There is no excuse for anybody to drink and drive. Even if they go out and drink too much, all they have to do is call an Uber. If they’re too drunk to do it themselves, they can ask the bartender or bouncer to call one for them. Regardless of the cost, it’ll be better than getting behind the wheel after you’ve had one too many.
Unfortunately, a lot of people still drink and drive. Atlanta car accident lawyers know this all too well. They meet with clients all the time who were seriously injured as the result of a drunk driver. It doesn’t matter how many reminders people need about drunk driving, 43% of all drivers in the U.S. admit to doing it. Another 46% admit that they’ve gotten a right from somebody they knew was drunk. The problem is that every time they do this, they put peoples’ lives at risk.
If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, then you need to call and talk to one of our experienced Atlanta car accident lawyers.
Your Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Will Still Need to Prove Negligence of the Drunk Driver
Some people assume that, just because the other driver was charged with DUI, they’re automatically entitled to damages. The truth is that no matter how much proof there is against the defendant, your Atlanta car accident lawyer will need to prove negligence. Of course, this will be a bit easier if you can submit a copy of their DUI conviction.
But even without this evidence, there should still be strong evidence showing that the defendant was liable. For example, the fact that they were charged helps. It’s also useful to remind the jury (and the insurance company) that their client’s BAC was over the legal limit. That should be strong evidence against the defendant.
Proof of a DUI Conviction Will Help Prove Your Case
While your Atlanta car accident lawyer needs to prove negligence, it helps your case if the defendant was convicted of DUI. Their conviction will become a public record. If it’s not available yet, you can always subpoena the prosecutor or the police for a copy of the court transcript. Sometimes, the jury reacts even more strongly to things like the defendant’s blood-alcohol level. It also shows them that the defendant acted with absolutely no regard for the sanctity of human life.
Your Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Will Sue Even if the Defendant was Acquitted
It’s also important to understand that, just because the defendant wasn’t convicted, doesn’t mean you can’t sue. In fact, you’ll still have a good chance of winning your case. Odds are that the defendant wouldn’t have been arrested and charged with DUI if there wasn’t strong evidence against them. Their attorney may have gotten them off on a technicality.
That means there’s still evidence your Atlanta car accident lawyer can use against them. A copy of the police report may be all you need. That’s why it’s important you always call 911 after an accident. If you don’t, it’s your word against the other driver.
If They’re Found Guilty of DUI, Your Case Will Likely Settle
Now, if you find out the defendant was found guilty of DUI, your Atlanta car accident lawyer will push for a high settlement. If the other driver was convicted of DUI, it’ll be hard for them to convince a court that you caused the crash. This is the time to reach out to the insurance company and get them to agree to a lucrative settlement.
The good news is that your attorney has been handling cases like this for years. They know how to negotiate with the insurance adjuster. They’ll do whatever they can to settle your case.
Call and Speak with a Skilled Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer
One of the best things you can do after your crash is to call our office. This will give you a chance to sit down with an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer who can give you guidance. Being hit by a drunk driver is something that should’ve been avoided. Now you and your family are paying the price.
Let one of our skilled attorneys push to get you the compensation you deserve. Since more than 90% of all car accident cases settle, there’s a good chance you get this matter resolved in a year or so. Since the consultation is free, you’ve got nothing to lose.
