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.

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Why Choose Jamie Casino Drunk Driving Injury Lawyers

Our firm specializes in drunk driving injury claims throughout Savannah, Augusta, GA, and Columbus, SC. We bring local expertise, aggressive representation, and compassionate service to every case. When you hire us, you gain a dedicated legal partner focused on securing the justice and compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Injury Claims

How much can I sue a drunk driver for?

Compensation depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Punitive damages may also apply due to the reckless nature of drunk driving. A lawyer will evaluate your specific case to estimate your potential recovery.

How long does it take to sue a drunk driver?

Cases vary, but most lawsuits take between six months and a year or more to resolve. Early investigation, evidence gathering, and settlement negotiations impact the timeline. Trials may extend the process further.

What percentage do most personal injury lawyers take?

Personal injury attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, usually between 33% and 40% of the settlement or verdict. You pay no upfront fees and only pay if your case is successful.

Is drunk driving considered negligence?

Yes. Driving under the influence breaches the legal duty to operate a vehicle safely, constituting negligence that supports personal injury claims.

Is a bar liable for a drunk driver?

Bars may be liable under dram shop laws if they serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated or underage patrons who cause accidents. Proving this requires legal expertise.

How to sue a bar for negligence?

You must show the bar served the driver irresponsibly and that service caused your injury. Evidence includes witness testimony, surveillance, and police reports.

Can the family of a drunk driver be sued?

In some cases, families can be held liable, especially if they provided alcohol or vehicle access to the intoxicated driver. Laws vary by state.

Are you liable if someone drives drunk from your house?

You could be liable under social host liability laws if you knowingly allow someone to drink and drive from your home. This varies by jurisdiction.

Who funds Mothers Against Drunk Driving?

MADD is funded by donations, grants, and fundraising events aimed at preventing drunk driving and supporting victims.

Can you sue someone for letting you drive drunk?

It is possible if that person was negligent in allowing you to drive intoxicated, but these cases depend on specific facts.

How long do you have to file a DUI injury claim in Georgia and South Carolina?

Typically, you have two years from the accident date to file a claim. Acting promptly is crucial to preserve evidence and legal rights.

What evidence is needed to prove a drunk driver’s liability?

Important evidence includes police reports, breathalyzer results, witness statements, medical records, and any video footage from the accident.

Can I sue if the drunk driver has no insurance?

Yes. Your uninsured motorist coverage or other legal options may provide compensation, but it can be more challenging.

What if the drunk driver was underage?

Underage drunk driving increases liability for the driver and anyone who served them alcohol. Victims can sue all responsible parties.

How do punitive damages work in DUI injury cases?

Punitive damages punish reckless drunk driving and deter future violations. They are awarded in addition to compensatory damages.

Can I sue the establishment that served the drunk driver?

Yes, under dram shop laws, if the establishment served alcohol irresponsibly to the driver.

What if the drunk driver was convicted criminally? Does that help my case?

A criminal conviction strengthens your injury case but does not guarantee compensation. It serves as key evidence of negligence.

 

How are settlements for DUI injuries typically calculated?

 

Settlements factor in medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, future care, and punitive damages when applicable.

What is comparative negligence and how does it affect my claim?

If you share fault, your compensation may be reduced proportionally under Georgia and South Carolina laws. A lawyer can help minimize your responsibility.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?

Initial offers are often low. Consult a lawyer before accepting to ensure the amount covers your damages fairly.

JC

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  • UNWAVERING COMMITMENT

    When it comes to fighting for your recovery, we refuse to settle for anything less than the full and fair compensation you deserve.

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