Drunk driving is a hazardous situation in Smyrna and throughout Georgia. Too many people suffer injuries or lose their lives because of a drunk driver. If you or a loved one were a victim, talk to a Smyrna drunk driving accident lawyer today.
At John Foy & Associates, we’re here to support you. Our drunk driving accident lawyers know how to build a strong injury case. We’ll fight for your right to full compensation for your costs.
Contact us today for a FREE, no-risk consultation. There is no charge unless we win your case. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started for FREE.
What Drunk Driving Means in Smyrna
Drunk driving means someone is driving while under the influence of alcohol. Someone can also drive under the influence (DUI) of other impairing substances.
A driver can be under the influence on
- Alcoholic drinks
- Illegal drugs
- Specific prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medicines that cause drowsiness
- Marijuana (even if it’s legal where you live)
There are two ways someone can violate DUI laws in Georgia:
- DUI Per Se: The driver has a blood alcohol content (BAC) or 0.08% or higher.
- DUI: A police officer determines the driver is under the influence.
If a driver is under the age of 21, their BAC is 0.02%. The BAC limit is 0.04% for commercial drivers, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). A police offer might give a breath test if they suspect a driver is under the influence.
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Why Drunk Driving Is So Serious in Smyrna
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD):
- Someone suffers injuries in a drunk driving accident every two minutes.
- Someone dies in a drunk driving accident every 51 minutes.
Any amount of alcohol can impair someone’s driving ability. Although 0.08% is the legal limit for most people, someone can make mistakes after just one drink. Any degree of impairment can affect a driver’s reaction times, judgment, and more.
Drunk driving has the following effects on drivers in Smyrna.
Slower Reaction Times
When someone is under the influence of alcohol, they cannot respond to hazards quickly. If a dangerous situation happens on the road, the driver’s response time is lower. They might be unable to react fast enough to avoid an accident.
For example, other drivers can brake suddenly or cut off another car. A drunk driver might not respond quickly enough. Plus, drunk drivers are more likely to make negligent choices that cause crashes.
Poor Concentration
Even a small amount of alcohol can affect concentration. This is a massive problem because driving requires your full attention. A drunk driver will have issues with:
- Following traffic signs and signals
- Staying in one lane
- Not speeding
- Avoided hazards on the road
When concentration is lacking, the chance of an accident increases drastically.
Diminished Coordination
Drunk driving impacts fine motor skills. The driver might have enough trouble walking in a straight line — imagine how hard it is to operate an entire motor vehicle.
Poor coordination can lead a drunk driver to lose control and hit other vehicles.
Decreased Vision
Drinking can lead to low or blurred vision. It’s much harder for drunk drivers to judge distances and see dangers on the road. Vision issues can easily lead to a drunk driving accident in Smyrna.
Lack of Judgment
Decision-making is impaired when someone has been drinking. Even one drink can affect a driver’s judgment. A driver might think they are fine behind the wheel, but that’s because the alcohol has impaired their critical thinking.
People should always avoid driving if they’ve been drinking. Even the best driver in the world is not safe with alcohol in their system.
How Fault Works in a Smyrna Drunk Driving Accident
Most of the time, the drunk driver is entirely at fault for an accident. Here’s how it works:
- Fault in a car accident depends on negligence, which is a lack of reasonable care.
- A drunk driver is clearly not being careful enough. Their actions are negligent by nature.
- If the driver’s negligent actions led to the accident, they are at fault.
- The drunk driver or their insurance company is responsible for the victims’ damages.
Sometimes, more than one party is at fault for a car accident. If a victim is partially at fault, they can still seek damages if they are less than 50% at fault.
Even if you think you were partially at fault, talk to a lawyer. Your drunk driving accident lawyer will investigate the facts. If you are partly responsible, you might still be entitled to compensation.
Drunk drivers are typically entirely at fault. Accident victims are often surprised to learn that they hold no responsibility in the crash. Before accepting any fault or blame, talk to an experienced lawyer.
Your Damages from a Drunk Driving Accident in Smyrna
If the other party is entirely at fault, you’d be able to collect 100% compensation. Either way, here are some damages that you might have from a drunk driving accident in Smyrna:
- Medical costs, including bills, medications, and future treatment
- Lost wages from time you’ve had to miss work
- Loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working as you could before
- Property damage from car repairs, replacement, or personal possessions
- Pain and suffering for how your injuries have impacted your life
Drunk driving accident cases can also include punitive damages in some situations. Punitive damages are about punishing the wrongdoer. Talk to your lawyer about the possibility of recovering these damages.
Your lawyer can help calculate your full accident costs. From there, you’ll know what type of settlement you deserve.
Talk to a Smyrna Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Don’t get stuck paying for a drunk driver’s poor choices. If you suffered injuries, you have rights. Our Smyrna drunk driving accident lawyers can help.
At John Foy & Associates, we have 20-plus years of experience helping accident victims. Contact us today for a FREE consultation. There is no charge for our services unless we win your case.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to learn more during a FREE consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
