Accidents caused by drunk drivers are 100% preventable. If you suffered critical injuries in an accident caused by drunk driving, you may have the right to total compensation for your damages. However, you may feel intimidated about bringing your case to court or dealing with a large insurance company.
Get help pursuing the restitution that is rightfully yours when you contact an experienced Evans drunk driving accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates. Schedule a free consultation with our office today to find out more about what to expect from the drunk driving accident claims process in Evans.
Liability for Drunk Driving Accidents in Evans
Establishing liability for an Evans drunk driving accident may seem cut and dry. After all, if you were involved in a drunk driving accident, the driver who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident is more than likely responsible. Right?
Although the vast majority of drunk driving accidents do hold drunk drivers accountable, you might be surprised to learn that there are also other parties who could be at fault for your injuries. Georgia’s social host and dram shop liability laws allow for several other parties to be held accountable when drunk drivers cause motor vehicle accidents and damages in Evans and across the state.
If an individual or establishment serves or sells alcohol to someone who is already under the influence, and that party goes on to cause a collision, the social host or dram shop can be found responsible for the injury victim’s damages.
However, these laws often make drunk driving accident claims far more complex. Your Evans drunk driving accident attorney will need to examine your drunk driving accident to ensure all liable parties are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
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How to Make the Liable Party Pay After a Drunk Driving Accident
If you are hoping to recover compensation for your damages following a drunk driving accident in Evans, there are multiple ways in which she may be able to do so. First, you may be able to file a claim with the drunk driver’s insurance company. Georgia law requires all motorists to purchase a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident and bodily injury liability coverage. They must also carry a minimum of $25,000 in property damage liability coverage.
However, if a drunk driver in Evans causes an accident, it is not uncommon for their insurance company to push back when a claim is filed. They will often claim that the motorist coverage was not in effect if they were intoxicated or under the influence of drugs at the time of the collision. For this reason, it is essential to have your drunk driving accident attorney in Evans negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, so you can be awarded the compensation and damages you are entitled to.
However, if the defendant did not have auto insurance coverage, or the insurance company does not adequately meet your needs, you may also be able to hold the liable party accountable by filing a civil lawsuit against them. This may be your best opportunity to recover total compensation for your damages, as you have the right to be compensated for every single loss at trial.
Dealing With the Insurer After an Evans Drunk Driving Accident
Dealing with the insurance company is one of the most common aspects of the drunk driving accident claims process. It is common for insurance companies to scrutinize drunk driving accident claims to determine whether they are financially obligated to pay out on the claim.
Some insurance adjusters will go so far as to blame the injury victim for their injuries, delay the processing of their claim, or attempt to offer substantially less than the claim is worth. Having your drunk driving accident lawyer negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf may be one of the only ways to ensure you are not taken advantage of during this difficult time in your life.
Common Damages to Seek After a Drunk Driving Accident in Evans
After a drunk driver causes your injuries, you have the right to be compensated for every loss you have suffered. This does not only include your monetary damages or economic losses but your non-economic damages as well.
Non-economic damages may not be monetary, but they are incredibly valuable. Some examples of non-economic damages and economic damages that could be paid out in your drunk driving accident claim include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Chronic pain and emotional trauma
- Loss of household services
- Reduced earning capacity and loss of income
- Diminished quality of life
- Skin scarring and disfiguring injuries
- Reputational damages
- Property damages
Evans Personal Injury Laws You Need to Know
As you move through the personal injury claims process following your drunk driving accident in Evans, there are many Georgia laws you will need to be aware of. Some of the most impactful include:
- The statute of limitations for Evans drunk driving accident and personal injury claims across Georgia is only two years.
- The state operates under a fault-based system for insurance and accident purposes, meaning you file a claim with the liable party’s insurer instead of your own
- Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 49% threshold, meaning you can still recover compensation for your damages if your portion of shared fault does not exceed 49%
These are only a few of the more important tort laws you need to know. If you have questions or concerns regarding how the state’s personal injury laws will impact your drunk driving accident claim, do not hesitate to contact your attorney to discuss your specific concerns in further detail.
Meet with a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Evans Today
You should never be forced to deal with the implications of a drunk driving accident that was not your fault. Make sure the liable party is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Contact a reputable Evans drunk driving accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates today. Schedule your no-cost, risk-free case evaluation when you complete our online contact form or call our office.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form