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What To Do If Injured In A Drunk Driving Accident In GA Or TN

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What To Do If Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident in Georgia or Tennessee

North Georgia and Chattanooga, Tennessee share the unfortunate distinction of having high rates of accidents caused by driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs and driving while intoxicated (DWI).

In Georgia and Tennessee, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers 21 and older is 0.08%. This means that driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher is considered “under the influence,” which is illegal in Georgia and Tennessee. Drivers can face severe criminal and civil penalties if arrested for DWI. Unfortunately, these laws do not deter all drivers from getting behind the wheel after a couple of drinks. With Super Bowl LIX coming up, the next two weeks could be dangerous times on the roads.

Let’s review the DWI data and how it reveals what’s happening the roads of North Georgia and Tennessee. This will help set expectations for any road trips during the big game or other major festivities. We’ll also provide tips for avoiding a suspected drunk driver, and – should an accident occur – an overview of filing a drunk driving accident claim in North Georgia or Chattanooga, Tennessee.

What The Data Tells Us

Various national and state safety programs reinforce need for sober driving and accountability, yet drivers in Chattanooga, TN and Woodstock and Cartersville, GA still risk their lives and others by getting behind the wheel after drinking.

DWI Accidents Woodstock, Cartersville and North Georgia

According to the Governor’s Office Of Highway Safety in Georgia, the number of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities steadily increased from 2018 to 2022; from 379 to 507. That averages more than one fatality per day.

DWI Accidents in Chattanooga

The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security reports that 787 motor vehicle accidents involved a DUI driver, and 1 in 7 serious injury crashes involved a DUI. And Hamilton County, bolstered by Chattanooga, had Tennessee’s fourth-highest rate of known alcohol-related traffic crashes between 2011 and 2022.

The Consequences of Drunk Driving Accidents in Georgia

Drunk driving accidents can have devastating consequences for both the victims and the intoxicated drivers. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, property damage, and even death. At Pritchard Injury Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that drunk driving accidents can take on individuals and their families.

Here are some of the consequences of drunk driving accidents:

Physical injuries: Drunk driving accidents can cause serious injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal organ damage. These injuries may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Emotional trauma: Victims of drunk driving accidents may experience emotional trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. These psychological effects can have a long-lasting impact on their quality of life.

Financial burden: The costs associated with drunk driving accidents can be overwhelming. Victims may face medical bills, lost wages due to inability to work, property damage, and ongoing expenses related to their injuries. Seeking compensation through a personal injury claim can help alleviate some of this financial burden.

How Long Do I Have to File A DWI Injury Claim in Georgia?

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of your crash to file your drunk driving accident claim. If you do not file on time, you may lose your right to take legal action entirely.

How Long Do I Have to File A DWI Injury Claim in Tennessee?

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Tennessee is one year from the date of the injury (Tennessee Code § 28-3-104). This is one of the shortest time limits in the U.S., so it's crucial to act quickly if you're considering legal action. There may be exceptions, such as cases involving minors or discovery of injuries later, but generally, missing the deadline means losing the right to sue.

Contact Pritchard Injury Firm if you have suffered an injury or property damage due to the actions of a drunk driver in North Georgia or Chattanooga, TN.

Tips For Avoiding Drunk and Dangerous Drivers

Awareness of road risks in Chattanooga, TN, Cartersville GA or Woodstock GA should not deter you from enjoying your ride to or from a Super Bowl party, or even a Westminster Dog Show-watching bash.

Here are some tips for sober drivers to avoid impaired drivers on the road:

Stay Alert and Watch for Signs of Impairment

  • Look out for vehicles that are swerving, braking erratically, or drifting between lanes.
  • Be cautious of drivers who are excessively slow or speeding unpredictably.
  • Keep an eye on cars that make wide turns or fail to use headlights at night.

Keep Your Distance

Avoid High-Risk Areas and Times

  • Drunk driving incidents are more common late at night, on weekends, and during holidays.
  • Be extra cautious near bars, event venues, and areas with high nightlife activity.

Drive Defensively

  • Stay focused, wear seatbelts and anticipate unexpected movements from other drivers.
  • Use your mirrors frequently and be ready to react to sudden stops or lane changes.

If you see a driver who seems impaired, keep your distance and call 911 or the local authorities to provide the vehicle’s description, location, and direction of travel.

Your GA/TN Injury Lawyer

Pritchard Injury Firm wants everyone in North Georgia and Tennessee to be drive safely and without fear of drunk driving accidents. Contact us if you have suffered an injury or property damage due to the actions of a drunk driver. Located in Chattanooga, TN and Woodstock and Cartersville, GA, Pritchard Injury Firm will provide a free consultation and the compassionate legal and emotional support you deserve.