Drunk driving is hazardous in Stonecrest. What’s worse, drunk driving is 100% preventable. If you or a loved one were hurt in a drunk driving accident, you should not have to pay for the other driver’s actions. Talk to a Stonecrest drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ve helped countless accident victims seek compensation for their damages. We are not afraid to fight for the recovery you deserve. Reach out today to get a FREE consultation and learn more.
Drunk Driving Laws in Stonecrest
The legal limit for drunk driving in Georgia is 0.08% blood alcohol content (BAC). If someone has a BAC of 0.08 or higher, they are legally intoxicated.
For commercial drivers, the limit is even lower. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), commercial drivers cannot have a BAC of 0.04% or higher.
For underage drivers, there is a no-tolerance policy. Drivers below the age of 21 cannot have any alcohol in their systems while driving. If a driver violates the drinking and driving laws, they can face harsh penalties and even cause serious accidents.
First Offense for Impaired Driving
After the first offense for impaired driving, according to Georgia’s impaired driving laws, someone can face:
- Possible jail time up to a year
- Suspended license for up to a year
- Between $300 and $1,000 in fines
- 40 hours of community service
- A license reinstatement fee of $210
Second Offense for Impaired Driving
If a driver is charged twice within five years, their penalties can include:
- At least 48 hours in jail
- Possibly between 90 days and a year in jail
- Suspended license for three years
- Between $600 and $1,000 in fines
- At least 30 days of community service
- A license reinstatement fee of $210
- Mandatory clinical evaluation
- Possible substance abuse program
Third Offense for Impaired Driving
If a driver has a third offense within five years of the second offense, the penalties are:
- At least 15 days in jail
- Revoked license for five years
- Between $1,000 and $5,000 in fines
- At least 30 days of community service
- Publishing of the driver’s name, photo, and address in the local paper
- Declaration as a habitual violator and seizure of vehicle license plate
- Mandatory clinical evaluation
- Possible completion of a substance abuse program
Georgia Open Container Laws
Drivers can also get in trouble for having open alcohol containers while driving. That includes:
- Any alcoholic beverage with an open or broken seal
- Any alcoholic drink with the contents partially gone
No one can consume or possess an open alcoholic drink in the passenger area of a vehicle. If the driver is the only person in the car, the law considers them in possession of the open container. The violator can then face up to $200 in fines.
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Damages to Claim in a Drunk Driving Accident
After another driver causes your accident, you can seek compensation for your accident costs. The number of your damages will depend on your accident details and your injuries.
There are two types of personal injury damages:
- Economic damages
- Non-economic damages
Typical economic damages you might face include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Property damage
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
You can prove these damages through bills and other documentation. You’ll need to include these documents in your injury claim.
Non-economic damages are more difficult to prove. These damages do not have a set dollar amount:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Drunk driving accident injuries tend to be severe. The aftermath of this type of accident can impact a victim’s life in many different ways. Your injury claim will need to reflect what you’ve lost because of the crash.
Punitive Damages
There is another category of damages: punitive damages. These losses are available when an accident involves malicious or reckless behavior. Drunk driving accidents can sometimes lead to punitive damages. Talk to your lawyer to know if these damages are an option after your crash.
John Foy & Associates can help you account for all damages. We know how to calculate everything from future medical costs to emotional suffering. To learn more about your legal options, contact us today.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to take your call.
How a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Helps
If a drunk driver caused your accident, the driver’s responsibility is pretty straightforward. Drunk driving is never acceptable, and it’s clear negligence. The insurance company probably won’t have a valid defense against your claim.
Still, insurance companies will look for excuses to pay less than a victim deserves. Insurers use sneaky tactics to deny what compensation they can. A drunk driving accident lawyer can help protect your rights by:
- Investigating the accident
- Looking for any prior DUI records for the driver
- Research what the driver was doing before the accident (such as drinking at a bar or club)
- Communicating with the insurance company for you
- Identifying all at-fault parties
- Making sure the insurance company doesn’t use something you’ve said against you
The driver is not always the at-fault party. If a restaurant or bar served the driver, they could be partially at fault. Businesses must be careful to avoid over-serving customers.
An experienced lawyer will know how to uncover every important detail from the accident. They’ll also see if the driver was charged with a DUI after the crash. If so, the driver’s violation helps prove that they were being careless.
You shouldn’t have to pay for a drunk driver’s actions. To make sure you get what you deserve, contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Talk to a Stonecrest Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
John Foy & Associates has seen firsthand the aftermath of drunk driving accidents. We know that they can be painful and devastating for everyone involved. If you or a loved one were victims, contact us today for the help you deserve.
We know what it takes to win successful cases. Our team is not afraid to fight as hard as possible for the compensation you deserve. You also don’t pay us a thing unless we win your case.
Call today (404) 400-4000 for a FREE consultation. You can also fill out one of our online contact forms.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
