Drunk driving is inexcusable. Regardless, drunk driving accidents happen in Locust Grove and other cities and towns across the United States every day. These accidents endanger motorists and pedestrians and cause injuries that can last a lifetime.
For those who suffer an injury due to a Locust Grove drunk driving accident, legal help is available. At John Foy & Associates, we make it easy to reach a top-notch Locust Grove drunk driving accident lawyer. From here, we can evaluate your case and offer personalized legal tips and recommendations.
There Are Severe Penalties for Impaired Driving in Georgia
In Georgia, an impaired driver can face up to one year of jail time for a first offense. The driver can also receive a fine that ranges from $300 to $1,000 and have their license suspended for up to one year. There is also a minimum of 40 hours of community service required for any driver who is found guilty of operating their vehicle while impaired.
The penalties for impaired driving in Georgia become more severe based on the number of times an individual is convicted. However, a drunk driver can cause an accident at any time. If a drunk driver harms motorists or pedestrians in Locust Grove, this individual must be held responsible for their actions.
A Locust Grove drunk driving accident attorney does their part to ensure that those who operate a vehicle while impaired are punished. The lawyer seeks justice on behalf of drunk driving accident victims. To do so, the attorney helps their clients seek the maximum amount of damages possible.
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A Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Locust Grove Teaches Clients About Damages
Locust Grove drunk driving accident victims can be awarded economic or non-economic damages. A judge or jury may award economic damages due to medical bills, loss of income, or other objective harm caused by a drunk driving accident. Comparatively, a victim may receive non-economic damages for pain or suffering relating to the accident.
There can be times when a drunk driving accident victim is given punitive damages. In these instances, a judge or jury awards punitive damages to deter an at-fault party from future negligent acts. These damages can be awarded in conjunction with economic or non-economic damages or both.
There is no limit on the amount of economic and non-economic damages that a drunk driving accident victim can pursue in a personal injury lawsuit. Meanwhile, there is a cap of $250,000 for punitive damages that can be awarded in Georgia personal injury cases. A Locust Grove drunk driving attorney ensures that their client seeks an appropriate amount of damages from anyone responsible for the incident.
How a Locust Grove Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Evaluates Damages
A Locust Grove drunk driving lawyer understands there is no precise formula for calculating damages. The attorney asks the client to provide as much information as possible about their drunk driving accident and any injuries associated with it. Next, the lawyer can help their client decide how much to request in damages from an at-fault party.
It is paramount for a Locust Grove drunk driving accident attorney and their client to consider the short- and long-term impact of an injury. This requires the attorney and client to assess medical records and review them carefully. The lawyer and their client may also meet with medical professionals to understand the costs of any treatments required for the injury.
Once a Locust Grove drunk driving accident lawyer and their client decide on how much to seek in damages, they can file a lawsuit. A personal injury claim must be filed against a drunk driver or any other at-fault parties involved in the accident within two years. Thus, the attorney works diligently to ensure their client’s lawsuit is submitted before the statute of limitations expires.
A Locust Grove Drunk Driving Accident Can Get Resolved in Court or Outside of It
The time it takes to resolve a drunk driving accident lawsuit in Locust Grove depends on the case. In some instances, a drunk driving case can take years to resolve. There may be instances in which a drunk driving case gets settled before it goes in front of a judge or jury, too.
For example, an at-fault party can present a drunk driving accident victim with a settlement offer. At this time, the victim can review the offer with their attorney. The victim can then decide if now is the right time to accept, reject, or counter the offer.
A drunk driving accident victim is under no obligation to accept a settlement offer. Instead, the victim should meet with their attorney to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of accepting the offer. If the victim decides the offer does not meet their expectations, this individual should have no qualms about walking away from it.
A Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Locust Grove Does Not Settle for Inferior Results
The best Locust Grove drunk driving accident attorney serves as their client’s partner. This attorney communicates and collaborates with the client throughout the legal process. Plus, the attorney urges the client to come forward with any legal concerns or questions.
For those who are on the lookout for a Locust Grove drunk driving lawyer, it can be beneficial to learn about the attorney’s experience. The ideal attorney has handled dozens of drunk driving accident lawsuits to date. This lawyer is unafraid to tackle any new drunk driving accident cases that come their way.
Choose a drunk driving accident lawyer who takes their client’s requests to heart as well. The attorney will help the client establish realistic expectations for their litigation. Most importantly, the lawyer will go above and beyond the call of duty to fulfill their client’s requests.
Get Help with Your Locust Grove Drunk Driving Accident Case from John Foy & Associates
John Foy & Associates knows the challenges associated with drunk driving accident cases in Georgia. Partner with a Locust Grove drunk driving accident lawyer from our law firm, and we will help overcome any legal challenges during your litigation. For more information about our legal services or to request a free consultation, please contact us today.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
