Drunk Driving Accidents

Driving under the influence is not only reckless and careless, but it also displays an inexcusable disregard for the safety of others. Victims of drunk driving incidents often grapple with anger, frustration, and a profound yearning for the responsible parties to face the consequences.

At the Mann Law Firm, we agree that your family’s pain and losses should not go unanswered. We are committed to seeking justice for you and your family through our dedicated representation. Contact us at (478) 742-3381 for a free consultation.

In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one has suffered an accident at the hands of a drunk driver in Macon, Georgia, you need experienced legal representation to help you navigate the complex legal process.

With a strong track record of representing victims of drunk driving accidents, the Mann Law Firm is a trusted choice for those seeking justice and compensation after such a traumatic event. Here are the four top reasons to choose the Mann Law Firm as your drunk driving attorney.

1. Thorough Investigation and Case Building

We leave no stone unturned when gathering evidence and building a compelling case. This includes conducting thorough investigations, consulting with experts, and leveraging our extensive network of resources to establish liability and secure the maximum compensation for clients.

2. Resources and Network

Drunk driving accident cases often require the involvement of experts, investigators, and accident reconstruction specialists. We have the resources and professional network to build a strong case on your behalf. We will be thorough in interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, and collaborating with experts to establish the drunk driver’s liability.

3. Skilled Negotiators

We are adept at negotiating with insurance companies and opposing parties. We understand the tactics often employed by insurers to minimize payouts. This proficiency allows us to advocate effectively for our clients and ensure they receive fair and just compensation.

4. Trial-Ready Representation

We are prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Our skilled litigators have a reputation for being fierce advocates in the courtroom. Our willingness to go to trial often motivates insurance companies to offer more reasonable settlements, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Georgia enforces strict blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits:

• Drivers surpassing a BAC of 0.08% are deemed to be under the influence.
• Drivers under 21 years old with a BAC of 0.02% or higher are considered to be driving under the influence.
• Commercial drivers with a BAC exceeding 0.04% are also considered to be under the influence.

Both breath analysis and blood tests can be used to ascertain BAC levels. If a driver declines a blood test, they are presumed to have been driving under the influence.

Furthermore, if a driver has ingested any substance that might impair their driving capabilities, they are classified as driving under the influence. This includes alcohol, recreational drugs, as well as prescription and over-the-counter medications that could impede their ability to drive safely.

If you find yourself in an accident involving an intoxicated driver, follow these steps:

1. Prioritize Safety

Your safety and that of others involved in the accident should be your primary concern. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic. If injuries are severe or moving could worsen them, wait for emergency services to arrive.

Bear in mind that some injuries, like organ damage, internal bleeding, or traumatic brain injury, may not manifest immediately. Maintain all medical documents, invoices, and doctor’s notes as evidence for your claim.

2. Contact the Authorities

Call the police to report the accident. Ensure you provide them with accurate and detailed information about the incident, including your location, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Be sure to inform them if you suspect the other driver is under the influence of alcohol.

They will assess whether the other driver is under the influence and generate an official report. If officers are not present, report the accident to the nearest police station promptly (within 72 hours). Obtain a copy of the officer’s report if possible.

3. Obtain Necessary Details

Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved, including names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance details, and license plate numbers. If there are witnesses, try to obtain their contact information as well, as their statements may be valuable. Take pictures of the scene and be vigilant for any signs that the driver may have been drinking, such as a bottle in the front of their vehicle.

4. Do Not Admit Fault

Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault, even if you believe you may have contributed to the accident. Leave the determination of liability to law enforcement and insurance professionals.

5. Report the Case to Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company about the drunk driving accident immediately. Provide accurate and detailed information, but refrain from offering speculative opinions about the accident.

6. Consult a Macon Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Contact a lawyer to assess your case and identify the damages you can pursue. The Mann Law Firm will investigate the actions of the drunk driver leading up to the accident to establish that they were operating a vehicle under the influence.

A drunk driver fleeing an accident scene is committing a serious offense. While you may be concerned about your ability to seek financial compensation for the reckless driving incident, there is still a possibility. Take the following steps to help your case:

• Record the drunk driver’s license plate number.
• Note the other vehicle’s make, model, and color.
• Document details of the incident.

If there were any witnesses, try to talk to them. They may have information about the accident that you’re not aware of. Ask them to recall what they remember before, during, and immediately after the incident.

Promptly report the crash as a hit-and-run to the police, providing them with as much information as possible. Following this, contact our drunk driving accident lawyer to initiate an investigation into the accident and work toward ensuring you receive fair compensation.

Our dedicated team of Macon drunk driving accident lawyers is committed to providing you with expert legal representation and support. Here are some key ways in which our experienced attorneys can assist you in your drunk driving case:

Comprehensive Inquiry and Documentation

Our lawyers will investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. This includes gathering evidence such as witness statements, police reports, accident scene photographs, and available surveillance footage. This meticulous approach ensures that no crucial detail is overlooked.

Establishing Liability

Proving liability in a drunk driving case requires specialized knowledge and expertise. Our drunk driving accident attorneys are well-versed in Georgia’s laws about alcohol-impaired driving. We will work tirelessly to establish that the intoxicated driver’s actions directly contributed to the accident and resulting injuries.

Navigating Complex Legal Procedures

The legal process following a drunk driving accident can be multifaceted. Our drunk driving accident lawyers are experienced in handling all aspects of your case. This involves dealing with insurance companies, filing necessary paperwork, and meeting critical deadlines. This lets you focus on your recovery while we handle the legal intricacies.

Calculating Damages and Seeking Compensation

We understand the significant financial burdens that often accompany a drunk driving accident, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and potential future costs. Our team will meticulously assess the full extent of your damages and seek compensation from all liable parties.

Advocating for Your Rights

Our Macon drunk driving accident lawyers are dedicated advocates for your rights. We will stand by your side, providing strong representation in negotiations and, if necessary, in court. We aim to ensure that you receive fair and just compensation for your losses.

As we investigate the role alcohol played in your crash, our Macon DUI attorneys also will seek to answer two other questions:

• Who should be held responsible?
• What damages can you recover?

The obvious answer to the first question is that the drunk driver should be sued. Sometimes, this driver may not be a “drunk” driver. Instead, it may be a person under age 21 (the legal drinking age) who should not have had any alcohol in their system at all while operating a car. In other cases, the driver may be someone driving a car in which you were a passenger.

Under Georgia law, you can seek compensation from others who contributed to your crash. These parties include:

• Bars, restaurants, or stores – Under Georgia’s “dram shop” law, any business that sells or otherwise provides alcohol to a person under age 21 or who is “noticeably intoxicated,” knowing that the person will soon drive an automobile, can be sued for any injuries that driver causes.
• Social hosts – The “dram shop” law mentioned above isn’t limited to businesses that sell alcohol. The law also allows personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits to be brought against individuals, such as party hosts.

When it comes to seeking damages, we will review all of the insurance policies held by these parties and your insurance coverage. Our goal will be to seek the maximum amount of compensation. In many cases, we can secure this amount in a settlement that avoids the need to go to court. If insurance companies refuse to settle, our firm has a strong record of trying cases in court.

In a personal injury lawsuit that arises from a drunk driving crash, you may be eligible to recover money for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. If you are pursuing a wrongful death claim against the drunk driver and others at fault, you may seek other damages, such as funeral expenses or loss of the care and companionship of a loved one.

The Mann Law Firm may also seek what are called “punitive damages.” These damages are meant to punish and deter reckless conduct like drunk driving. In fact, while Georgia law places a “cap” on punitive damages in most cases, that cap doesn’t apply to drunk driving crashes.

What if I was a passenger when the drunk driving accident happened?

If you sustained injuries as a passenger of a drunk driver, you have the same rights as any other accident victim. The driver made the conscious choice to operate a vehicle under the influence, and they should be held accountable for that decision. However, there are instances where the Macon-Bibb County courts might perceive your claim differently than other accident victims.

How long do I have to file a claim?

The time limit for filing all personal injury claims, which includes those arising from a drunk driving accident, is two years. This signifies that you have a two-year window starting from the date of the accident to initiate a claim for compensation for any incurred damages.

What damages can I receive in a DUI case?

In Georgia, individuals involved in automobile accidents can seek compensation for various expenses. In a typical scenario, this may include:

• Lost wages resulting from time off work due to the accident
• Property damage, covering costs for car repairs or replacement
• Medical expenses
• Substantial financial awards for disabilities, wrongful death, or the emotional toll of pain and suffering.

However, DUI cases in Georgia deviate slightly from standard auto accidents, as victims may be entitled to even greater compensation. A judge may grant “punitive damages” to penalize the reckless driver. Many DUI claims have the potential to exceed $100,000 in value.

When faced with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident in Macon, the Mann Law Firm is the legal team you can trust to fight for your rights and help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us at (478) 742-3381 for a free consultation.