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Money Damages for Injuries Caused by Drunk Drivers in Georgia
If you've been injured by a drunk driver, you may have a right to money damages for your injuries, pain and suffering. On top of that, Georgia allows for additional money damages intended to further punish the person who got behind the wheel rather than simply calling a cab or getting a ride from a friend after having too much to drink.
October 12, 2011 /Law Enforcement PR News/ -- Money Damages for Injuries Caused by Drunk Drivers in Georgia
Accidents caused by drunk drivers on Georgia streets and highways all too often result in tremendous heartache to serious injury victims and family survivors of a wrongful death. One important aspect of Georgia personal injury law is that DUI injury plaintiffs can seek punitive damages due to the recklessness behind driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Punitive damages are authorized in some civil cases to punish individuals who show a callous disregard for others. Georgia motor vehicle accident cases involving intoxication are one area of personal injury law where punitive damage issues often come into play. This represents additional compensation beyond compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In any car or truck accident case, immediate review of the evidence by a skilled legal professional is important. If that evidence includes the at-fault driver's conviction for a drunk driving offense, a client is well-advised to explore the full extent of his or her legal options. In addition to helping the injury victim or surviving family members, a DUI-related punitive damages award sends a clear signal that drunk driving is a reckless act that society will not tolerate.
Legal Accountability When Drunk Drivers Kill Other Motorists, Passengers or Pedestrians
A recent fatal car/pedestrian accident in Clayton County reveals the dangers that Georgians face on a daily basis when other citizens get behind the wheel while under the influence. Three young men walking to a local store were run down from behind by a driver who ran a red light. Two of the boys were killed, and one was hospitalized with critical injuries.
The driver tried to flee the scene on foot before being apprehended by law enforcement. She was later charged with two counts of vehicular homicide, hit and run, driving with no proof of insurance, driving on a suspended license, and a red light violation, in addition to driving under the influence. Police reported that the driver admitted to being under the influence of medication.
The two fatal accident victims, age 16 and 17, had their lives cut short in a circumstance that suggests the driver's complete disregard for the safety of others. While personal injury compensation is generally based on the concept of negligence, such as a driver's failure to signal or a trucker driving longer than the law permits, blatant recklessness and disregard for the welfare of others deserves greater punishment.
Enlisting a Georgia Car Accident Attorney to Pursue Justice
When individuals suffer severe injuries in a drunk driving accident, a lifetime of lost earning capacity and medical expenses may be at stake. A Georgia personal injury lawyer can help a client take into account all implications of the injuries he or she has suffered, including long term needs for adaptive equipment.
Wrongful death cases require the same scrutiny of the circumstances behind an avoidable accident, as well as a difficult assessment of the value of a life lost due to another person's careless or reckless actions. Drunk driving accidents have higher fatality rates due to the fact that the at-fault driver is often oblivious to the danger ahead until the last instant.
Taking action as soon as possible in the aftermath of a serious motor vehicle accident, motorcycle accident or commercial truck accident can significantly improve a client's prospects for recovery of damages. Even in a hit-and-run accident scenario, indications of drunk driving or drugged driving may be obtainable based on witness observations or other evidence.
A Georgia drunk driving accident attorney will review all aspects of your case to see if pursuit of punitive damages is justified. Just as important, a personal injury lawyer can examine the accident report and interview witnesses and wreckage to determine whether other parties may have been at fault.
Defective automobile parts or faulty vehicle designs, the actions of other drivers not involved in the accident, or other factors may suggest other sources of liability. Georgia's civil justice system provides powerful tools for personal injury victims to hold negligent and reckless drivers, as well as others, responsible for the harm they cause.
Article provided by Floyd Buford, Attorney at Law
Visit us at www.fmbufordlaw.com
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