Drunk driving is one of the most common accidents on Suwanee roads. And even if the driver is punished, the victim of the accident may have to deal with pain, injuries, loss, and costs that stay with them for a long time – if not forever.
If you or a loved one has been a victim in a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to a financial recovery for your physical and emotional loss. You need to know your rights. Take the time to speak with a Suwanee drunk driving accident lawyer.
At John Foy & Associates, we’re on your side. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to work with DUI accident claims and help victims get the outcome you’re counting on. Our attorneys are not only experienced, but also compassionate and intimately familiar with what you’re going through.
We’re ready to help you get the settlement you’re entitled to. Let us give you a FREE consultation to get started. Call us today at 404-400-4000 to speak with our attorneys and find out how to move forward.
What Should I Do After an Accident with a Drunk Driver?
First and foremost, get emergency medical treatment for you or anyone who was badly injured in the drunk driving accident. If there were no seemingly serious injuries from the car accident, there are a few things you may be able to do to legally protect yourself at the scene:
- Contact the local police. Evidence is important in a drunk driving accident, and that includes a police report. Call 911 to report the accident and any personal injuries or vehicle damage that resulted. Be sure to stay at the scene until police physically arrive so you can relay your version of the incident.
- Pay attention to the other driver, and take a video if you can. If you think the other driver in the accident is under the influence, watch their actions. Many drunk drivers will try to get rid of evidence of their intoxication after an accident. This could be throwing away cups, bottles, bags, or even using eye drops to remedy red eyes. Use your phone to record a video of the driver, especially if you interact with them (but don’t get involved – just observe). Video evidence can show impairment and holds up well in the county courts.
- Speak with any witnesses. If you’re waiting for police to arrive, talk with anyone who may have seen the accident or the other driver’s behavior. Ask what they saw and get their contact information.
- Tell authorities you think the other driver is drunk. If you suspect or can tell the other driver is under the influence, explain this to the police officers. Even if you’re not 100% sure the driver is drunk, explain why you think they could be. Officers will be able to use field sobriety tests or a Breathalyzer to test the driver. Plus, they are trained to look for signs of intoxication or even drug use. They may even be bale to arrest the other driver at the scene for DUI.
Most importantly, you’ll want to contact a drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible. The evidence in DUI accidents can get complicated, especially when insurance companies get involved.
Speaking with an attorney who understands these types of cases can help you know what your claim is really worth.
Get the strong arm
What Should I Do If theDrunk Driver Fled the Scene?
When the driver leaves the scene after a drunk driving accident, it can leave you feeling alone and helpless. But there are still some things you can do:
- First, take down as much information as you possibly can. If you saw the car, write down its make, model, color, and any numbers you could make out on the license plate.
- You might be tempted to follow the car, but don’t do it! Chasing the driver is often dangerous, so it’s better to record what you can and call the police immediately.
- If it’s a situation where you didn’t see the other driver at all – maybe your car was hit while you were parked – take pictures of the damage as proof the accident occurred.
And remember that anyone in the state of Georgie, anyone in an accident is required to:
- Report the accident to local police if anyone was hurt or killed or if property damage was more than $500
- Provide the other party or parties with your name, address, license plate number, driver’s license number, and insurance information, and they should provide the same to you.
- Provide assistance to all injured people, including calling an ambulance if needed, and stay at the scene until emergency services arrive if anyone is injured or dead.
Many drivers who hit-and-run are fleeing to avoid other charges, such as if they’re driving a stolen vehicle, or if they are uninsured.
What Counts Are Drunk Driving in Suwanee?
DUI laws in Georgia say that it’s illegal for anyone to operate motor vehicles with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher.
The same is true if they have any kind of drug in their system. This is why paying attention to the driver and letting police know your suspicions is important. The driver can be tested to prove their level of intoxication.
How Much Money Can I Recover If I Was Hit By a Drunk Driver?
Drunk driving accident settlements are usually much larger than other accident-related settlements.
In Suwanee, the degree of your injuries determined how much money you can recover. But you should be able to recover the entire amount of costs related to the accident. That includes monetary losses as well as non-economic losses. Things you can recover for include:
- Medical bills
- Money lost for missed work or earning potential
- Any needed long-term care
- Emotional suffering
- Physical pain or long-term conditions or disabilities as a result of the accident
- Loss of enjoyment from not being able to participate in life activities you used to love
You may also be able to recover money for punitive damages from the drunk driver.
Talk to a Suwanee Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer for Free
DUI accidents can be frustrating and emotional for the victims involved. If you’ve been a victim of a drunk driving accident, it’s important to know your rights and what you’re entitled to received.
At John Foy & Associates, we want to help you at no risk. We charge nothing unless you get the money, and we’ll even offer you a FREE consultation.
Give us a call at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to the right to schedule your free consultation today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
