Georgia Injury Lawyers Blog
March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day. Be prepared to be bombarded with lots of Guinness, shamrocks, pots of gold, leprechauns, cabbage, corned beef, and all sorts of green things. But for all the merriment and revelry that St. Patrick’s Day brings, you should also be on high alert for drunk drivers.
It’s vital to keep in mind that alcohol is a huge element in various traffic accidents while you’re enjoying this much-awaited cultural holiday. Here are facts about drunk driving accidents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- One of the most dangerous holidays in the U.S. is St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most dangerous holidays in the U.S. is Between 2013 and 2017, 234 people died because of drunk driving accidents. Additionally, in 2017, more than 10,000 people died due to drunk driving incidents, and all of those untimely deaths could have been prevented.
- During St. Patrick’s Day 2017, 59 people lost their lives to drunk driving accidents.
- Between 12 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on March 18, 2017, 75% of car crash deaths involved drunk driving.
- Planning on walking home after a night of drinking? This can also be potentially deadly. In 2017, approximately 32% of pedestrians that died due to car crashes were found to have blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) of .08 or higher. To be safe, arrange for a sober friend or ride to get you home.
Consequences of Drunk Driving in Georgia
In Georgia, it’s illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Although a DUI conviction usually leads to a criminal record, costly fines, and sometimes, jail time, the drunk driving incident that led to the conviction typically results in severe injuries or death to the passengers, drivers, other motorists, or pedestrians. State rules also allow for felony DUI charges if the drunk driver’s negligent actions resulted in death or bodily harm to another individual.
Drunk Driving Accidents and Liability
Most personal injury claims that involve drunk driving settle before they even reach the court. But if you fail to reach a fair settlement with the defendant, you may still claim compensation for your losses through a personal injury lawsuit. You can also pursue a claim for wrongful death if a loved one was killed due to a drunk driving accident.
For your claim to succeed, you’ll need to establish the defendant’s intoxication level, prove that the defendant’s level was excessively high for operating a motor vehicle safely, and prove that the defendant did not exercise reasonable care, therefore causing the accident. You will also need strong evidence against the defendant, which could include the accident’s police report, your medical records, witness testimonies (if applicable), and expert opinions.
Contact the Georgia Personal Injury Lawyers of Slappey & Sadd Today
For any questions regarding your rights and ability to file a claim, consult with one of our Georgia personal injury attorneys here at Slappey & Sadd. They will be able to answer all your questions, address your concerns, and help you determine the best legal actions specific to your case. Call us at 888-474-9616 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers today.