Cartersville Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Hit By a Drunk Driver in North Georgia? Let Us Fight For You!

Driving under the influence (DUI) is illegal in Georgia, per the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. Unfortunately, these laws do not stop drivers from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Although the state threatens consequences like fines, fees, license suspension, community service, and jail time; no punishment can amount to the gravity of causing serious injury or death to another person.

If someone injures or kills someone while driving under the influence, they could be charged with a crime that is more intense than a DUI, like vehicular manslaughter. While these criminal charges may bring some sense of justice, they do little to help victims move forward.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident in North Georgia, don't wait to seek legal representation. Contact Pritchard Injury Firm today for a free consultation. We are here to guide you through the legal process and help you recover the damages you are entitled to.

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 severe injuries, property damage, and even loss of life. 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.

At Pritchard Injury Firm, we are dedicated to helping victims of Georgia drunk driving accidents seek justice and obtain the compensation they deserve. Our experienced team of drunk driving lawyers in Cartersville can fight tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure that our clients receive the maximum compensation available under the law.

Civil Vs. Criminal DUI Cases

When someone harms you in a drunk driving accident, they typically leave the scene in handcuffs. Prosecutors will try the defendant in criminal court, but this should not have too much bearing on your civil case. In fact, you can file your lawsuit at the same time as the defendant’s criminal trial.

If the defendant is found guilty of DUI or vehicular manslaughter before your case is over, you may be able to use this fact to help you prove liability. Conversely, the defendant can be found not guilty of DUI and/or vehicle manslaughter and still be found liable for the accident.

Civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases. While prosecutors must prove defendants are guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt,” plaintiffs (people who file civil suits) must show defendants are liable via a “preponderance of the evidence.” This means you can win your case if you can prove that the likelihood the defendant is liable for your accident, injuries, and losses is greater than 50%.

We can help you navigate and make the most of your civil case – regardless of what happens in criminal courtrooms.

Georgia Drunk Driving Statistics

Every 50 minutes, someone in the United States dies in a drunk driving accident. Totaling nearly 40 deaths a day and more than 10,000 per year, these fatal accidents are completely preventable and, therefore, unacceptable. If these negligent drivers called cabs, designated a driver, spent the night, or walked home, more than 10,000 people would still be alive. Further, 28% of traffic-related deaths in the United States and 53% of fatal car accidents in Georgia involve an alcohol-impaired driver.

These grim statistics do not even begin to account for all the people who are injured in drunk driving accidents every year. Over 1 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics in 2018, and in 2017, more than 300,000 people were injured in drunk driving crashes.

Each one of these numbers represents an injured individual or devastated family member. To Pritchard Injury Firm, these numbers are much more than statistics – they are people, and hopefully, some of them are people we can help. If you are looking for an attorney who understands what you are going through after a drunk driving accident and dedicates themselves to your best interests, look no further than our firm.

Get Experienced Legal Help from Pritchard Injury Firm

Pritchard Injury Firm has one goal: helping you move forward after your drunk driving accident in Georgia. We understand what you’re going through, and we want to find the best possible solution for you. Attorney Zach Pritchard puts himself in your shoes, so he can give you the advice and support you need during this difficult time. At our firm, you are always more than a statistic or a case number. You are our client, neighbor, friend, and most importantly, a human being.

Call our Cartersville drunk driving accident lawyers at (470) 577-8152 or contact us online for a free consultation and the compassionate legal guidance you deserve.