Despite the numerous warnings about hazards associated with drunk driving, many individuals still decide to get behind the wheel of a car or truck after having too much to drink.
If you recently sustained injuries in a drunk driving crash, you may recover compensation. The skilled legal team at Hall & Collins Injury Lawyers can meet with you immediately to discuss your accident circumstances and determine your options for pursuing the compensation you deserve.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a skilled Athens drunk driving accident attorney, please call us at (706) 351-6055 or contact us online today.
- Why Should Our Athens Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Represent You?
- How Much Is My Athens Drunk Driving Accident Case Worth?
- Where Do Drunk Driving Accidents Frequently Occur in Athens?
- Common Categories of Drunk Driving Accidents in Athens
- Common Injuries in an Athens Drunk Driving Accident
- Fighting the Insurance Company in an Athens Drunk Driving Accident Case
- Most Important Steps to Take after a Drunk Driving Accident in Athens
- Contact a Skilled Athens Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Right Away
Why Should Our Athens Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Represent You?
Drunk driving accidents can result in debilitating injuries. As a result, you want an experienced legal team to advocate for you during every stage of the proceedings.
The Athens drunk driving accident lawyers at Hall & Collins Injury Lawyers can handle the legal components of your case while you focus on getting better.
Over the years, we have recovered more than $100 million in compensation for our injured clients. Moreover, we limit our annual caseloads, allowing us to focus our attention directly on your case and give it the individualized attention it deserves.
You can view our most recent client testimonials and case results by clicking on the following links.
Our office is conveniently located at 594 Oconee St., Suite 111, Athens, GA 30605.
How Much Is My Athens Drunk Driving Accident Case Worth?
Determining the worth of your drunk driving accident case in Athens, Georgia, involves various factors, including the extent of your injuries, property damage, and the specifics of the accident. In general, you may recover economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are tangible losses like:
- Medical Expenses – You can recover costs related to emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment. To prove your damages, keep all medical records and bills as evidence.
- Lost income – If your injuries prevent you from working, you may receive compensation for lost income. This includes both the earnings you lost during recovery and any potential future earnings if the accident permanently affects your ability to work.
- Property Damage – This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the accident.
Non-economic damages are more subjective and compensate for the intangible effects of the accident.
These may include:
- Pain and Suffering – This compensation accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress you endure as a result of the accident and your injuries.
- Emotional Distress – This includes anxiety, depression, or PTSD stemming from the accident. Documenting these feelings with a mental health professional can support your claim.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you may claim damages for your diminished quality of life.
To get a clearer picture of how much your case may be worth, it’s advisable to consult with a skilled Athens drunk driving accident lawyer who understands Georgia law.
At Hall & Collins Injury Lawyers, we can evaluate your damages, gather evidence for your case, and negotiate with insurance companies, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Where Do Drunk Driving Accidents Frequently Occur in Athens?
In Athens, Georgia, drunk driving accidents commonly occur in various locations due to nightlife, traffic patterns, and local landmarks.
- One of the primary locations for drunk driving accidents in Athens is near Downtown Athens. This area is known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. On weekends, especially during football season, crowds flock downtown, often resulting in increased instances of impaired driving as individuals leave bars after consuming alcohol.
- Another hotspot is in the vicinity of University of Georgia (UGA). As a major college town, UGA attracts students and young adults who frequently engage in social activities that may involve drinking. Streets surrounding the campus, particularly near student housing and local bars, often see higher rates of drunk driving incidents, especially during events like game days or fraternity and sorority parties.
- Highway 78 and Riverbend Parkway are also notable locations for drunk driving accidents. These busy roadways experience significant traffic flow, and the risk increases at night when visibility decreases. Drivers under the influence may struggle to maintain safe speeds and navigate turns, leading to dangerous collisions.
- Additionally, East Broad Street and Oconee Street are well-traveled routes that intersect with popular nightlife areas. Accidents often occur at intersections and traffic signals where impaired drivers may misjudge their surroundings or fail to stop properly.
- Finally, residential areas near bars and clubs also experience drunk driving accidents. Streets in neighborhoods close to entertainment venues can see drivers who have consumed alcohol attempting to navigate home, sometimes resulting in collisions with parked cars or pedestrians.
Common Categories of Drunk Driving Accidents in Athens
In Athens, Georgia, drunk driving accidents include:
- Single-Vehicle Accidents – These occur when a driver loses control of their vehicle and crashes into a stationary object, such as a tree, guardrail, or light pole. Impaired drivers often have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment, making it more likely for them to veer off the road or misjudge curves. In Athens, single-vehicle accidents are particularly common on rural roads or less populated areas where drivers may underestimate the risks. When a passenger suffers injuries in a single-vehicle accident, they may pursue compensation from the driver’s insurance company via a claim or lawsuit.
- Rear-End Collisions – This type of accident happens when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. Drunk drivers may be unable to maintain a safe following distance, or they may misjudge their speed, leading to these types of collisions. In busy areas like downtown Athens, where traffic can slow suddenly, rear-end collisions frequently occur due to an impaired driver’s inability to react in time.
- Traffic Intersection Accidents – Many drunk driving crashes happen at intersections, where vehicles cross paths. Impaired drivers may run red lights or stop signs, causing serious accidents with oncoming traffic. In Athens, high-traffic intersections near bars and clubs – especially during late-night hours – are often hotspots for these types of collisions.
- Pedestrian Accidents – Drunk driving poses a significant risk to pedestrians. Impaired drivers may struggle to see pedestrians crossing streets or may misjudge their distance. Areas near nightlife hotspots, such as downtown Athens, are particularly dangerous for pedestrians – especially late at night when alcohol consumption is high.
- Multi-Vehicle Accidents – These accidents involve more than two vehicles and can happen when an impaired driver collides with another vehicle, which then causes a chain reaction. Such accidents are common in high-traffic areas of Athens, where they may involve multiple cars.
Common Injuries in an Athens Drunk Driving Accident
Victims of drunk driving collisions in Athens, Georgia, often face serious injuries with long-lasting effects on their lives.
Some of the most common injuries that accident victims suffer include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries – One of the most common injuries resulting from car accidents, including drunk driving collisions, is whiplash. This injury occurs when the head suddenly jolts forward then backward, straining the neck muscles and ligaments. Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, which can persist for weeks or even months.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – Drunk driving collisions may also lead to TBIs, which occur when the brain is jolted inside the skull due to a sudden impact. TBIs can range from concussions to severe brain damage, resulting in cognitive impairments, emotional changes, and physical disabilities. The long-term effects can significantly affect an accident victim’s overall quality of life.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the injury. Victims may face lifelong challenges, including loss of mobility, chronic pain, and the need for extensive medical care. Spinal cord injuries often stem from high-impact collisions common in drunk driving accidents.
- Fractures and Broken Bones – Victims of drunk driving accidents frequently suffer from fractures and broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs. These injuries can occur when a victim strikes the interior of the vehicle or another object during a collision. Recovery may require surgery, physical therapy, and significant time away from work and daily activities.
- Internal Injuries – Blunt force trauma from a collision can result in internal injuries, such as damage to organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries may require immediate medical intervention to prevent death.
- Emotional and Psychological Injuries – Beyond physical injuries, victims often experience emotional trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The psychological effect of a drunk driving accident may require counseling or therapy.
Fighting the Insurance Company in an Athens Drunk Driving Accident Case
The insurance company can make a drunk driving accident in Athens challenging. However, at Hall & Collins Injury Lawyers, we can help you navigate this process effectively.
Here are some key ways we can assist you:
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering – We will first conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to collect all relevant evidence. This includes gathering police reports, witness statements, and medical records. We may also obtain surveillance footage or photographs of the accident scene, which can strengthen your case.
- Determining Fault – Establishing who is at fault is crucial in any accident case. We will analyze the circumstances surrounding the accident to prove the other driver’s negligence, including their level of intoxication at the time. This may involve obtaining blood alcohol content (BAC) records and witness accounts to demonstrate the other driver’s impaired behavior.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies – Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, which can be frustrating. We will handle all communications with insurance adjusters on your behalf. Our experience allows us to negotiate effectively to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
- Calculating Damages Accurately – We will help you understand the full extent of your damages, including both economic and non-economic losses. This comprehensive assessment ensures that you pursue compensation that reflects your actual needs and suffering.
- Litigation if Necessary – If the insurance company refuses to offer you a fair settlement amount, we can take your case to court. We will build a strong legal strategy to advocate for your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
By partnering with us, you gain a dedicated ally in your fight against the insurance company, ensuring that your case is handled with the skill and care it deserves.
Most Important Steps to Take after a Drunk Driving Accident in Athens
Following a drunk driving collision in Athens, Georgia, to protect your rights and ensure you receive proper compensation:
- First, you should prioritize your health by finishing your medical treatment. Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments to document your injuries and recovery. You need this medical record for any car accident claims or lawsuits you file.
- Next, obtain a copy of the police report. This report contains vital information about the accident, including details about the other driver, witness statements, and any citations issued. You need this document for your case.
- Do not speak with the insurance company alone. Insurance adjusters often seek to minimize payouts and use anything you say against you. Have our attorneys handle these discussions to protect your rights.
- Finally, contact an experienced Athens drunk driving accident attorney at Hall & Collins Injury Lawyers right away. We can explain your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. We will also work to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost earnings, and other damages.
Contact a Skilled Athens Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Right Away
If you sustained injuries in a recent Athens, Georgia, drunk driving crash, the skilled legal team at Hall & Collins Injury Lawyers is ready to advocate for your interests.
We will aggressively fight for your rights at every stage of the proceedings and pursue a favorable settlement offer or litigation result in your case.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Athens Personal Injury lawyer, please call us at (706) 351-6055 or contact us online.