles hit cars that have been in an accident. So, it would be best if you did what you can to remain safe at the scene. After you situate yourself and your car, you should check to make sure the other parties involved are ok.
Once you check on the welfare of everyone involved, you should call the police. It is essential that you file a police report because you need this for insurance companies. Also, drunk driving is illegal, so law enforcement needs to be involved. In some situations, drunk drivers will try to leave the scene of the crime. Make sure that you wait at the scene of the accident for law enforcement. They can help you locate the driver, and you should never try to track someone down on your own.
Finally, you should hire an attorney. These cases are often a mix of civil and criminal matters. An experienced drunk driving lawyer can help direct you through the process. They can answer your questions and go over possible settlement options. You need an advocate in your corner to represent your interests throughout your case.
Does DUI Driving Include only Alcohol?
No. A driver can receive a DUI if they are behind the wheel on any substance that impairs their ability to drive safely. Some of these substances can include marijuana, other illegal drugs, alcohol, and prescription pills.
How Can a Law Firm Assist Me?
If you suffer an injury in a drunk driving accident, you are entitled to compensation. Even if you were a passenger in the car with the drunk driver, we can help. Contact Bader Scott Injury Lawyers offices today to schedule an appointment to discuss your accident.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form