The senseless act of getting behind the wheel while intoxicated can leave a trail of devastation, from the bustling streets of Washington Road and the intersections around Augusta University Health System to the busy roads near Fort Eisenhower. If you suffered injuries after a drunk driver caused an accident in Augusta, you may be unsure about what to do next and where to turn.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by an intoxicated driver, the Augusta drunk driving accident lawyers at Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys can help. We understand the physical pain, the emotional trauma, and the financial burdens that quickly accumulate, and we are here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. 

You shouldn’t have to face this battle alone. Contact our dedicated team today for a free consultation at (706) 842-3817. As your champions, we don’t back down.

Key Takeaways About Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Augusta:

• Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys provides aggressive and compassionate legal representation for drunk driving accident victims in Augusta.
• We pursue maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Liability in intoxicated driving crashes can extend beyond the driver to include establishments or individuals who overserved the driver.
• Our “No Fee Until We Win” promise means you pay nothing upfront for our legal services.
• Acting quickly is important due to Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims.

Why Choose Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys for Your Drunk Driving Accident Case

When a drunk driver shatters your sense of safety and well-being, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a relentless advocate who will fight without compromise. At Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys, our firm is built on a foundation of fierce determination and an unyielding commitment to our clients. We understand that behind every case is a real person suffering, and we treat your fight as if it were our own.

Our approach is different. We don’t settle for less than what you are entitled to, and we are always prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to secure true justice. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but they know that when our attorneys step in, they are facing a firm that is unafraid to challenge their tactics. 

We have a track record of securing significant, even million-dollar compensation for our clients. When you choose us, we will be in your corner, providing personalized attention and fighting tirelessly for your future. We are available 24/7 because injuries don’t adhere to business hours, and we will even come to you, whether you’re at home or in the hospital, to ensure you get the support you need.

What is a Drunk Driving Collision Claim?

A drunk driving collision claim is a civil lawsuit filed by an individual who has been injured or whose loved one has been killed due to the negligence of an impaired driver. Unlike a criminal DUI charge, which focuses on punishing the driver for breaking the law, a civil claim seeks to recover financial compensation for the victim’s losses. 

When a driver operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, they are violating their duty to drive safely, and if that breach of duty causes harm, they can be held financially responsible. These claims often involve complex investigations and require a thorough understanding of both Georgia traffic laws and personal injury statutes to prove negligence and secure appropriate damages.

Understanding Impairment and Negligence

In Georgia, a driver is legally considered impaired if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. Even if a driver’s BAC is below the legal limit, they can still be considered negligent if their alcohol consumption impaired their ability to drive safely and caused the accident. 

Proving this impairment is critical, involving evidence such as police reports, toxicology results, and witness statements. Our Augusta drunk driving accident lawyers meticulously collect and analyze all available evidence to establish the driver’s negligence.

Common Injuries from Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents frequently result in severe and life-altering injuries due to the impaired driver’s reckless actions. These collisions can lead to catastrophic harm, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, and severe lacerations. 

Victims often face extensive medical treatments, rehabilitation, and permanent disabilities, compounded by profound emotional and psychological trauma. Our legal team understands the full scope of these devastating injuries and diligently works to ensure that all current and future medical needs are accounted for in your compensation claim.

Do I Have an Intoxicated Driving Accident Case?

If you were injured in an accident in Augusta and believe the other driver was intoxicated, you may have a valid personal injury claim. The key elements we must prove are: 

• a duty of care (safe driving) 
• a breach of that duty (drunk driving) 
• causation (their impairment directly caused your injury) 
• damages (you suffered actual losses) 

Even if you’re unsure, or if the other driver wasn’t formally charged with a DUI, it’s vital to seek legal guidance. 

Police reports can indicate alcohol involvement, and criminal proceedings against the driver can provide compelling evidence for your civil claim. Our Augusta drunk driving collision lawyers can review your situation, gather evidence, and explain the strength of your case.

Who May Be Held Liable in an Augusta Drunk Driving Crash Claim?

While the drunk driver is almost always the primary party held responsible, Georgia law allows for other entities to potentially share liability. Identifying all responsible parties is crucial for securing maximum compensation. Potential defendants may include:

The Drunk Driver

The most direct party is the individual who was driving under the influence. Their negligence in operating a vehicle while impaired forms the basis of the personal injury claim, pursued through their auto insurance and, if necessary, personal assets.

Dram Shop Liability

Georgia’s “dram shop” laws (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-40) can hold establishments or individuals liable if they served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person, or a minor, knowing that person would soon be driving. Proving this requires detailed investigation into the events before the accident, including witness accounts and receipts. 

Employer or Vehicle Owner Liability

In some cases, an employer could be held liable if their employee caused a drunk driving accident while working. Similarly, a vehicle owner might be liable under “negligent entrustment” if they knowingly allowed an intoxicated person to operate their vehicle. Each situation is unique, requiring careful analysis to establish this type of liability.

What Damages Are Available in a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit in Augusta?

Victims of drunk driving accidents in Augusta often endure significant losses, and the legal system allows for recovery of both economic and non-economic damages. For example:

Economic Damages

These are tangible, calculable losses:

• Medical Expenses: Past and future costs including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, and medications.
• Lost Wages & Earning Capacity: Compensation for income lost due to injury, and for any reduced ability to earn a living in the future.
• Property Damage: Cost to repair or replace your vehicle and other damaged personal property.
• Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Accident-related costs like transportation to appointments or home modifications.

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate for intangible losses affecting your quality of life:

• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, discomfort, and agony from your injuries.
• Emotional Distress: Psychological impacts like anxiety, depression, fear, and PTSD.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation if injuries prevent you from participating in cherished hobbies or activities.
• Loss of Consortium: For impact on marital relationships.

Punitive Damages

Georgia allows for punitive damages in drunk driving accident cases. These are not for compensation but to punish the at-fault driver for their egregious conduct and deter similar reckless behavior. 

What If I’m Partly to Blame for My Accident Injuries?

Georgia law recognizes the concept of comparative negligence, which addresses situations where multiple parties might share some fault for an accident. Under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages even if you are partly to blame for the accident, as long as your fault is determined to be less than 50%. If your fault is found to be 50% or more, you are barred from recovering any compensation.

Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame onto accident victims, especially in drunk driving cases, to reduce their payout. They might argue you were speeding, distracted, or failed to take evasive action. 

Our experienced Augusta drunk driving accident lawyers will aggressively counter these tactics. We meticulously investigate the accident details, gather evidence, and present a compelling case to minimize any alleged fault on your part and protect your right to full compensation from the truly negligent party – the drunk driver. 

What is the Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Augusta?

In Georgia, there are strict time limits for filing personal injury lawsuits, known as statutes of limitations. For most personal injury claims arising from a car accident, including those caused by drunk driving, the general deadline is two years from the date of the accident. This means you typically have two years from the day the drunk driving crash occurred to file a lawsuit in a Georgia civil court.

While two years might seem like ample time, critical evidence can disappear quickly. Witness memories fade, surveillance footage is often overwritten, and accident scenes change. Acting swiftly allows our Augusta drunk driving accident lawyers to conduct a thorough investigation, preserve crucial evidence, and build the strongest possible case. 

There are some rare exceptions to this two-year rule, but you don’t want to count on these. Missing this deadline almost always means forfeiting your right to pursue compensation, regardless of the severity of your injuries or the clear negligence of the drunk driver. 

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Augusta?

One of the primary concerns for victims after a serious accident is the potential cost of legal representation. At Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys, we believe that access to justice should never be limited by a client’s financial situation, especially when they are already facing mounting medical bills and lost income. This is why we operate on a contingency fee basis for all drunk driving accident claims in Augusta.

This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront to hire our dedicated legal team. Our payment is contingent upon us successfully recovering compensation for you, either through a settlement or a court verdict. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we secure for you, ensuring that our interests are fully aligned with yours: to achieve the maximum possible recovery. 

This “No Fee Until We Win” promise allows you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of legal expenses. We cover all litigation costs and expenses throughout the duration of your case, and these are only reimbursed if we win. This commitment reflects our belief in our ability to fight and win for our clients.

How Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys Can Help You

When you’re reeling from the impact of a drunk driving accident, navigating the legal complexities and dealing with aggressive insurance companies is the last thing you should face alone. Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys is prepared to take on every aspect of your case, allowing you to concentrate on healing.

Our comprehensive approach includes:

• Thorough Investigation: We immediately launch a meticulous investigation, collecting crucial evidence such as police reports, toxicology results, witness statements, accident reconstruction data, traffic camera footage, and medical records. We identify all liable parties, including potential dram shop defendants.
• Aggressive Negotiation: We deal directly with insurance adjusters and opposing counsel, relentlessly negotiating for a full and fair settlement that accounts for all your current and future damages. We are skilled at countering lowball offers and tactics designed to minimize your claim.
• Strategic Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our team has a formidable reputation as trial lawyers who are unafraid to fight for justice before a jury. We will meticulously prepare your case, present compelling arguments, and advocate fiercely on your behalf.
• Expert Witness Collaboration: We work with a network of medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, vocational experts, and economists to accurately assess the full extent of your injuries, prognosis, and financial losses, strengthening your demand for compensation.
• Personalized Support: Beyond legal strategy, we provide compassionate guidance, keeping you informed at every step and answering your questions. We understand the emotional toll of such accidents and are dedicated to being a supportive presence throughout your entire legal journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Augusta Drunk Driving Accidents

What should I do after a drunk driving accident in Augusta?

After you have received medical attention and reported the accident, to ensure law enforcement investigates and creates an official report, you may be contacted by an insurance company. Do not admit fault or give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting an attorney.

Can I still pursue a claim if the drunk driver wasn’t convicted of DUI?

Yes, absolutely. A civil personal injury claim is separate from criminal proceedings. While a DUI conviction can strengthen your civil case, it is not required. The standard of proof in a civil case is lower than in a criminal case, so our firm can work to prove the driver’s negligence and impairment through other evidence, regardless of the criminal outcome.

How long does a drunk driving accident case typically take?

The duration of a drunk driving accident case varies significantly based on factors such as the severity of injuries, whether liability is clear, the number of parties involved, and the willingness of insurance companies to negotiate fairly. Some cases settle quickly, while others involving serious injuries or reluctant insurers may proceed to litigation and take longer. Our focus is always on securing maximum compensation, not just a quick settlement.

Contact the Trusted Augusta Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers at Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys Today

If a drunk driver has inflicted severe injuries upon you or tragically taken a loved one, you need a powerful legal ally who understands the depths of your suffering. We have the unwavering resolve to fight for what’s right and our team stands ready to be your formidable voice, your unyielding shield against injustice, and your relentless pursuer of every dollar you are owed. 

At Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys, we embody the spirit of the “fighter for justice,” fiercely dedicated to rebuilding lives shattered by negligence. Let us bear the burden of the legal battle so you can focus on your recovery and healing. We are here to challenge those responsible and deliver the results you need to move forward.

Contact the aggressive Augusta drunk driving accident lawyers at Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys today for your free, no-obligation consultation. Call (706) 842-3817 now or fill out our contact form. We’re ready to fight until justice is served.