Seek Justice For Drunk Driving And Wrongful Death Cases
Unlike most motor vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents have a unique element to them – they should not happen. Driving under the influence (DUI) is illegal in all states. Therefore, if you or a loved one has suffered an injury caused by drunk driving, you are entitled to seek punitive damages to punish and deter the drunk driver as well as for property damage, payment for lost wages, payment for medical bills, and for the pain and suffering you have endured.
At Skibiel Law, we seek to hold drunk drivers responsible for their actions. If you have suffered injury in a motor vehicle accident caused by a drunk driver, or you have lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, we are ready to stand up for your right to seek full and just compensation for your losses.
Handling All Aspects Of Your Case
As your advocate, Mark A. Skibiel will pursue the insurance company to obtain maximum financial recovery for your injuries as well as pursue punitive damages (when applicable) against the negligent driver through negotiation or litigation, if necessary.
We seek to hold drunk drivers accountable for their actions. Oftentimes, drunk drivers have caused more than one accident.
At our firm, we thoroughly investigate the entire driving record of the defendant. We also examine criminal records, police reports, medical records and eyewitness accounts, if available, to build an effective case on your behalf.
Your Legal Rights After A Georgia Drunk Driving Accident
When you become a victim of a drunk driving accident in Georgia, you possess specific legal rights that extend beyond those available in typical motor vehicle accidents. These enhanced rights recognize the particularly egregious nature of drunk driving and provide additional avenues for seeking justice and compensation.
As a DUI accident victim, you have the right to pursue both compensatory and punitive damages against the intoxicated driver. Your rights include:
- Compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering through compensatory damages
- Punitive damages to punish the drunk driver and deter similar future conduct under Georgia law
- Participation in criminal proceedings through victim impact statements and court notifications
- Access to information about plea negotiations, court dates and sentencing hearings
Georgia law specifically allows punitive damages in cases involving willful misconduct or conscious indifference to consequences, which drunk driving clearly demonstrates. You may also submit a victim impact statement to the court, describing how the accident has affected your life, health and financial situation.
Navigating Complex Insurance Challenges In DUI Cases
DUI accident victims often face complex insurance scenarios that require skilled legal navigation to achieve maximum compensation. Drunk drivers frequently carry minimum insurance coverage that may be insufficient to cover the full extent of your damages, particularly in cases involving serious injuries or wrongful death.
When the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage proves inadequate, several options may be available:
- Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can help bridge the gap between policy limits and actual damages.
- Investigation of whether the drunk driver was acting within the scope of employment, potentially triggering employer liability.
- Examination of dram shop liability when commercial establishments served alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons.
- Challenging insurance company exclusions for intentional acts or criminal behavior
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize these claims, requiring aggressive advocacy to secure fair compensation. At Skibiel Law, we understand these tactics and work diligently to overcome such defenses, holding both the drunk driver and their insurance company accountable for the full scope of your losses.
How Georgia Handles Wrongful Death Claims In Drunk Driving Cases
Georgia law provides specific frameworks for wrongful death claims arising from drunk driving accidents, recognizing the devastating impact these preventable tragedies have on surviving family members. The state’s wrongful death statutes allow certain family members to seek compensation for their profound losses.
The legal hierarchy for filing wrongful death claims follows this order:
- Surviving spouses have the primary right to file wrongful death claims.
- Children may pursue claims if no spouse survives.
- Parents may file when neither spouse nor children survives.
The damages available in drunk driving wrongful death cases often exceed those in other types of accidents due to the intentional nature of the drunk driver’s conduct. Recoverable damages include the full value of the deceased’s life, encompassing both economic and noneconomic losses:
- Economic damages cover lost earnings, benefits and financial support the deceased would have provided.
- Noneconomic damages address the loss of companionship, guidance and emotional support.
- Punitive damages may be available against the intoxicated driver under Georgia law.
These cases require a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the accident, the driver’s history of alcohol abuse and any contributing factors that may have enabled the tragic outcome. At Skibiel Law, we understand that no amount of financial compensation can restore your loved one or fully heal your family’s pain. However, we are committed to holding drunk drivers accountable and securing the justice and financial security your family deserves during this incredibly difficult time.
Compassionate Georgia Wrongful Death Attorney
If you have lost a loved one due to a drunk driving accident, we offer the compassionate, dedicated support you need. We understand that no amount of money can replace your loved one. However, we seek to hold drunk drivers accountable and bring justice to your situation. If you are ready to pursue your claim, contact us for a free, confidential consultation about your options.
Hold Drunk Drivers Accountable – Contact A Skilled DUI Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered injury due to the carelessness of a drunk driver, or you have lost a loved one in a fatal drunk driving accident, contact us by calling at 770-400-0963 or toll-free at 770-968-3554 to discuss your case in a free consultation with our Jonesboro drunk driving accident attorney.
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