DUI & Drunk Driving Injury Lawyer

Were you or a loved one seriously injured by a drunk driver? Our experienced DUI accident injury attorneys help victims in Savannah, Augusta, Georgia, and Columbus, South Carolina recover the compensation they deserve after drunk driving accidents. If you’re seeking a dedicated drunk driving injury lawyer or DUI injury attorney, our legal team is ready to fight aggressively for your rights and hold negligent drivers accountable.

Understanding Drunk Driving Accidents

The Real Danger of DUI and DWI Crashes

Drunk driving remains one of the most dangerous causes of accidents on Georgia and South Carolina roads. Both DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) refer to operating a vehicle impaired by alcohol or drugs, though terminology varies by state. Whether it’s a DUI or DWI crash, these accidents often involve severe injuries and can have tragic consequences for victims and their families. Understanding the risks and legal ramifications is essential if you’ve been harmed by a drunk driver.

Common Injuries Caused by Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents are typically high-impact collisions that cause serious physical harm. Victims often suffer injuries requiring extensive medical care and long-term rehabilitation, including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Caused by violent jolts or impacts, TBIs range from mild concussions to permanent brain damage. These injuries may lead to memory loss, cognitive difficulties, and personality changes.

• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can result in partial or full paralysis, significantly impacting mobility and independence. Victims often need lifelong care and specialized medical support.

• Broken Bones and Fractures: From broken arms and legs to shattered ribs or pelvis, these injuries usually require surgery and physical therapy.

• Internal Organ Damage: Blunt force trauma can damage vital organs like the liver, kidneys, and lungs, sometimes requiring emergency surgery.

• Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash, torn muscles, and ligament sprains cause chronic pain and limit movement, often requiring months of treatment.

• Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Many victims experience PTSD, anxiety, and depression following their accident, adding to their overall suffering.

If you were injured in a DUI or DWI accident, you need an attorney who understands these injuries and their long-term impact on your life.

DUI vs. DWI: Is There a Difference in Injury Claims?

While DUI and DWI are often used interchangeably, some states differentiate these terms based on impairment levels or legal definitions. In Georgia and South Carolina, both terms describe driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. For injury claims, this distinction usually doesn’t affect your ability to recover compensation. Whether you were injured by a DUI driver or a DWI driver, your rights and legal options remain the same. Targeting both keywords ensures we connect with every victim of drunk driving accidents seeking justice.

What to Do Immediately After a DUI Accident

If you are involved in a drunk driving accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal claim:

1. Ensure Safety: Check yourself and others for injuries. If possible, move vehicles out of harm’s way but stay at the scene.

2. Call 911: Report the accident and request medical and police assistance. A police report documenting the DUI is vital.

3. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, get examined by a doctor promptly—some injuries show symptoms later.

4. Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries. Get contact info from witnesses and first responders.

5. Obtain Police Report: Request a copy or the report number, especially noting DUI charges or arrests made at the scene.

How a Drunk Driving Injury Attorney Can Help You

Investigating Your Accident with Your Injury Attorney

Our drunk driving injury attorneys perform thorough investigations, securing police reports, witness statements, medical records, and any video evidence to build a compelling case.

Establishing Liability in DUI Cases with an Injury Attorney

A DUI conviction or citation is strong evidence of the driver’s negligence. This significantly supports your personal injury claim by proving the intoxicated driver breached their duty of care.

Fighting for Fair Compensation with Your Injury Attorney

We pursue all available damages, including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and punitive damages that punish reckless drunk driving.

How Much Can I Sue a Drunk Driver For With an Injury Lawyer?

The amount you can sue a drunk driver for depends on the nature and extent of your injuries and losses. Key factors include:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation covers current and future medical treatments, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication costs.

• Lost Wages: Recovery for time missed from work and potential future earnings if your injury limits your ability to work.

• Pain and Suffering: Damages compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.

• Punitive Damages: Because DUI cases involve reckless behavior, courts may award punitive damages to punish the driver and deter future misconduct.

The total depends on injury severity, insurance coverage, and the specifics of your case. A skilled DUI injury lawyer can help evaluate your case and fight for the maximum compensation possible.

How Long Does It Take to Sue a Drunk Driver With an Injury Lawyer?

The timeline for suing a drunk driver varies but generally follows these stages:

• Case Evaluation and Filing: Your attorney will collect all necessary documents and file your claim, which may take a few weeks.

• Discovery: Both sides exchange evidence, conduct depositions, and prepare for trial. This phase often lasts several months.

• Settlement Negotiations: Most cases resolve before trial, though negotiations can extend over months depending on complexity.

• Trial: If no fair settlement is reached, your case proceeds to trial, which adds more time.

Most drunk driving injury lawsuits resolve within 6 to 18 months, though complex cases may take longer. Early legal help improves efficiency and outcomes.