Gwinnett County Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys
Victims of drunk drivers have suffered an already devastating injury. Many people who are victims of these accidents see it as enough that the legal system works to criminally punish the driver. However, you have every right, and likely the financial need, to hold them accountable civilly as well.
At Kenney & Medina, P.C., we are a group of dedicated, experienced personal injury attorneys with over 70 years of combined experience in fighting for victims of car accidents in Suwannee. As drunk driving accident lawyers, we’ve seen clients suffer from injuries and face significant obstacles as they try to recover from an accident. We’re dedicated to helping you get back to your life.
Who Can Be Liable Beyond The Drunk Driver
One of the most complicated aspects of a drunk driver car accident is the way fault can work in these cases. In many cases, under Georgia dram shop laws, it is not only the driver who can be held civilly liable for the accident, but the bar or restaurant where the person became intoxicated.
As with holding the driver at fault, in pursuing the establishment where the person drank, there is a statute of limitation. You must file a lawsuit within two years of the injury. Additionally, you must have proof that the driver was served when they were visibly intoxicated.
That said, meeting these requirements is possible once you engage our firm to begin the pursuit of the compensation you deserve. We are skilled in our investigation methods and work closely with police to gain the information you need to move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Car Accidents
After a car accident of any type, you will have considerable questions, and when a car accident is as complex as one that has the criminal dimension of a drunk driving accident, your questions will be even more urgent. Here are answers to a few questions that our clients often ask at the start of these cases.
Do I still have a case if the driver was not convicted of a DUI?
Yes. There are several reasons you can still pursue a claim against a driver who wasn’t convicted of a DUI for drunk driving. They include:
- There is a lower burden of proof.
- Proof of blood alcohol content is not required; you only must prove that they were impaired.
- Criminal charges are a completely separate filing.
However, if the person who struck you is convicted, that is a considerable boon to your case.
Can I sue the bar that overserved the driver?
Yes, you can. You do not have to prove that the driver was above the limit, only that the establishment served them when they were visibly intoxicated. The dram shop laws in Georgia are a bit more protective of home and private parties where alcohol is served, so it is unlikely that you would be able to pursue a homeowner in this case. However, bars and restaurants have a duty to stop serving a person at a certain point.
What if the drunk driver is uninsured or flees the scene?
If the drunk driver is uninsured, you have an uninsured or underinsured rider on your policy as that is required by law. This will allow you to recover some amount of compensation from your own insurance company after the car accident. If the other driver left the scene in a hit-and-run, the same coverage may apply, but the police will be diligent in seeking out this driver, as a hit-and-run is a serious offense.
Get Our Assistance And Guidance Today
Reach out to our office to ask your questions and get an advocate willing to take your case as far as necessary to get results. We have the experience in the area and the dedication to pursue your case to where we need to for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today by phone at 770-564-1600 or send an email using this online form.