In 2008 there were 1,493 fatalities from motor vehicle collisions, with 489 being alcohol related. According to the CDC, every day 32 people in the United States die, in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. This amounts to one death every 45 minutes. The annual cost of alcohol-related crashes totals more than $51 billion. All 50 states in the US and Puerto Rico now apply two statutory offenses to driving under the influence of alcohol. Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Georgia subjects the driver to punitive damages awarded by a civil jury in addition to any penalties imposed by the State. Our lawyers co-author the premiere legal text on punitive damages under Georgia law.
Specific considerations are in order in drunk driving or impaired driving cases. First, where did the impaired driver get the drugs or alcohol? If the person was obviously intoxicated and then served more alcohol by a business with a liquor license, that business may be held liable under “dram shop” laws for any resulting injury or death caused by the drunk driver. Similarly, if the impaired person was furnished alcohol or drugs at a private party, the homeowner may be at fault under Georgia’s social host law. When an adult provides drugs or alcohol to a minor and that minor injures or kills someone, then the adult can often be held responsible for the consequences.
In most cases, we seek compensation for our clients from the drunk driver’s auto insurance policy. If that impaired driver was uninsured or underinsured, we may also to seek full or partial compensation under the victim’s auto policy for UM coverage. Link & Smith, P.C. stands up to insurance companies to get the full and complete compensation our clients deserve.
If a family member has been injured or killed by a drunk driver, you should contact us as soon as possible. At Link & Smith, P.C., we are thoroughly familiar with DUI laws, punitive damage laws, personal injury and wrongful death statutes. To arrange a free consultation about your case, contact the personal injury attorneys of Link & Smith, P.C. Call toll free 888-315-8840.
