Columbus
DUI Accident Lawyer in Columbus

If you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you’re probably in pain and stressed. As medical bills pile up, it’s best to seek legal support. A DUI accident lawyer in Columbus will help you file a claim to recover the full costs of your medical care, car repairs, lost work time, and other losses. 

At John Foy & Associates, we are dedicated to serving injured victims in Georgia. Since we founded the law firm in 2003, we have recovered over $1 billion for clients. Our Columbus car accident lawyers always fight for maximum compensation, providing compassionate counsel and support throughout the legal process.

How a DUI Accident Lawyer in Columbus, GA, Can Help You

Our Columbus personal injury lawyers have 350 years of combined experience helping accident victims get fair compensation for their injuries and losses. We’ll work with you to determine which damages you need to get back on your feet after a DUI accident and fight tirelessly to get every last cent of compensation you’re owed.

Here’s what our DUI accident lawyers in Columbus will do to get the best results possible for you after a DUI crash:

• Conduct a thorough investigation of your accident and the crash scene.
• Collect surveillance footage, witness statements, police reports, medical records, accident reconstructionist testimony, and blood alcohol content (BAC) test results.
• Calculate the full value of your damages, including future care or lost income.
• Handle all communication with insurance companies and opposing counsel.
• Negotiate with insurers to get a settlement that meets your needs.
• File a civil suit and represent you in court if necessary.
• Fight to hold the impaired driver liable for your injuries and financial losses.
• Keep you updated throughout the legal process.

Compensation Our Firm Can Pursue for You After a DUI Accident

When you work with our Columbus DUI accident attorneys, we’ll calculate the value of your claim and won’t stop working until we’ve recovered full compensation on your behalf. Depending on the challenges you’re facing due to the incident, you could receive a wide variety of damages.

Whether you’re dealing with expensive medical bills, income-related losses, or other struggles, we’ll fight to make sure your settlement or court-awarded compensation reflects the suffering and losses you’ve been burdened with. Depending on your unique situation, our team may pursue any of the following damages for you:

• All your medical costs, including doctor appointments, medication, and physical therapy
• The cost of repairing or replacing your car or other damaged property
• The value of any lost wages due to time missed at work because of the accident
• Decreased earning capacity due to long-term injuries that limit your ability to work at your current job

These damages can make a world of difference in your recovery process after a drunk driving collision. That said, it can be difficult to get the compensation you need to recover without the help of a trusted attorney. Reach out to our legal team today to get the assistance you need to make a full financial recovery.

Punitive Damages

As the victim, you have a right to recover far more after a drunk driving crash than you would in other motor vehicle accident cases. You could be awarded tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The financial recoveries in drunk driving cases are large because judges can award punitive damages. These are extra financial awards that the liable party must pay the victim above and beyond the actual costs of the accident. This is meant to both punish the drunk driver and deter future DUIs.

Remember that drunk driving cases are complicated. Sometimes, it’s advisable to wait until the liable party is convicted in criminal court before pursuing your claim. In other cases, it’s important to move as quickly as possible. Either way, you should reach out to a DUI accident attorney in Columbus to learn more.

What Counts as Driving Under the Influence in Georgia?

The legal definition of drunk driving is much broader than most people think. From a legal perspective, the phrase “buzzed driving is drunk driving” is true. A Columbus DUI accident attorney from our team will explain how state laws impact your case.

Georgia’s legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08%. Therefore, almost anyone who gets behind the wheel after consuming alcohol likely has some level of impairment and may be breaking the law.

Alcohol isn’t the only way to get a DUI, though. Any substance that affects your driving also counts, including: 

• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs like marijuana or cocaine
• Legal prescription drugs
• Over-the-counter drugs that cause drowsiness, such as cough syrup

What You Should Do if a Drunk Driver Injured You or a Loved One

After a DUI crash, remember that the other motorist will likely do everything possible to avoid facing the consequences of their actions. Therefore, anyone injured by a drunk driver should take steps to gather evidence and protect their rights. Some simple steps you can take include the following:

• Call the police immediately: Many drivers will offer to resolve the accident without getting a law enforcement officer or insurance companies involved to avoid license suspension and other penalties. However, getting a police report will strengthen your claim.
• Tell the police if you suspect the other driver is intoxicated: Police are trained to recognize symptoms of drunkenness and drug use. They can administer a field sobriety test or a breathalyzer test on the spot.
• Take a video: If you have a phone, start recording a video before approaching the other motorist. An impaired driver often shows obvious signs of intoxication, like slurred speech, confusion, anger, or stumbling. Your video can serve as evidence.
• Watch for the driver trying to cover up evidence: Take pictures if you see them trying to get rid of bottles or cans, pour out a beverage, take eye drops, or use breath spray.
• Get witnesses: Ask others at the scene if they saw what happened, and exchange information with witnesses so that you can contact them later.
• Get medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor initially, you need to go to a doctor immediately after the accident and get a diagnosis.

Most importantly, you should call a DUI accident lawyer in Columbus, GA. Drunk driving laws are complex, and winning a claim without legal assistance is difficult. In addition, your attorney can pull the criminal record and driving record of the person who injured you and see if they have a history of past convictions.

Do You Still Have a Claim if You Knowingly Got Into the Car With a Drunk Driver?

Yes, you have a valid claim because the drunk driver is still at fault even if you were their passenger, whether or not you knew or suspected they were inebriated when you got into the car. They are the ones who broke the law and caused the accident.

However, the Muscogee County courts may view your case differently if you knew the driver was drunk. A Columbus, GA, drunk driving victim accident lawyer can walk you through the possible outcomes of your case and help you understand your legal options.

At our Columbus DUI accident law firm, we believe in helping accident victims and will not let your legal rights be taken away from you. Schedule a free consultation with us today to get the counsel and representation you need to deal with this unfortunate situation.

Who Is Responsible for the Costs of the DUI Accident?

Normally, the intoxicated motorist who engages in reckless driving bears full responsibility for the costs of a DUI crash. However, there are times when this is not fully true. Bartenders, servers, and restaurant owners are legally obligated not to serve patrons who already appear intoxicated. 

They might be responsible for the accident costs if they overserved a client. Anyone who provides alcohol to a juvenile under 21 breaks the law and shares responsibility for their actions. 

A party host who knowingly gave alcohol to a minor may be responsible for the costs of the crash. Our Columbus DUI accident attorneys can review the details of your case and determine who should be on the hook for your damages.

Is There a Deadline to File a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Columbus?

Yes. Columbus follows statutes of limitations set by Georgia state law and U.S. federal law. Under Ga. Code § 9-3-33, you’ll likely have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit against the drunk driver or other liable party.

However, there are exceptions where the deadline is much shorter. All crash victims should speak to a DUI accident lawyer in Columbus, GA, as soon as possible. Never risk losing your rights by waiting. We’ll ensure your lawsuit is filed on time, giving you the best chance possible of making a full recovery.

Families of Drunk Driving Accident Victims Can File a Wrongful Death Claim

Losing a loved one in a drunk driving accident can be devastating for you and your family. While no amount of money can bring your loved one back, some compensation can help your family manage bills and expenses. 

When you hire a Columbus wrongful death lawyer from our firm, you get a legal team that can oversee your wrongful death claim and bring in experts to investigate the cause of the accident.

Reach out to our team to get the compassionate support and fierce advocacy you need to make it through this deeply upsetting time in your life. Your attorney can help you assess your losses and fight to get you fair compensation for: 

• Pre-death medical expenses
• Burial costs
• Loss of household income
• Pain and suffering 

The Prevalence of DUI Crashes in Georgia

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 3,699 people died in crashes involving intoxicated drivers in Georgia between 2003 and 2012. Furthermore, 1.4% of adults reported driving after drinking in the past 30 days.

The statistical report reveals important demographic information about the victim profile. For example, most victims in 2012 were within the 21-34 age group (5.8 per 100,000 population in 2012). Furthermore, the death rate by gender reveals a higher number of male victims, 4.9 per 100,000 population.

These findings underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to prevent reckless driving and promote safer driving practices among all motorists, particularly those in high-risk groups. If you or a loved one has been injured in one of these types of incidents, don’t wait to take legal action. Get in touch with our team soon, and we’ll help you take the first step toward justice.

No Fee Until We Win Your Case

At a time when you’re facing costly medical bills and other serious financial challenges, you’re probably not eager to spend a fortune on an expensive lawyer. At our firm, we understand how financially stressful the aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be. 

That’s why we’ll handle your case on a contingency fee basis. In other words, we won’t charge you any fees upfront or out-of-pocket. Instead, we’ll take a percentage of the money you receive from your claim as payment.

If we lose your case, you won’t be expected to pay us anything. Reach out to our Columbus DUI accident attorneys to learn more about our fee structure and get the help you need to recuperate from the crash.

Talk to a Columbus Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer for Free

Moving forward after a drunk driving accident can be a confusing and painful process. The good news is that you don’t have to deal with your claim or lawsuit alone. At John Foy & Associates, we’ll be by your side throughout the entire legal process. 

Our team ensures your rights are protected and fights for maximum compensation for you and your loved ones. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a trusted DUI accident lawyer in Columbus. 

We’ll meet with you to discuss your accident, injuries, and legal options moving forward. No matter how serious your situation is, we have what it takes to get the resources and compensation you need to put this unfortunate incident behind you.