If a drunk driver has harmed you or your loved one, a Tifton Drunk driving accident lawyer from John Foy & Associates can help. They will evaluate your case, calculate the settlement to which you are entitled and seek the maximum damages for you. Drunk driving accidents happen all too frequently in the United States. The results can have tragic and life-long consequences.
What to Do When a Drunk Driving Accident Happens
If you have been in an accident that you believe was caused by a drunk driver, there are several things you should do. At the scene, you should start by taking care of your own injuries and making sure other people involved in the accident are also helped. Call 911.
You should say as little as possible. You don’t want to jeopardize or confuse the case, so fight the impulse to take responsibility. Allow law enforcement to investigate and determine who caused the accident.
Collect information that might be helpful if the case goes to trial. Take pictures, witness statements, or contact information, exchange info with the others involved and check to see if there is any other video or photographic evidence.
Determining Liability of a Drunk Driving Accident in Tifton, Georgia
It may seem fair that if an alcohol-impaired driver is at fault in a collision that they would automatically be considered liable. But, that is not exactly how the law works. For instance, if you rear-end a drunk driver, they may be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI), but because technically it was your fault, you could be liable for damages. Here are some factors that are considered after an accident.
- The blood alcohol level. 0.08% is considered too impaired to drive.
- Injuries need to be documented if they were caused by the accident.
- Witness testimony of the accident and of people who may have been with the driver before the accident.
- Police will collect evidence and determine responsibility.
- Photographs or videos taken during or after the accident. This could include phone photos, dash cams, or security videos.
It’s all in the details, and your drunk driving accident attorney in Tifton will be able to use this evidence to help you recover what you are entitled to.
Types of Damages that May Apply to a Drunk Driving Accident in Tifton, Georgia
There are three basic types of damages that a person involved in a Tifton drunk driving accident might receive.
- Economic Damages These damages are easy to track. Usually, they refer to the time you’re out of work, vehicle damages, and medical bills.
- Non-Economic Damages These damages are subjective but equally important. They might include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, as well as things like anxiety and emotional distress.
- Punitive Damages are often paid by drunk drivers as a way to punish them for their carelessness and willful misconduct. Punitive damages are rare.
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Shared Responsibility for Alcohol-Impaired Accidents
Along with seeking damages from the driver who was drunk and chose to drive anyway, others may also share the blame. The owner of a vehicle who entrusts it to an intoxicated person can also be responsible for damages suffered by the victims. That may take more evidence than a blood alcohol test, but with evidence and witness testimony, it is possible to prove.
If an establishment overserves a patron, especially if they are noticeably intoxicated and will be driving, they can be found culpable.
A Tifton Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Can Help Even if the Case Does Not Go to Court
Often, in the state of Georgia, drunk driving accidents don’t go to court. Sometimes, the plaintiff and defendant will negotiate, through their legal representatives, the damage claims outside of court. A lawyer from John Foy & Associates will be with you every step of the way.
Ensuring that you or your loved one get the settlement that you are entitled to is the main job of your drunk driving accident attorney in Tifton, GA, even if this means settling out of court. Your attorney will help their clients thoroughly examine any offers that come to the table so that their clients are treated fairly and equitably.
Georgia Citizens Face an Elevated Risk of Drunk Driving-Related Accidents
Information from Backgroundchecks.org tells us that the national average for drunk driving fatalities is climbing. When compared to the national average for alcohol-impaired driving accidents, Georgia is slightly ahead and ranked 18th in the U.S. when compared to other states’ DUI issues. With 25% of highway fatalities being credited to drunk drivers and a 5.3% uptick in DUIs as a whole in recent years, being a defensive driver should take on even more gravity to Georgia’s licensed drivers.
Preparing for Court with a Tifton Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Your livelihood, health, and happiness are on the line after an accident with a drunk driver. The right lawyer can make all the difference. They will prepare you by investigating and reviewing the evidence.
Often there are details that a victim would not consider valuable, but an experienced attorney will know if there is helpful evidence. They will also make sure that you are prepared for court. It can be stressful and overwhelming to fight for your quality of life in front of a courtroom.
A drunk driving accident attorney in Tifton, GA, will instruct and prepare their client for their courtroom experience. Comfort and preparation will ensure that the trial portion of your cases produces less anxiety. Your attorney can evaluate your case by examining all of the details.
They can interpret any offers and answer all of their client’s questions. Communication and respect are the bedrock of John Foy & Associates. And you can count on them to have your best interests at the forefront of how your case is conducted.
Contact a Drink Driving Accident Lawyer in Tifton Today
Wisdom and courtroom knowledge are important when it comes time to secure the best possible settlement. A drunk driving accident attorney in Tifton from John Foy & Associates has that experience and can match you with the right lawyer for your case. Contact us today to see how we can help you.
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