Car accidents are life-altering; unfortunately, with so many drunk drivers, you will be in an accident at some point. Depending on your injuries and losses, you will be in and out of the hospital, have an inoperable vehicle, and cannot work. Victims are anxious, confused, and in pain immediately, but the long-term effects are even more detrimental.
While you are under all this stress, the Winder drunk driving accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates is here to recover compensation for your losses.
Dangerous Driving Times
A drunk driver can get behind the wheel at any time of day, but there are times and days when it is more likely to see a drunk driver. Drunk drivers will be on the road during the late evening hours, particularly from midnight to 3 am on weekends. Winder residents can run into drunk drivers during the week as well.
You must stay vigilant but remember you are not the one deciding to drink and drive; they are. Do not feel guilty because you could not avoid an accident.
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Injuries from Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk drivers have slower reaction times and drive faster than the speed limit. They should not be driving at all, but when they do, they can cause severe injuries to victims. While some wounds can heal with proper treatment, others will stay with you for years.
Injuries stemming from drunk driving accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Head trauma
- Spinal cord damage
- Whiplash
- Emotional distress
- Internal bleeding
- Concussion
- Broken bones
Many other injuries stem from drunk driving accidents, and you must get medical treatment immediately.
Starting a Drunk Driving Accident Claim
Before starting a drunk driving accident claim, you need to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer in Winder with experience, compassion, and knowledge in Winder, GA. The claim process involves filing an insurance claim, proving your losses, and negotiating a settlement. John Foy & Associates has been helping drunk driving accident victims in Winder for over 20 years, so we know what it takes to file a claim and get compensation for victims.
While it sounds like a simple process, it is very challenging because the insurance company does not want to pay for the actions of its insured. You must report the drunk driving accident to the police and the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Our law firm will then begin an investigation.
They will challenge every piece of evidence, no matter how solid it is. If we cannot settle an insurance claim, we will file a lawsuit and continue to fight for you.
Compensation for Your Losses After a Winder DUI Crash
Legal action is available for you when the car accident was someone else’s fault, like when a drunk driver smashes into you. Unfortunately, the insurance company will not give you the money you require for your losses. We will pursue payment for the following losses:
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental trauma
- Disfigurement
- PTSD
The goal of recovering damages for your losses is to get you to your pre-accident state by making you whole again. While you are financially whole, you may never be physically or emotionally whole again if you suffer a permanent injury. The mental anguish that a car accident causes are life-changing, and many victims continue to suffer PTSD and anxiety for years to come.
Statute of Limitations for a DUI Claim in Georgia
Georgia allows you to file a car accident claim within two years of the incident. Once that time passes, you do not have any compensation options available. Having two years to file does not mean you can wait until the day before the two years are up to start a claim.
Evidence and witness testimony can fade or be challenging to obtain the longer you delay taking action. Our Winder drunk driving lawyers begin to build your case the moment you choose our law firm. We use a Strong Arm approach to ensure we collect all evidence.
Taking the First Settlement Offer
The insurance company is sneaky and will offer you a quick settlement to get you off their back. They will send you a low offer before you know the severity of your injuries. Do NOT take the first settlement offer because the insurance company only cares about maintaining its bottom line.
It is challenging for accident victims to calculate their damages and negotiate with insurance companies. Still, our drunk driving accident attorneys in Winder, GA, know how to calculate your losses and negotiate a settlement.
Each case is different, and your damage awards will vary depending on your injuries, future prognosis, evidence, and the cause of the accident. Drunk driving accident victims can receive anywhere from $4,000 to $80,000 for their losses. The compensation awards are much more significant in a case with permanent injuries.
You and your lawyer must do everything possible to build a solid claim to get maximum compensation. Once you reach an agreement, it can take six weeks to four months to receive your payment.
Drunk Driving Accidents Have Criminal Penalties
Your car accident claim will be a civil issue, but when there are drugs or alcohol involved, Georgia reserves the right to file criminal charges for the driver’s negligence. One penalty that drunk drivers can face is their victims recovering punitive damages.
The at-fault driver can also face fines, probation, jail time, community service hours, and enroll in drug or alcohol treatment programs. Jail time can be from 10 days to 12 months for a first offense, with subsequent offenses leading to steeper penalties.
Get the Strong Arm Approach
When you have been in a drunk driving accident, you need a law firm with knowledge and experience handling your claim. John Foy & Associates is here to help accident victims across Winder, GA, move on from these events. Schedule your initial consultation today.
Our Winder drunk driving accident attorneys are ready to take on the insurance company and get you the compensation you deserve.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
