Our Law Firm Represents Georgia Victims of Drunk Drivers

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The word “accident” is particularly inaccurate to describe crashes involving intoxicated drivers, who made a deliberate choice to get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  It is well-known that driving drunk or drugged substantially increases a driver’s chances of causing a serious car wreck.  The results can be extremely serious:  wrongful death or very serious injuries, including brain damage, amputation injuries, paralysis and severe burns.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, about 27% of Georgia’s fatal traffic accidents in 2008 involved drunk drivers.  That is better than the national average of 32%, but still much higher than it could be.  According to research by the federal Department of Transportation, about a third of DUI accident victims in 2007 were people other than the intoxicated drivers themselves -- passengers, pedestrians or people in other vehicles. The same agency reported that, among traffic deaths of children, 15% were caused by alcohol-impaired drivers -- and half of those deaths were the deaths of child passengers in cars driven by intoxicated adults.  The problem is not simply with alcohol. Marijuana, pain medication, crystal meth, methamphetamines, heroin, cocaine, opium, Quaaludes and other drugs can lead drivers to cause serious automobile accidents on Georgia roads and highways.

Georgia laws (and Georgia juries) do not look kindly on drivers shown to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Legal liability (fault for the accident) is generally easier to prove in cases of intoxicated drivers, particularly if the driver was charged with a DUI, drug or “less safe” offense.  That means victims should be offered a larger settlement -- and if they must go to court to enforce their rights, victims are entitled to ask for punitive damages.  Punitive damages are special payments, not available in every case, intended just to punish severe wrongdoing.  Normally, under Georgia law, punitive damages are capped at $250,000, but where alcohol is involved, punitive damages can be unlimited.  Of course, victims are also entitled to claim all of the same damages that other Georgia accident victims may claim, including their medical bills, repair costs and other costs of the accident as well as compensation for pain, suffering and any permanent disability or scarring.

If you were the victim in an accident involving alcohol or drug impairment, Atlanta drunk driving accident lawyer Charles Scholle can help. Since 1995, he has represented Georgia individuals and families seeking justice and financial compensation for very serious injuries.  Particularly in cases of intoxicated driving, he understands that clients come to him in a time of intense emotional and physical pain, and often financial strain. That is why the Law Offices of P. Charles Scholle tries to make cases as easy as possible for clients by thoroughly explaining the case and their role in it; keeping them updated as it progresses; and working to get them the best possible financial results.

If you or someone you love has been injured by an irresponsible drunk driver and you are ready for action, please contact Charles Scholle for a free consultation today.  From a main office in Gwinnett County, he serves clients from offices in Buckhead and the Perimeter and represents victims throughout Atlanta and Georgia. To set up your free consultation, you can send the firm a message online or call toll-free at 1-866-972-5287 or in Atlanta at 770-717-5100.