The average settlement for being hit by a drunk driver in Georgia typically ranges from $25,000 to $250,000 or more.
Settlement amounts can vary widely depending on a few key factors:
- The severity of the injuries
- The amount of damage to your car
- Whether the drunk driver has enough insurance
- Any lasting problems from the accident
- Whether the car accident case goes to court or gets settled beforehand
Every situation is unique, and these details will affect how much you might get in a settlement after a drunk driving accident in Georgia.
Examples of drunk driving settlements
- $1,124,615 Jury Verdict – This was awarded after a serious head-on DUI collision that left the accident victim with severe injuries.
- $1,000,000 Settlement – We obtained this accident settlement in Georgia for a client involved in a DUI crash that resulted in moderate injuries.
These cases demonstrate our commitment to getting substantial compensation for drunk driving accident victims. We work hard to ensure our clients receive the financial support they need to recover and move forward.
For further guidance on how much car settlement could be worth, contact an August car accident lawyer from our law firm today for a free consultation
I got hit by a drunk driver, what am I entitled to?
Economic Damages
These cover the direct financial losses from the accident, including:
- Medical expenses: This includes all costs for your medical care, like emergency room visits, surgeries, ongoing treatments, and even future medical costs if you need long-term care.
- Lost wages: If your injuries have kept you from working, you can claim compensation for the income you lost while you were recovering. It can also cover any future income you might miss out on if you’re unable to return to work.
- Property damage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal items damaged in the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering: Compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced. It reflects how the accident has affected your overall quality of life.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If the accident has prevented you from doing activities and hobbies you used to enjoy, you might be entitled to compensation for that loss.
- Emotional distress: This covers the mental and emotional toll of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or other psychological effects.
The damages you can claim and the amount will depend on the specific details of your accident and how it has affected your life. Talk to an experienced accident attorney from our firm to understand your rights and make sure you get fair compensation for everything the accident has impacted.
Punitive damages for a DUI
Punitive damages are designed to punish a drunk driver for their extreme negligence and to discourage similar reckless behavior. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which compensate for direct losses and suffering, punitive damages focus on the driver’s wrongdoing.
Punitive damages are typically awarded in a Georgia car accident claim where the drunk driver’s actions were particularly severe, such as driving with an extremely high blood alcohol level or having a history of multiple DUI offenses.
The amount of punitive damages varies and is based on:
- The severity of the drunk driver’s conduct.
- The extent of harm caused.
- The driver’s prior offenses.
- The overall impact on your life.
These damages are meant to go beyond mere compensation, addressing the wrongful conduct and aiming for a broader sense of justice.
We appreciate how confusing the potential compensation could be, so please contact a Savannah car accident lawyer today for further guidance
Drunk driver settlement amounts by type
Rear-ended
The average rear-ended by drunk driver settlement ranges from $25,000 to $75,000. Rear-end crashes usually lead to whiplash, back pain, and damage to your car.
Settlements for drunk driving accidents typically cover your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. The exact amount you get can depend on how serious your injuries are and how much damage your vehicle sustained.
Additional reading: average payout for a rear-end collision
Head-on collision
The average head-on collision settlement amount ranges from $75,000 and $150,000. These types of crashes often result in serious injuries like broken bones and head trauma, as well as significant damage to your car.
Average settlement amounts usually factor in extensive medical treatments, long-term recovery, and the pain and suffering you’ve experienced. The final amount can vary based on how severe your injuries are and how they affect your daily life.
Additional Reading: head on collision settlement in Georgia
Side-impact collision
The average side-impact collision amount falls between $50,000 and $100,000. These crashes can cause severe injuries to the side of your body, such as broken ribs or head injuries.
Average settlements for drunk driving typically cover your medical expenses, lost income, and repairs to your vehicle.
Rollovers
In our experience, the average rollover collision settlement ranges from $100,000 to $250,000. Rollovers can lead to very serious injuries like spinal cord damage or multiple fractures. Settlements in these personal injury cases often include high medical costs, long-term rehab, and compensation for the impact on your quality of life.
Hit-and-run
The average hit-and-run collision settlement is between $30,000 and $80,000. In hit-and-run cases, settlements cover medical bills, property damage, and lost wages.
The average settlement for a drunk driving accident case might be affected by how hard it is to track down the at-fault driver and whether you have uninsured motorist coverage.
Additional reading: can you sue someone for a hit and run
For tailored advice on potential payout related to the accident, reach out to a car accident lawyer in North Augusta, SC
Factors that influence settlement amounts in Georgia
- Severity: Severe injuries that need extensive medical treatment or result in long-term disability generally lead to higher settlements. Severity is determined by the physical pain, emotional suffering, overall impact on your daily life.
- Evidence and Documentation: Clear documentation of the accident scene, medical records, and proof of damages help strengthen your claim and can lead to a larger settlement.
- Liability: Determining who is at fault for the accident is necessary for building a case. In Georgia, if the drunk driver is clearly responsible, it can lead to a higher settlement, so strong evidence of the driver’s negligence or impairment will boost your chances of getting more compensation.
- Legal Representation: Our experienced car accident lawyers are skilled in negotiating and representing cases like yours and can help secure a more fair settlement.
- Comparative Negligence Law: Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if you’re found to be partially at fault, your settlement may be reduced proportionally. If you’re more than 50% at fault, you might not get any compensation.
- Impact on Lifestyle: How severely the accident has changed your lifestyle and ability to work or enjoy activities also affects the settlement. Your compensation can increase if you can no longer perform daily tasks or have to significantly alter your lifestyle.
- Insurance Coverage: The amount of insurance the drunk driver has can affect your settlement. Adequate insurance can lead to a higher settlement, while insufficient or no insurance may limit what you can get, which means you might need to rely on your own insurance to cover the damages.
- Location: The location of the accident influences the settlement due to regional variations in laws, insurance practices, and court procedures. Medical costs and property damage assessments also differ by area, which will influence the overall amount.
- Future Damages: Consideration of future medical expenses, long-term care needs, and ongoing pain or disability can also influence the settlement. If you are facing permanent changes in your life or will need ongoing treatment, both will be factored into your compensation.
All of these considerations together help determine what you might receive in your settlement, so it is important to familiarize yourself with them to ensure you are fairly compensated for your injuries and losses.
Who you can sue
In Georgia, there are several parties you might consider suing, depending on the specifics of your case:
- The Drunk Driver: The primary party you can sue is the drunk driver who caused the car accident. Since they were driving under the influence, they will be held directly responsible for the damages resulting from the crash.
- The Drunk Driver’s Insurance Company: If the drunk driver has auto insurance, you can file a claim with their insurance company, which can cover damages up to the policy limits. If the drunk driver’s insurance coverage is insufficient to cover your losses, you may need to explore other options.
- The Vehicle Owner: If the intoxicated driver was driving someone else’s car, you might be able to hold the vehicle owner responsible under certain conditions. For instance, if the vehicle owner knew the driver was likely to drive under the influence and still allowed them to use their car, they might share liability.
- Employers of the Drunk Driver: If the drunk driver was on the job at the time of the accident, their employer could be held liable under the principle of vicarious liability. This means that if the driver was working when the accident occurred, their employer might also be responsible for the damage.
- Establishments: In some cases, you can sue the bar, restaurant, or establishment that served alcohol to the drunk driver. This is based on the concept of “dram shop” liability, which holds businesses accountable if they serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated and subsequently causes an accident.
Consulting with a car accident lawyer from our firm can help you determine the best course of action and identify those responsible for the accident, ensuring that you pursue all possible avenues for compensation.
Minimum GA insurance coverage
Drivers are required to carry specific types of auto insurance to ensure financial protection in the event of a car accident in Georgia. Here’s a detailed look at the minimum insurance coverage required in Georgia:
Uninsured motorist coverage
- $25,000 per person
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injuries
- $25,000 for property damage
Underinsured motorist coverage
While not mandatory, underinsured motorist coverage is highly recommended. This coverage provides additional protection if you are in an accident with a driver whose insurance coverage is not enough to fully cover your damages.
Medical payments coverage
Georgia also allows drivers to add medical payments coverage to their policy, which can help cover medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault in a car accident involving a drunk driver. The coverage amount is optional and varies depending on the policy.
Understanding these coverage requirements and options can help you make sure you have adequate protection if you are involved in a drunk driving accident.
Should you accept the settlement offer?
Deciding whether to accept a car accident settlement offer after a drunk driving accident requires careful consideration. Start by evaluating whether the offer adequately covers all your current and future needs, which requires assessing your medical expenses, ongoing care costs, and any potential long-term effects on your quality of life.
Consulting with a personal injury attorney from our personal injury law firm can be incredibly beneficial as you make your decision. We can help you understand the full scope of your damages and ensure the offer is fair.
We will also negotiate on your behalf to secure a settlement that reflects the true extent of your losses and future needs. Accepting an offer too quickly might mean missing out on the compensation you deserve, so getting professional advice is vital to protecting your interests and ensuring that you are compensated fairly.
Steps to take after being hit by a drunk driver
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Get examined by a healthcare professional to address any injuries and get a record of your condition.
- Report the Accident: Contact the police to report the car accident. An official report is essential for documenting the incident and establishing liability, especially when dealing with a drunk driver.
- Gather Evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible from the scene, including taking photos of the damage to your vehicle and any injuries, obtaining contact information from witnesses, and making a note of the drunk driver’s details.
- Document Your Damages: Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, expenses, and any lost wages resulting from the car accident. This information will support your claim for economic damages.
- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: We specialize in drunk driving cases and will guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the auto accident to your insurance company, but be cautious with your statements. Provide only factual information and avoid admitting fault or making statements that could negatively impact your claim.
- Follow Up on Your Treatment: Adhere to your prescribed treatment plan and attend all medical appointments. Your ongoing care and recovery are important for your health and for supporting your claim.
Need legal help to pursue a DUI settlement in The Peach State?
If a drunk driver hits you or a loved one in Georgia or South Carolina, dealing with the resulting legalities and insurance complexities can feel overwhelming.
An experienced car accident attorney from our firm can help you understand your rights, handle all the paperwork, and negotiate with the insurance companies to make sure you secure the fair settlement you’re owed.
Our team is ready to give you the support and guidance you need to get the best result for your case.
Additional reading: Car Accident Lawyer Fees Georgia
You don’t have to go through this alone. Get in touch with us today to discuss your case and see how we can help.