What to Do if You’ve Been Hit by a Drunk Driver in Decatur, GA (2024)

Intoxicated driving is an unfortunate reality in Georgia and throughout the United States, and it is vital to know what to do if you’ve been hit by a drunk driver in Decatur, GA. Your case will follow the same procedural framework as you could expect after almost any vehicle accident but could be complicated by the fact that the at-fault driver will face criminal charges for their actions. You need an experienced Decatur personal injury lawyer’s help in this situation.

What to Do if You’ve Been Hit by a Drunk Driver in Decatur, GA

A Decatur car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options following an accident caused by a drunk driver in Decatur. State law dictates they are liable for your damages if they directly caused the accident, but the illegal nature of their behavior means they also face criminal prosecution. This may complicate your case in several ways, so it is important to understand what to expect when it comes to your recovery efforts.

First and foremost, it is vital to report the accident to 911 immediately if you are able to do so. State law requires all drivers involved in an accident to remain at the scene of the crash until first responders arrive and allow them to leave. They will arrange medical care for anyone injured in the accident, and failure to report an accident as required can lead to criminal penalties. Additionally, you need to ensure a police report is created for your accident.

The police will handle the arrest of the drunk driver, and you should seek medical care immediately for your injuries, even if you think you only sustained minor injuries in the accident. Once you have addressed these immediate concerns, you should reach out to a trustworthy Decatur car accident lawyer right away to discuss your recovery options.

Recovering Compensation for Your Drunk Driver Accident

Under state law, the party responsible for causing an accident is liable for the resulting damage, and all drivers are required to have liability insurance to pay for any damages they cause to others. Filing an auto insurance claim will likely be your primary method of recovering compensation for your damages, but only if the at-fault driver’s insurance policy can fully cover the entire scope of your losses.

If the at-fault driver does not have insurance or their insurance will not fully cover your losses, you will need to file a personal injury suit. Success with a personal injury claim in Decatur, GA requires proving liability for your damages, proving the full extent of those damages, and establishing causation between the defendant’s actions and your claimed losses. In other words, you must prove your damages resulted from the defendant’s actions, not from any other cause.

When a driver has broken the law in causing an accident, they not only face liability for the harm they inflicted on the victim but also criminal prosecution for breaking the law. This could translate to additional compensation for you in the form of punitive damages and/or restitution. Your attorney can explain what to expect when it comes to the potential implications the at-fault driver’s illegal actions could have on your recovery.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Penalties for Drunk Driving in Georgia?

A: The penalties for drunk driving typically include fines, driver’s license suspension, and jail time. However, these penalties will increase significantly when a drunk driver has injured or killed someone and/or they have a record of past convictions for drunk driving. Generally, the more serious the harm they have done, the greater their penalties if they are convicted of drunk driving.

Q: How Do I Report a Drunk Driving Accident in Decatur?

A: You should report a drunk driving accident in Decatur by calling 911. If you notice an intoxicated driver, you should report as much detail as possible to the police so they can hopefully locate and arrest the drunk driver before they can cause an accident. If you are involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, it is important to call 911 to report the accident right away.

Q: How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Drunk Driving Accident?

A: The amount of compensation you can claim for a drunk driving accident generally depends on the scope and severity of the damages you suffered in the accident. Once you establish fault for the accident, you can seek compensation for your economic losses, such as vehicle repair costs, medical expenses, and lost income. You also have the right to claim pain and suffering compensation, and you may also receive punitive damages since the other driver broke the law.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Drunk Driving Claim in Decatur?

A: The amount of time it could take to resolve a drunk driving claim in Decatur depends on the scope of your damages and whether you can fully recover with just an auto insurance claim. If so, it may only take a few weeks for you to secure compensation for your damages with the help of an attorney. However, if you must file a personal injury suit, it can take much longer to resolve, and the defendant will also face criminal prosecution.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Decatur Car Accident Lawyer?

A: You should hire a Decatur car accident lawyer because you have a significantly higher chance of success with your recovery efforts when you have legal counsel you trust on your side. Your attorney can help you gather the proof you need to assert liability for the accident, and they can guide you through the process of filing an auto insurance claim and building a personal injury suit if necessary.

Merritt & Merritt Law Firm has years of professional experience representing car accident victims in Decatur, and we know the stress and frustration that follows an accident caused by an intoxicated driver. Our firm can help you understand your legal options in this situation and help you recover your damages. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with a trustworthy Decatur car accident lawyer with your recovery.