Forsyth County Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyers
According to Georgia’s Department of Highway Safety, approximately 300 people are killed by drunk drivers each year and many more are injured in the state. When you sustain an injury caused by another’s negligence, you have the right to seek damages for the losses associated with the accident and a Forsyth County drunk driving car accident lawyer can help.
Alcohol and operating a motor vehicle are a deadly combination. The consumption of alcohol can seriously impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and motor skills. If you sustained an injury in a crash with an intoxicated driver, you may benefit from the assistance of a skilled injury lawyer.
What Are the Laws Surrounding Drunk Driving?
Each state has statutes outlawing operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and Georgia is no exception. Under Georgia law, a drunk driver is anyone in physical control of a vehicle:
- With a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or more;
- With any trace of illegal drugs in their urine or blood; or
- While under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance.
The under the influence element exists to cover drivers who are intoxicated despite being under the .08 limit, or in cases where they refuse to submit to a chemical test.
Criminal Consequences and Civil Consequences
Driving under the influence is illegal in the State of Georgia, but it is essential to understand that there may also be civil consequences if a drunken driver is involved in a wreck. The criminal consequences of driving under the influence include potential fines, jail time, and the loss of driving privileges. However, a criminal prosecution against a drunken driver does not bar an injury victim from seeking compensation through a civil lawsuit. On the contrary, a plaintiff may use a defendant’s criminal conviction for DUI against them at trial.
Will a Drunk Driven be Jailed in a Civil Case?
Unlike a criminal prosecution, a civil case will not result in the incarceration of a drunken driver. However, it will provide an injury victim with the ability to seek monetary damages stemming from their collision with a drunken driver. A Forsyth County drunk driving accident attorney can help determine whether a person can bring a civil suit against the responsible party.
Statute of Limitations for a Forsyth County Case
When it comes to filing a Forsyth County lawsuit against a drunken driver, there is no time to waste. Like all states, Georgia applies a statute of limitations that sets a time limit on when a plaintiff may file these claims. The consequences of filing a lawsuit outside of the allowed time frame are severe and can result in the permanent dismissal of the claim.
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for an injury in a drunk driving accident is two years from the date of the injury. A Forsyth County attorney with experience handling drunk driving accidents could help a person comply with all mandatory deadlines.
Call a Forsyth County Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer Right Away
Driving drunk in the State of Georgia is inexcusable. When a drunk driver causes a crash that results in injuries, they should face the consequences. To hold the driver who injured you or your loved one accountable, contact a Forsyth County drunk driving car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
