Despite ongoing public awareness campaigns about the dangers of drunk driving, some individuals still choose to get behind the wheel after having too much to drink. If you suffered injuries in a recent drunk driving collision, you want a strong and aggressive legal team in your corner fighting for your rights and interests.
The knowledgeable Atlanta drunk driving attorneys at Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group understand the injuries, confusion, and disorientation that often come with involvement in a drunk driving accident. We can handle every step of the legal process and aggressively pursue a claim or lawsuit on your behalf.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Atlanta drunk driving attorney, please call us at (833) 285-9467 for more information.
Why Choose Us?
Drunk driving accidents frequently leave victims with serious injuries, intense pain, and mounting medical expenses. The knowledgeable attorneys at Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group will fight for your rights every step of the way and aggressively negotiate with insurance company adjusters on your behalf. If the insurance company will not make you an offer that is fair and reasonable, we can litigate your case to a swift resolution in the state court system.
Our lawyers have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our injured clients.
Our office is conveniently located at 1900 Century Pl NE Suite 200A, Atlanta, GA 30345. Let us pursue the compensation you deserve for your accident-related losses right away.
How Much Is My Atlanta Drunk Driving Accident Case Worth?
Determining the value of your Atlanta drunk driving accident case involves evaluating various types of damages you may recover. The worth of your case depends on the extent of your injuries, the effects on your life, and the specifics of the accident. Here’s a breakdown of the types of damages you can pursue:
- Economic Damages – These are tangible losses that can be directly quantified.
- Medical Expenses – You can recover costs for hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments related to your injuries. This includes future medical costs if you need long-term care.
- Lost Wages – If your injuries keep you from working at a job, you can claim compensation for the income you’ve lost. This also includes any potential future earnings if your ability to work is affected long-term.
- Property Damage – This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the collision.
- Non-Economic Damages – These damages address the more subjective effects of the drunk driving accident on your life.
- Pain and Suffering – This type of compensation covers the emotional distress and physical pain associated with your injuries. The severity of your pain and its effect on your daily life are also considered in this assessment.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed – like hobbies or sports – you can be compensated for this loss.
- Emotional Distress – This includes psychological effects like anxiety, depression, or PTSD directly resulting from the drunk driving accident.
- Punitive Damages – These damages are awarded to punish the drunk driver for their reckless behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages are not based on the extent of your injuries but rather on the drunk driver’s egregiousness.
To determine the exact value of your case and ensure that you receive fair compensation, it’s essential to consult with a skilled Atlanta drunk driving lawyer. At Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group, we will evaluate all your damages, gather necessary evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Where do Drunk Driving Accidents Typically Happen in Atlanta?
In Atlanta, Georgia, drunk driving accidents are unfortunately common in several key locations across the city.
One of the most frequent spots for drunk driving accidents in Atlanta is along Interstate 285, also known as the Perimeter Highway. This major highway encircles the city and connects many suburban areas to Atlanta. The high traffic volume combined with speeding and impaired driving can lead to dangerous situations. Areas around the I-285 interchanges with major roads like Interstate 75 and Interstate 85 are especially prone to accidents due to the complex traffic patterns and congestion.
Another hotspot for drunk driving accidents is Downtown Atlanta, particularly around popular nightlife districts such as Buckhead and Midtown. These areas are known for their vibrant bar and restaurant scenes, which attract large crowds. As people leave these establishments, the risk of encountering drivers who have been drinking increases. High traffic and a high density of pedestrians make these areas particularly dangerous.
The vicinity around major sporting venues and event spaces, such as Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena, also sees a higher number of drunk driving incidents. Events and games often lead to large crowds and heavy drinking, and as people head home, impaired driving becomes a significant risk factor.
Additionally, neighborhoods near college campuses, like Georgia State University, can experience increased drunk driving incidents. College students often engage in social activities involving alcohol, and the nearby roads and residential areas can see a rise in impaired driving.
Finally, the areas around major shopping centers, such as Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, can be problematic. These shopping centers draw significant traffic, and with the presence of bars and restaurants in the vicinity, there is an increased risk of drunk driving accidents.
Types of Atlanta Drunk Driving Accidents
In Atlanta, drunk driving accidents fall into several common categories, each with distinct characteristics.
- One of the most common types of drunk driving accidents in Atlanta is rear-end collisions. These often happen when a driver under the influence fails to notice that traffic has slowed or stopped. In busy areas like downtown Atlanta or around major interchanges on Interstate 285, impaired drivers may not react in time, leading to crashes where one vehicle hits another from behind.
- Side-impact or “T-bone” collisions are also frequent in drunk driving incidents. These occur when a drunk driver runs a red light or ignores a stop sign, resulting in a side-impact crash with another vehicle. High-traffic intersections, such as those near busy nightlife districts like Buckhead or Midtown, are common locations for these accidents. The impaired judgment of drunk drivers increases the likelihood of failing to observe traffic signals, causing dangerous side impacts.
- Head-on collisions are another serious type of drunk driving accident. These accidents typically occur when a driver swerves into oncoming traffic or drives the wrong way on a one-way street. Areas with high traffic and complex road layouts, such as those near sports venues or large shopping centers, are particularly vulnerable to such collisions. Drunk drivers may lose control of their vehicles and veer into opposing lanes, leading to devastating head-on crashes.
- Single-vehicle accidents are also prevalent among drunk driving incidents. These occur when an impaired driver loses control of their vehicle, often due to speeding or reckless driving. This can lead to the vehicle hitting a barrier, pole, or even rolling over, causing the vehicle occupants to suffer serious (and possibly fatal) injuries. Areas with winding roads or high speeds, such as certain parts of Interstate 285, are prone to these accidents.
Common Injuries in an Atlanta Drunk Driving Accident
Victims of drunk driving accidents in Atlanta can suffer from a range of serious injuries due to the high-impact nature of these collisions.
- One of the most common injuries in drunk driving accidents is whiplash. This occurs when a sudden impact causes the victim’s head and neck to snap back and forth, straining the muscles and ligaments. Whiplash can result in severe neck pain, stiffness, and long-term discomfort.
- Broken bones are another serious injury often seen in drunk driving accidents. The force of the collision can cause fractures in various parts of the body, including the arms and legs. For instance, victims may suffer compound fractures where the bone breaks through the skin, requiring immediate medical attention and possibly surgery. Such injuries can lead to long recovery periods and significant pain.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are also a major concern. These injuries occur when the victim’s head experiences a violent impact, leading to brain damage. Symptoms can range from concussions to cerebral contusions or diffuse axonal injuries. TBIs may also cause long-lasting effects, including cognitive impairments, memory issues, and sudden changes in behavior.
- Spinal cord injuries are another severe outcome of drunk driving accidents. Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, affecting a victim’s ability to move or feel parts of their body. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, and they can have a profound effect on a victim’s quality of life.
Fighting the Insurance Company After a Drunk Driving Accident in Atlanta
When dealing with an insurance company after a drunk driving accident in Atlanta, it can be challenging to secure a fair settlement. At Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group, here’s how we can fight on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- First, we will gather comprehensive evidence to support your claim. This includes obtaining police reports, medical records, and witness statements. This evidence establishes the extent of your injuries and the drunk driver’s liability. We also collect photos of the accident scene and damage to vehicles, which can further strengthen your case.
- Next, we can evaluate the full effect of your injuries, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. This helps us determine a fair compensation amount. Insurance companies may try to offer a low settlement, but we will use this detailed assessment to argue for a higher amount that accurately reflects your losses.
- Negotiation is a key part of fighting the insurance company. We will aggressively handle the settlement negotiation process to ensure the insurance company doesn’t undervalue your claim. We will also use our knowledge of personal injury law and experience with similar cases to counter any tactics the insurance company may use to reduce their payout.
- If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court. Sometimes, the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, and litigation becomes the best option. We will represent you in court, presenting your case to a judge or jury and advocating for the compensation you deserve.
Throughout the process, we will keep you informed, answer your questions, and guide you on the best course of action.
Steps to Take after an Atlanta Drunk Driving Collision
After suffering injuries in an Atlanta drunk driving accident, taking certain steps is crucial to protect your rights and strengthen your case.
- First, obtain a copy of the police report. This report provides official documentation of the accident, including details about the drunk driver’s impairment and the crash circumstances. It’s an important piece of evidence for your claim.
- Next, focus on completing your medical care. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments. Keeping detailed records of your medical treatments, expenses, and any ongoing issues is essential. This documentation supports your claim by showing the full extent of your injuries and the related costs.
- Finally, speak with an experienced Atlanta drunk driving accident attorney as soon as possible. At Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group, we can guide you through the legal process, gather additional evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. We will work hard to ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Speak with an Experienced Atlanta Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
If you sustained injuries in a recent drunk driving accident, the knowledgeable team of attorneys at Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group is here to help. We can promptly begin an investigation into your accident circumstances and handle every step of the process for you, better enabling you to recover the fair compensation you deserve. Remember, you don't have to face the legal battle alone.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Atlanta drunk driving attorney, please call us at (833) 285-9467. By taking advantage of our free consultations, you can gain clarity on your legal situation and make informed decisions about your next steps