The consequences can be deadly for both the driver and victims, yet thousands of drivers are arrested for driving under the influence every year in Georgia. Many are responsible for causing devastating injuries and deaths to incident victims.
If you or a family member are ever the victim of a drunk driving accident, understanding your rights and the laws surrounding impaired driving are paramount. With the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney, you can feel confident that the well-being of your and your family is in good hands.
Drunk driving, or driving under the influence, is a criminal offense in all 50 states. While the penalties vary by state, typically the law of any jurisdiction defines Driving Under the Influence as the act of operating a vehicle while affected by drugs or alcohol. Drivers who have a blood-alcohol content level of just about any level are in violation of the law.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 10,142 deaths from drunk driving crashes in 2019. Hence, every day in 2019 an average of 28 people died due to drunk driving. Despite a major reduction in driving during the pandemic plagued year of 2020, drunk driving did not statistically decline.
Always remain aware of other drivers when behind the wheel – paying attention to their habits can play a huge role in keeping you safe on the roads. Drivers who are under the influence tend to drive erratically, and driving defensively can help you avoid a collision. Keep alert for drivers who do the following and avoid them if possible.
While avoiding a collision is obviously ideal, in many cases, there is simply no way to evade an accident. Knowing what to do after a collision can make a tremendous difference in the outcome after the fact.
Being in a car accident is jarring, unexpected, and can be absolutely life-changing. While the state may choose to file charges based on the criminal act of driving under the influence, there is certainly more that can be done to achieve justice. If the collision resulted in injuries or you are now mourning the death of a loved one, an experienced personal injury lawyer like those at Lazenby Law Group will be able to advise you of your options and legal rights.
The first step after an accident is to reach out for help – contact the police and request an ambulance, even if there aren’t immediately apparent injuries. After a serious accident, injuries may not reveal themselves until the initial adrenaline has worn off. Inform the police of your suspicions about the other driver, and take note of whether you notice any field sobriety tests underway.
Even if you don’t feel that you are seriously injured at the moment, allow the paramedics to assess you and make their reports. If you have injuries that manifest after leaving the scene (which is fairly common), make sure you go to the emergency room to be checked again for injuries and inform them your injuries are the result of such a collision.
If possible, speak with the other driver and exchange your names, contact information, and insurance details. If there are witnesses, be sure to get their contact information as well.
In the aftermath of an accident, everything can be overwhelming, and documenting the scene may be far from your mind. However, pictures of the location, vehicles involved, skid marks, the debris field, or anything else that seems pertinent can be extremely important. Remember not to post any photos to social media or even your own account of the accident.
Yet, be acutely aware of what you are stating at all times as your insurer may ultimately be an adversary.
Evidence and memory quickly become faded and vague, so contacting a personal injury lawyer quickly is key. We will advise you about your rights and help you avoid obstacles in your pursuit of justice.
If you or your loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, contact our team at Lazenby Law Group right away. We will work tirelessly to ensure that the losses you and your family have suffered are treated with respect and honored with fair compensation.
