Macon Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Getting hit by a drunk driver is a terrifying experience. In an instant, a reckless decision by someone else can change your life. If you or a loved one has been injured because a driver chose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, you have rights. You deserve justice and fair compensation for your pain and losses.
At The Super Lawyer, we understand the anger and confusion you feel right now. Drunk driving accidents are not just “accidents”—they are preventable crimes. Our experienced Macon drunk driving accident lawyers are here to hold the negligent driver accountable. We handle the legal battle so you can focus on healing.
Compensation You Can Recover After a DUI Accident
When a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the damage they cause is often severe. In a Personal Injury Claim, you can seek money for the harms you have suffered. This is known as damages.
We fight to get you full compensation for:
- Medical Bills: This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medication, and future rehabilitation costs.
- Lost Wages: If you cannot work while you recover, you should be paid for that lost time. If you can never return to your old job, we look at future lost earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the crash.
- Property Damage: We help you get the money to repair or replace your vehicle.
Punitive Damages: Punishing the Reckless Driver
In Georgia, drunk driving cases are different from regular car accidents because of Punitive Damages. These are extra damages awarded not just to pay you back, but to punish the driver for their dangerous behavior. Under Georgia law, there is usually a cap on these damages, but in cases involving drugs or alcohol, that cap may not apply. We will fight to ensure the driver faces the full financial consequences of their actions.
Proving Fault in Drunk Driving Accidents
Even if it seems obvious that the other driver was drunk, we still need to prove it legally to win your civil case. We gather strong evidence to support your claim.
Key evidence we look for includes:
- Police Reports: These often contain the officer’s observations of the driver.
- BAC Results: The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) test results are critical proof of intoxication.
- Witness Statements: People who saw the crash or saw the driver drinking beforehand.
- Video Footage: Dashcam video or security camera footage from nearby businesses.
- Criminal Case Records: If the driver pleaded guilty or was convicted of DUI in criminal court, we use that to strengthen your civil case.
Georgia DUI Laws and Liability
Driving under the influence is a serious offense. According to Georgia O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391, it is illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the extent that it makes it less safe to drive. For most drivers, a BAC of 0.08 grams or more is automatically considered illegal.
[cta:Button1]
However, you do not always need a criminal conviction to win a civil lawsuit. The burden of proof in a civil injury case is lower than in a criminal trial. We only need to show that it is “more likely than not” that the driver’s negligence caused your injuries.
What to Do After a DUI Crash in Macon
Taking the right steps immediately after an accident can protect your health and your future legal claim.
- Call 911: Ensure the police arrive to file a report. Tell them if you suspect the other driver is drunk.
- Seek Medical Attention: Go to the doctor or hospital immediately, even if you feel okay. Adrenaline can hide injuries.
- Gather Evidence: If it is safe, take photos of the scene, the vehicles, and any beer cans or bottles visible in the other car.
- Get Witness Info: Write down names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened.
- Do Not Sign Anything: Insurance companies may try to offer a quick, low settlement. Do not sign anything without talking to a lawyer first.
Dealing with Insurance and Uninsured Drivers
Insurance companies can be difficult. They may try to blame you or downplay your injuries. This is why having a lawyer is essential. We handle all communication with the insurance adjusters.
But what if the drunk driver has no insurance? This happens often. In this situation, we may look at your own auto insurance policy. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) is designed to pay for your injuries if the at-fault driver cannot pay. We will review your policy to find every available source of money for your recovery.
Wrongful Death Claims
Tragically, many drunk driving accidents result in the loss of life. If you have lost a family member due to a drunk driver, we are deeply sorry for your loss. In Georgia, you may be able to file a Wrongful Death claim.
This claim allows surviving family members to recover the “full value of the life” of the deceased. This includes lost lifetime income and the intangible value of their companionship and life experiences. While money cannot bring them back, it can provide financial stability for your family during a difficult time.
How Much Does a Macon DUI Accident Lawyer Cost?
You might be worried about the cost of hiring a lawyer. At The Super Lawyer, we work on a Contingency Fee basis. This means:
- You pay $0 upfront.
- You pay $0 for us to investigate your case.
- We only get paid if we win money for you.
Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict we secure. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us attorney fees. This allows you to get top-quality legal representation without financial risk.
Statute of Limitations: Don’t Wait to File
Time is limited. In Georgia, the Statute of Limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. If you wait too long, you will lose your right to sue forever. Evidence disappears and memories fade, so it is best to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
[cta:Button1]
FAQs
You can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In DUI cases, you may also be eligible for Punitive Damages, which are designed to punish the drunk driver for their reckless actions.
Usually, yes, but not automatically. We still must prove that their intoxication caused the accident. Georgia uses Comparative Negligence rules, meaning if you were partly at fault (like speeding), your compensation might be reduced. However, the fact that the other driver was drunk is strong evidence in your favor.
Under Georgia O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher (0.04% for commercial drivers and 0.02% for drivers under 21). It is also illegal to drive under the influence of drugs or any substance that makes it less safe to drive.
Generally, the Statute of Limitations is two years from the date of the crash. However, there are exceptions. Sometimes the time limit is paused while a criminal prosecution is pending against the driver. It is best to speak with a lawyer immediately to know your specific deadline.
Yes. Drunk driving cases can get complicated. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly for less than the case is worth. A lawyer ensures you calculate all your future medical needs and fights for Punitive Damages that you might miss on your own.
If the at-fault driver has no insurance, we can file a claim against your own Uninsured Motorist Coverage if you have it. We can also investigate if other parties might be liable, such as the owner of the vehicle if the drunk driver borrowed it.
Yes. Georgia law allows for Punitive Damages in cases where the defendant showed “willful misconduct” or “entire want of care.” Drunk driving fits this definition. These damages are in addition to your compensation for injuries.
The process starts with an investigation and gathering evidence (police reports, medical records). We then send a demand letter to the insurance company. If they refuse to offer a fair settlement, we file a lawsuit and prepare for trial. Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare as if we are going to court.
We work on a Contingency Fee structure. This means our payment is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we win for you. You do not pay any attorney fees out of your own pocket.
We use police reports, breathalyzer or blood test results (BAC), dashcam footage, witness testimony, and expert accident reconstruction to prove the drunk driver caused the crash.
Get Justice Today
You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistake. If a drunk driver in Macon has turned your life upside down, let us help you set it right. We are ready to listen to your story and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact The Super Lawyer today for a free consultation. Let’s start your road to recovery.
