DUI Accidents

Aggressive Savannah Car Accident Attorneys Holding Impaired Drivers Responsible for the Harm They’ve Caused

Driving under the influence is one of the most dangerous and reckless behaviors on the road, typically leading to devastating accidents that result in life-changing injuries and, too often, fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI accident, it’s important to understand your legal options. At Suthers & Harper, our experienced team of Savannah DUI accident attorneys is dedicated to helping victims of drunk driving accidents seek justice and recover the compensation they deserve. We offer free consultations and are immediately available to meet with you to discuss how we can help. 

DUI Statistics in Georgia

DUI accidents continue to be a major problem in Georgia, with thousands of drivers arrested for driving under the influence each year. For example, in 2022, Georgia saw over 21,000 DUI arrests, many of which involved an accident. In fact, according to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, alcohol-related crashes were responsible for more than 250 deaths and accounted for nearly 25% of all traffic fatalities in the state.

If you’ve been injured in a DUI accident, it’s important to seek help from a Savannah DUI accident lawyer who can guide you through the legal process.

Liability in a Savannah DUI Accident

Under Georgia law, liability in a DUI accident may extend beyond the impaired driver. While the driver is clearly responsible for their reckless actions, other parties may also share liability under state law. One of the key aspects of determining liability in a DUI accident is understanding the role of dram shop laws.

Driver Liability: The most obvious party at fault in a DUI accident is the driver who chose to get behind the wheel while impaired. Under Georgia law, any driver with a BAC of .08% or higher is considered legally intoxicated and can be held liable for any damages they cause in a crash. Even if the driver’s BAC was below this limit, they may still be considered negligent if their ability to drive was impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Dram Shop Liability: In some cases, bars, restaurants, or other establishments that served alcohol to the drunk driver may also be held liable under Georgia’s dram shop laws. These laws state that a business can be responsible if it served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then caused an accident. Similarly, if an establishment serves alcohol to someone under 21, and that person causes an accident, the business may be held liable for the resulting damages.

Determining liability in a DUI accident requires a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the crash. An experienced Savannah DUI accident attorney at Suthers & Harper can help gather evidence and build a strong case to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.

Criminal Versus Civil DUI Cases

When a driver is arrested for DUI in Georgia, they will face criminal charges. These charges may result in penalties such as jail time, fines, and the suspension of their driver’s license. However, criminal proceedings focus on punishing the driver and do not provide compensation to the victims of the accident.

This is where civil cases come into play. As the victim of a DUI accident, you have the right to file a personal injury claim against the drunk driver to seek monetary damages for your losses, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Future medical care

It’s important to understand that a civil case is separate from any criminal proceedings. Even if the drunk driver is convicted of a DUI, this does not automatically result in compensation for you. In order to recover damages, you need to file a personal injury claim, and a Savannah DUI accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and the best way to pursue your claim. Our team at Suthers & Harper will work to ensure that all evidence from the criminal case, such as BAC results and police reports, is used to strengthen your personal injury lawsuit.

Get Started on the Road to Recovery by Scheduling a Free Consultation with a Savannah DUI Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a DUI accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The recovery process can be overwhelming, but the team at Suthers & Harper is here to help you hold the at-fault party accountable and obtain the compensation you need to get your life back. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward getting your life back on track. You can reach us by calling 800-320-2384 or by filling out our secure online contact form. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.