Statesboro Drunk Driver Accident Lawyers

Drunk driving accidents continue to occur at a disturbing rate in Georgia. In fact, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 2,800 drunk driving accidents in Georgia in 2024, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities that could have been avoided if the impaired driver had not gotten behind the wheel.

If you or a loved one was injured in a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and other losses. The Statesboro drunk driver accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law will assist you with every step of the claims process, ensure that your legal rights are protected, and pursue the maximum financial compensation you deserve.

Why Is Drunk Driving One of the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Despite the laws against drunk driving, motorists continue to get behind the wheel after having too much to drink. There are a number of factors that contribute to this trend, including the following:

Alcohol causes a range of impairments that can increase the risk of a serious car accident. Examples of impairments include slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced coordination. In Georgia, the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. Too often, however, motorists underestimate the impact alcohol has on their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, and they get behind the wheel, putting themselves and other motorists on the road at risk for a serious, yet preventable, car accident.
Social factors also impact the prevalence of drunk driving in Georgia. Social events, celebrations, and parties are commonplace, particularly in cities, on college campuses, and places where social gatherings occur on a regular basis. While rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available, people choose to drive themselves rather than wait for a ride or have a designated driver available.
Georgia has fairly lenient alcohol sales and distribution laws, which make it easier for people to purchase and consume alcohol and then get behind the wheel.

What Types of Injuries Do Drunk Driving Accidents Cause?

When a motorist is driving while under the influence of alcohol, it slows their central nervous system, which means that they are more likely to have delayed reflexes, making it more difficult to slow down or stop in time to avoid hitting another vehicle that is in the vicinity. Alcohol can also impair judgment, so motorists are more likely to drive too fast, run through red lights and stop signs, and make unsafe lane changes. As a result, drunk driving can cause serious accidents involving severe injuries, including the following:

Cuts and lacerations
Soft tissue injuries
Broken bones
Spinal cord injuries
Internal organ damage
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Burn injuries
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

How Does a DUI Affect My Car Accident Case?

In order to have a successful personal injury claim and recover the damages you are entitled to, you must be able to prove that the other motorist was engaging in negligent behavior at the time of the accident. In drunk driving cases, proving negligence is a fairly straightforward process, particularly if a breathalyzer test was done at the accident scene.

Georgia’s laws against drunk driving are extremely strict, and motorists who drive drunk are breaking the law and endangering the lives of other motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians who are sharing the road. Victims of drunk driving accidents generally have an easy time proving negligence, which can strengthen their claim for compensation.

What Damages Am I Entitled to in a Drunk Driving Accident Case?

If you are able to prove that the other driver involved in the accident was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, a successful claim will ensure that you recover the following damages:

All medical expenses associated with your injuries
Lost wages if you are unable to return to work
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive damages if the other driver’s conduct is considered particularly egregious

What if I Was Partially at Fault for Causing the Accident?

Georgia follows the modified comparative negligence rule, which means that you may recover damages if you were partly to blame for the accident. However, your total damages will be reduced by your share of liability. For example, if the drunk driver was found to be 80% at fault, and you were 20% at fault for changing lanes without signaling, you will likely recover only 80% of the total damages. If you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you will be ineligible for financial compensation. The Statesboro drunk driver accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law will negotiate the best possible settlement outcome.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Personal Injury Claim?

If you suffered a serious injury in a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a personal injury claim. In Georgia, you must file your claim within two years from the date of the accident in order to recover the damages to which you are entitled. There are some exceptions to these rules, including if the injured person is under the age of 18 or if the injury could not have been reasonably discovered within the statute of limitations. In these cases, the deadline may be extended. However, if the circumstances of your case do not qualify for an extension, your claim must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.

Unfortunately, if you miss the filing deadline, your claim will likely be denied, and you will be unable to recover any damages. The Statesboro drunk driver accident lawyers at Kicklighter Law will assist you with every step of the claims process and ensure that your claim is filed well before the statute of limitations expires.