Drunk driving accidents in Georgia cause some of the most serious and heartbreaking injuries on the road. These crashes are often violent, and they can leave victims and families dealing with lifelong consequences. Beyond the physical injuries, victims are often faced with medical bills, lost income, emotional trauma, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies that are not on their side.
Georgia Lawyer for Drunk Driving Injuries
The attorneys at McArthur Law Firm have years of experience helping people in Georgia who were injured by drunk drivers. Our attorneys fight hard to hold reckless drivers accountable and to stand up for the people they hurt. In 2013, the McArthur Law Firm recovered a $15 million verdict for the family of a young man needlessly killed in a car crash. The verdict was the top car crash verdict for the state of Georgia that year. In addition, it was one of the top five jury verdicts for all types of cases in Georgia in 2013.
If a drunk driver hurt you or a loved one, then let our DUI accident lawyers fight relentlessly for you and your family.
McArthur Law Firm serves Fulton County, Bibb County and Fulton County, as well as Clayton County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, and other counties in Georgia. For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your personal injury case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: (478) 551-9901
Overview of Drunk Driving Accident Cases
- Major Types of Drunk Driving Accidents
- Injuries Caused by Drunk Driving Crashes in Georgia
- Drunk Driving Accident Hotspots
- Determining Liability in a Georgia Drunk Driving Accident Case
- Common Questions People Ask After a Drunk Driving Accident in Georgia
- Additional Resources
Major Types of Drunk Driving Accidents
Head-On Collisions – Head-on crashes are some of the deadliest drunk driving accidents. These happen when a driver crosses the center line and hits another vehicle coming from the opposite direction. Drunk drivers often lose control, especially on two-lane roads or highway exits, making these types of crashes more likely. Victims of head-on collisions often suffer life-threatening injuries or fatalities.
Rear-End Collisions – Rear-end crashes are common when a drunk driver fails to stop in time. Alcohol slows down reaction time, so even if the driver sees brake lights, they may not respond fast enough. These crashes can happen at red lights, stop signs, or during traffic slowdowns on highways. Victims may be stopped or moving slowly when hit, while the drunk driver is still going full speed.
T-Bone or Side-Impact Accidents – T-bone accidents usually happen at intersections when a drunk driver runs a red light or stop sign and crashes into the side of another vehicle. The sides of cars don’t offer as much protection as the front or rear, so these crashes often cause serious injuries to drivers and passengers on the side that gets hit.
Wrong-Way Driving Accidents – Wrong-way crashes often happen on highways or freeway ramps when a drunk driver goes in the wrong direction. These accidents usually involve high speeds and very little time to react. They almost always result in major injuries or death because both cars are moving toward each other at high speed.
Pedestrian Accidents – Drunk drivers often fail to see pedestrians, especially at night. These accidents can happen in crosswalks, on sidewalks, or even in parking lots. Because pedestrians have no protection, the injuries are often catastrophic or fatal.
Hit-And-Run Accidents – Some drunk drivers panic after a crash and leave the scene, even though it’s illegal under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-270. Hit-and-run cases involving alcohol are serious and often leave victims without immediate medical attention or the chance to get the other driver’s insurance information.
Motorcycle Accidents Involving Drunk Drivers – Motorcyclists are already at high risk on the road, and a drunk driver makes the situation even worse. Even a minor mistake by an impaired driver can cause a serious crash that throws a motorcyclist from their bike. These accidents often result in life-altering injuries.
Drunk Driving Crashes Involving Commercial Vehicles or Rideshare Drivers – In some cases, a drunk driver crashes into a large commercial truck, or a rideshare driver is hit while carrying passengers. These situations raise complex legal questions about employer liability and insurance coverage that require close legal review under Georgia law.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents – One drunk driver can cause a chain-reaction crash involving multiple cars. These pileups often happen on highways or busy city streets. Proving fault in these cases can be difficult without legal help, especially if several drivers are injured.
Injuries Caused by Drunk Driving Crashes in Georgia
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – A blow to the head during a crash can cause a traumatic brain injury. Victims may suffer memory loss, confusion, headaches, or changes in mood and behavior. Some never fully recover. TBIs are especially common in high-speed or head-on crashes.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis – When the spine is damaged in a crash, it can lead to partial or total paralysis. Victims may lose the ability to walk or even use their arms and hands. These injuries usually require long-term care and major life changes.
Severe Burn Injuries – If the crash causes a fire or explosion, victims can suffer serious burns. Burn injuries are extremely painful and often require skin grafts, surgeries, and long hospital stays. These injuries also carry a high risk of infection.
Internal Organ Damage – Some injuries from drunk driving crashes aren’t visible right away. Damage to the liver, lungs, spleen, or kidneys can be deadly without quick medical treatment. Blunt force trauma from seat belts or airbags can also cause bleeding inside the body.
Disfigurement or Amputation – Some victims may lose a limb in the crash or need an amputation later due to infection or damage. Others may suffer facial injuries, scarring, or disfigurement that leads to emotional trauma and reduced quality of life.
Complex Fractures and Broken Bones – Broken bones are common, but some fractures are so severe they require surgery, metal plates, or screws. Multiple fractures can also happen at once, especially in T-bone or rollover accidents.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Even after physical injuries heal, the emotional trauma from a drunk driving crash can remain. Many victims suffer from PTSD, anxiety, depression, or a fear of driving. These emotional injuries are real and may require therapy and treatment.
Drunk Driving Accident Hotspots
Drunk driving accidents can happen anywhere in Georgia, but some areas see them more often than others. The risk is especially high in cities with busy nightlife, heavy traffic, or long highway stretches. In Georgia, areas like Atlanta, Macon, and Warner Robins are known to have higher numbers of DUI-related crashes, especially late at night and on weekends.
In Atlanta, high-traffic highways such as I-285, I-20, and the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) are frequent locations for drunk driving crashes. These roads are often congested, and impaired drivers navigating them at high speeds can easily cause serious wrecks. The nightlife districts in Buckhead, Midtown, and Edgewood are also common sources of DUI arrests, where drivers head home impaired after bars or parties.
In Macon, accidents involving drunk drivers are often reported on Eisenhower Parkway, Pio Nono Avenue, and Mercer University Drive. These roads see heavy use and connect to several commercial areas, making them high-risk zones late at night. Macon is also near major highways like I-75 and I-16, which carry fast-moving traffic through central Georgia and become especially dangerous when a drunk driver is involved.
In Warner Robins, drunk driving crashes are commonly reported on Watson Boulevard, Russell Parkway, and State Route 247. These areas include stretches with both local businesses and residential neighborhoods, and they’re often traveled by drivers heading home in the early morning hours after drinking. The proximity to Robins Air Force Base also means traffic volume stays high throughout the day and night.
Determining Liability in a Georgia Drunk Driving Accident Case
Liability in civil cases is based on negligence or violation of legal duties under laws like O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6. In DUI-related injury cases, that often includes more than just the driver.
The Drunk Driver
The impaired driver is almost always at fault in a DUI accident and is liable for the damage they cause. Under Georgia’s DUI law, O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391, it’s illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or more for adults, 0.02% for drivers under 21, and 0.04% for commercial drivers. A driver doesn’t need to be convicted of DUI in criminal court for a victim to file a personal injury lawsuit. The civil burden of proof is lower, and victims can recover compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Bars, Restaurants, and Other Businesses (Dram Shop Liability)
Under Georgia’s Dram Shop Act, O.C.G.A. § 51-1-40, a bar, restaurant, or other alcohol-serving business may be held liable if they served alcohol to someone who was noticeably intoxicated or to a person under the legal drinking age, and that person later caused a drunk driving crash. The law applies even if the person was not drinking on the business’s premises when the accident occurred. This type of liability often requires strong evidence, such as surveillance footage, witness statements, or receipts.
Social Hosts
Georgia law also allows for liability in certain cases where a private individual, or “social host,” serves alcohol to someone under 21 years old who then causes a DUI crash. This liability is based on the same statute, O.C.G.A. § 51-1-40. However, the law is narrower when it comes to adults—there is no social host liability for serving visibly intoxicated adults in a private setting unless minors are involved.
Employers
If a person causes a drunk driving crash while acting within the scope of their job duties, their employer may be held responsible under the principle of vicarious liability. For example, if a delivery driver or other employee was driving under the influence while performing work-related tasks, the employer might share legal responsibility.
Rideshare or Delivery Companies
If a drunk driving accident involves a rideshare driver or delivery driver, legal responsibility can become complicated. Georgia law does not directly address every situation involving rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft. However, those companies may provide liability coverage under their commercial insurance policies depending on whether the driver was actively working at the time of the crash.
Common Questions People Ask After a Drunk Driving Accident in Georgia
Can someone sue a drunk driver who caused a crash?
Yes. Under Georgia law, injured parties may file a lawsuit to seek compensation for their injuries and related losses.
What happens if the drunk driver fled the scene?
Even if the at-fault driver left the scene, compensation may still be available through the victim’s own uninsured motorist coverage.
Is it smart to hire a lawyer after a drunk driving accident?
Yes. An attorney can help protect the victim’s legal rights, handle insurance negotiations, and pursue fair compensation.
How much could a drunk driving accident case be worth?
The value of a case depends on several factors, including the extent of injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Can a bar or restaurant be held responsible for serving the drunk driver?
Possibly. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-40, an establishment may be liable if it knowingly served alcohol to an intoxicated or underage individual who then caused harm.
What if the injured person was a passenger in the drunk driver’s vehicle?
Passengers may still be entitled to recover damages, depending on the circumstances and available insurance coverage.
How long is there to file a personal injury claim in Georgia?
In most cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident, according to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.
Can emotional distress be part of the compensation?
Yes. Victims may seek damages for pain and suffering, including emotional distress, as part of their personal injury claim.
What legal options exist if a loved one died?
The surviving family members could potentially bring a wrongful death claim under Georgia law to seek justice and compensation.
Additional Resources
Georgia Department of Public Safety – Victim Assistance – This page explains how the Georgia State Patrol handles crash investigations, including DUI and serious injury crashes. It offers contact information for victims or families needing help with crash case updates. Visitors can learn how to get in touch with the department for support or information about ongoing investigations.
Governor’s Office of Highway Safety in Georgia – Impaired Driving – This site outlines Georgia’s efforts to prevent drunk driving, including law enforcement campaigns like “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” It also includes data on alcohol-impaired fatalities in Georgia and compares them to national statistics. Users can learn about BAC limits, crash risks, and Georgia’s zero-tolerance approach to DUI.
Georgia Department of Driver Services – DUI Data Reports – This page provides yearly data reports on DUI-related incidents processed by the Georgia Department of Driver Services. It includes information on administrative license suspensions, test refusals, and DUI convictions by year and county. Users can access downloadable reports to view DUI trends across different demographics and regions in Georgia.
MADD – Georgia Victim Services – This page from Mothers Against Drunk Driving outlines the free services offered to victims of drunk and drugged driving in Georgia. It includes emotional support, help with statements, referrals, and compensation guidance. The site also provides contact information for local victim advocates and a 24-hour help line.
Hire an Personal Injury Attorney for Drunk Driving Accident Injuries in Gwinnett County, Georgia
McArthur Law Firm serves the cities of Atlanta in Fulton County, Macon in Bibb County, Kathleen in Houston County, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Marietta and Smyrna in Cobb County, Stonecrest, Brookhaven and Dunwoody in Dekalb County, Albany in Dougherty County, Columbus in Muscogee County and throughout surrounding areas of the state of Georgia.
Contact one of our offices at the following numbers or fill out an online contact form to start building your case.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: (478) 551-9901
