Driving under the influence (DUI) is a crime in Georgia. The legal limit for alcohol is defined as having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher. The law in Georgia OCGA 40-6-391 states that it is illegal for an individual to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated. This includes alcohol, drugs, or a combination.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident where a drunk driver caused injury or death, you may want to discuss your situation with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Personal Injury Claim in DUI Accidents
Not only is driving under the influence a crime, but it can also trigger civil liability should a drunk driver cause injuries to someone else – a driver, pedestrian, motorcyclist, bicyclist, or other person.
Victims of drunk driving accidents may get punitive damages up to $250,000. These awards can be in addition to damages suffered from injuries.
Georgia considers a DUI accident not only as not only a criminal case but also as a cause for a civil lawsuit. A lawsuit can provide individuals with a way to seek damages related to the accident.
Damages may include medical bills for previous, current, and future injuries in the DUI accident. It can also seek compensation for lost wages when you were unable to work as a result of the accident. Finally, it may offer financial compensation for the pain and suffering you experienced from the accident.
If another driver is at fault due to choosing to drink and drive or get high and drive, it is good to realize that you are allowed to seek damages.
Personal Injury Claim in Drunk or Drugged Accidents in Marietta
While many people think of alcohol when they hear the term DUI, it has a larger meaning. DUI stands for driving under the influence. The influence, of course, may be driving under the influence of alcohol.
However, that is not the only meaning. DUI can also refer to driving under the influence of drugs. In addition, it can refer to the dangerous combination of alcohol and drugs.
If you have been in an accident and suffered injuries from the other driver driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination, you are allowed to seek damages.
How to Prove Negligence in Georgia
Negligence is a legal concept that is defined as the failure to exercise a certain degree of care to minimize the risk of injuring others.
The key idea to understand is that driving is a right that comes with responsibilities.
When a person decides to drink and drive, they are not only breaking the law, they also may be considered negligent. A similar standard applies to a person deciding to take drugs and drive.
You are allowed to seek damages for specific expenses related to the accident.
Get Questions Answered by a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, many questions may arise about legal action, negligence, and what is involved in filing for damages. A Marietta personal injury lawyer has legal experience that may help provide peace of mind.