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Injured by a Drunk Driver in Lawrenceville, GA? We Can Help.

Finding the right Lawrenceville DUI accident lawyer for your injuries can make an immense difference in the way your case is handled and the ultimate outcome and settlement. Experience and compassion should be key characteristics of the legal team that helps you after you’ve been hit by a drunk driver near Lawrenceville. There will be a lot of moving parts to the case, from insurance companies, criminal proceedings, hearings and court cases, as well as your own injuries and property damage – and making sure you’re receiving top-quality care and can be confident the at-fault party’s responsibilities are met.

Our team of experts at The Kalka Law Group is dedicated to taking care of our clients – bringing that compassion and expertise into play for everyone we represent. Our team of Lawrenceville DUI accident lawyers have over 30 years of combined experience in the field of personal injury.

Together, our founding attorneys have the following awards & accolades:

  • Selected as Clients’ Choice Personal Injury Attorneys on Avvo®
  • Millions of dollars in recovery for our clients
  • Anthony Kalka included in The National Trial Lawyers “Top 40 under 40”
  • Included in the list of Georgia’s Top 100 Lawyers
  • Attorney Kalka has been included in Georgia’s Super Lawyers® as a Rising Star℠ and Georgia’s Super Lawyers®
  • Named to Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite
  • 10.0 Superb rated on Avvo

Contact an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer in Lawrenceville today at (404) 835-8073 for more information.

Typical Injuries After A Drunk Driving Accident

There is never an injury that “never” happens or “always” happens – but there are some more common accidents that happen due to being hit by a drunk driver. It is incredibly important to go to the doctor, emergency room, or urgent care to document injuries and establish care right away. Here are a few more frequently seen injuries after someone is hit by a drunk driver.

Impact injuries:

  • Head injuries: These can range from mild concussions to severe brain trauma, depending on the force of the impact and the object struck.
  • Neck injuries: Whiplash is a common neck injury caused by the sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head.
  • Chest injuries: Broken ribs, collapsed lungs, and internal bleeding are all possible chest injuries from car accidents.
  • Abdominal injuries: Internal organ damage, such as to the spleen, liver, or kidneys, can occur in severe collisions.
  • Bone fractures: Broken bones are frequent in car accidents, and the location and severity can vary widely.

Other injuries:

  • Cuts and lacerations: Broken glass, airbags, and other objects in the car can cause cuts and scrapes.
  • Sprains and strains: These are injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, often caused by sudden twisting or jolting movements.
  • Psychological trauma: Car accidents, especially those involving drunk drivers, can be traumatic experiences that lead to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What Should I Do If I Suspect The Person Who Hit Me in a Car Accident Is Driving Under the Influence?

First and foremost – make sure you stay safe during this process. The safety and well-being of yourself and others is paramount in this situation. Here are some steps you can take if you suspect the person who hit you is driving under the influence (DUI):

Immediately:

  • Ensure your safety: If you’re still in or near the road, prioritize getting to a safe location away from traffic.
  • Call emergency services: Dial 911 or your local emergency number and report the accident and your suspicion of DUI. Provide as much detail as possible, including the location, vehicle descriptions, and any observations about the driver’s behavior.
  • Gather evidence: If possible, take photos or videos of the scene, including the damage to both vehicles, any road markings, and any visible injuries. Do not engage with the driver directly.

While waiting for help:

  • Stay calm and cooperate with authorities: Once emergency personnel arrive, answer their questions honestly and provide any information you have.
  • Seek medical attention: Even if you feel unharmed, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional for potential injuries you might not be aware of.
  • Contact your insurance company: Inform them about the accident and follow their instructions for filing a claim.

Remember:

  • Do not attempt to confront the driver yourself. Leave that to law enforcement.
  • Do not accuse the driver of DUI directly. Stick to reporting your observations and suspicions.
  • Your well-being is the top priority. Focus on staying safe and getting the help you need.

By following these steps, you can help ensure your own safety and potentially prevent further harm from the driver under the influence.

Can You Sue For A DUI Car Accident In Georgia?

If you are not at fault, you definitely can file a claim for your bills, loss of work, and other damages you incur due to their negligence. Depending upon the insurance coverages and dollar amounts, “suing” the person that hit you is likely going to be something left up to insurance companies. There may be liability on the bar or liquor store according to Georgia’s “Dram Shop Laws” that would be available should there be proof that the establishment served a visibly inebriated customer.

Your Kalka Law Group attorney can investigate and determine if there is exposure outside of the insurance claims within the parameters of the DUI car accident.

What is the Statute of Limitations After a Drunk Driving Accident in Georgia?

The Statute of Limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a drunk driving accident in Georgia is typically 2 years from the date of the accident. However, there are a few exceptions and factors to consider that may extend or shorten this timeframe:

Shorter Timeframes:

  • Government-owned vehicles: If the accident involved a city or county-owned vehicle, the deadline is typically 6 months. For a state-owned vehicle, it’s 1 year.
  • Notice requirements: If you plan to sue the government or its employee, you need to formally notify them within specific timeframes (not limitation periods, but crucial): 1 year for the state and 6 months for local governments.

Longer Timeframes:

  • Pending criminal case: If a criminal case related to the accident, like a DUI charge, is still pending, you may have up to 6 years to file your lawsuit from the date the criminal case ends.
  • Minors and incapacitated individuals: For minors and individuals deemed mentally incapacitated, the clock may not start ticking until they reach legal age or regain capacity.

General Tips:

  • Don’t wait until the last minute: Even if you have two years, starting the process sooner rather than later is always advisable. Evidence can fade, witnesses may become unavailable, and your memory of the event may become less clear over time.
  • Consult an attorney: Our qualified drunk driving accident attorneys in Lawrenceville can advise you on the specific details of your case and the applicable statute of limitations, guiding you through the legal process and maximizing your chances of success.

Remember: These are just general guidelines, and the specific details of your case may differ. It’s crucial to consult with a qualified legal professional for accurate and personalized advice regarding your situation and the applicable statute of limitations.

What Is The Average Settlement For A DUI Accident In Georgia?

While there is no way to determine an average settlement across all DUI accidents in Lawrenceville, GA – we can look at the cases the Kalka Law Group has successfully concluded, either via settlement or judgment.

Settlements can vary greatly depending upon the amount of damage, the seriousness of injuries, and the comparative negligence judgment. Comparative negligence laws reduce the amount of settlements awarded if the injured party is determined to be, at least in part, at fault. If a driver is traveling the wrong direction on a road and is hit by a drunk driver in Lawrenceville – they might be partially at fault for the accident, and the judgment would be reduced by that percentage.

How Much Do DUI Accident Lawyers Charge In Lawrenceville?

At Kalka Law Group, we understand that facing a legal challenge can be stressful and daunting, especially when financial concerns add to the burden. That’s why our Lawrenceville-based team operates on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing out of pocket upfront or throughout your case unless we succeed in securing a settlement or judgment in your favor.

How Do No Win No Fee Lawyers in Lawrenceville Work?

  • Zero upfront costs: Don’t let financial constraints prevent you from pursuing your legal rights. We take on the financial risk, covering all litigation expenses until we win your case.
  • Shared success: Our fee is a percentage of the compensation you receive, so our interests are fully aligned. We only win when you win.
  • Peace of mind: Focus on your recovery or dealing with the situation at hand while we handle the legal battle and fight for the maximum possible compensation.
  • Experienced advocacy: Our Lawrenceville team comprises seasoned attorneys with a proven track record of success in various legal areas. We leverage our expertise and dedication to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Need an Attorney for Your Drunk Driving Accident Injury  in Lawrenceville?

Drinking and driving is a serious problem in the state of Georgia. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, there were more than 400 alcohol-impaired related fatalities, which is nearly 30 percent of all roadway fatalities in 2008. While many steps are being taken to help reduce the regularity of drunken drivers on the road, it is not enough to protect all Lawrenceville drivers.

For this reason, it is vitally important that you contact an experienced Lawrenceville DUI injury lawyer who can help you with your DUI accident case. With more than 30 years of legal experience, we know just how devastating a drunk driving accident can be and we are committed to helping protect the injured. If you were in an Uber or Lyft accident and believe that the driver was under the influence when it occurred, we can investigate the case and help to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Understanding the Dangers of Drinking & Driving

Despite efforts made nationwide to highlight the dangers of drinking and driving, DUIs remain a hazard on Georgia roadways. Many people believe there is no harm in having a few drinks and then going home with no idea of the effects that alcohol can have on the system. Even after a couple of beers, the body begins to change and react, resulting in slowed reaction time and impaired judgment.

The law makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle with blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08 percent; however, it is also against the law to drive when you are impaired by alcohol, regardless of your BAC percentage.

Some of the symptoms a driver may experience at different BAC percentages:

  • 0.010 to 0.029: The average individual will feel normal with only subtle effects.
  • 0.030 to 0.059: The driver may experience euphoria and relaxation with increased talkativeness. This may also result in lessened inhibitions and problems with concentration.
  • 0.06 to 0.09: The driver’s feelings may become blunted and extroverted. At this level, they may have problem reasoning, as well as struggle with depth perception, peripheral vision, and glare recovery.

As you can see, the effects of drinking do not start at 0.08 percent. For some, they may start much, much lower than that. Worse, most people do not usually recognize how many drinks it takes to reach a certain level, especially because there are so many factors that go into BAC-from weight to height to gender.

Top-Rated Accident Attorneys in Lawrenceville, GA

We are committed trial lawyers who have been honored for our work, including being selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ and named to the National Trial Lawyers’ list of Top 40 Under 40.

If you or someone that you care about has been injured in a Lawrenceville car accident caused by drunk driving, we encourage you to contact us today. You do not need to let something like this keep you down for the rest of your life there are ways that you can step up and fight for your rights!

You can also fill out our online contact form to send a message to our firm directly, or call us at 404-835-8073.