By Pierce Blitch & Will Dasher
Drunk driving remains a grave concern on U.S. roads. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that nearly a third of all traffic deaths are linked to alcohol impairment. Despite decades of public awareness campaigns about its dangers, around 28 Americans lose their lives each day due to alcohol-related crashes.
A Persistent Menace
Harsh penalties, jail time, and fines haven’t stopped drunk drivers. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, in 2021(most recent data), Georgia recorded 469 fatalities resulting from alcohol-impaired driving, accounting for 26% of all traffic-related deaths in the state. This figure represents a 26% increase from the 371 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities reported in 2020. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nationally, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities constituted 31% of all motor vehicle deaths in 2021 (most recent data).The devastation—both physical and financial—is apparent. Drivers who choose to drink before getting behind the wheel not only endanger themselves but also put everyone around them at risk.
Punitive Damages: A Powerful Deterrent
Georgia law allows car accident victims to seek compensation for losses tied to the crash, like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Additionally, victims may receive damages for pain and suffering due to injuries sustained.
In DUI cases, victims may also pursue punitive damages. Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages serve to deter, punish, or penalize the defendant. Georgia typically limits punitive damage awards to $250,000 under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1, but there’s no cap when the defendant is driving under the influence. These awards are granted over and above compensatory damages.
Proving Alcohol Was a Factor
Law enforcement officers often arrest drivers for DUI after failed or refused field sobriety tests. Allowing the criminal case to proceed before filing a personal injury lawsuit can greatly strengthen the victim’s claims if a DUI conviction occurs. Even if the defendant is acquitted, the victim can present independent evidence and witness testimony to show that alcohol contributed to the accident.
Victims might also pursue legal action against third parties, such as bars or social hosts. According to Georgia’s Dram Shop Act (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-40), those who unlawfully provide alcohol to underage or clearly intoxicated individuals, knowing they’ll soon be driving, can be held responsible for resulting injuries.
If You’re a DUI Accident Victim
If you or a loved one has suffered from a drunk driving accident in Evans, Georgia or the surrounding area let us help.
CALL THE Blitch Law Firm ATTORNEYS AT LAW TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CASE
We fight for you, and we don’t back down. Every personal injury case has potentially life-altering consequences. We don’t hold back on providing our clients the best possible representation. At The Blitch Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a personal injury case can take. If you, a family member, or a close friend has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact The Blitch Law Firm today at 706-434-8770 or visit us at 7004 Evans Town Center Blvd., Third Floor, Evans, Georgia 30809 to discuss your unique case and our dedicated personal injury strategies with one of our compassionate and experienced attorneys.
DISCLAIMER: The content on this site is for informational purposes and may not reflect current laws in your area. The Blitch Law Firm or the writer is not offering legal advice here, nor does it replace professional legal guidance. Readers should seek tailored legal or expert advice for their situation from a licensed attorney or other professional authorized to practice in their jurisdiction.