Augusta Drunk Driving Lawyer

Drunk drivers in Augusta, Georgia, often cause accidents by speeding, running red lights, failing to yield, or driving while distracted. Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and reduces coordination, making collisions more likely even in routine traffic situations.

Common scenarios include rear-end crashes and side-impact collisions at intersections.

If you are a victim of a drunk driving accident, the experienced legal team at Hawk Firm can step in to protect your rights. We will carefully investigate the crash, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to pursue the full compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost income, and other damages.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Augusta drunk driving attorney, please call us at (706) 429-5529 or contact us online today.

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Why Should Our Augusta Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Handle Your Case?

At Hawk Firm, our legal team combines compassion, legal knowledge, and dedication to guide you through the complex legal process while protecting your rights. We provide transparent and trusted legal solutions, keeping you informed at every stage.

Hawk Firm attorneys are aggressive negotiators, skilled at advocating for maximum compensation from insurance companies, but we are not afraid to take a case to trial if necessary to achieve justice. By reaching out right away, you give our knowledgeable legal team the opportunity to gather evidence, document your injuries, and build a strong case that fully supports your claim.

Key Takeaways

Drunk driving accidents in Augusta, Georgia, can cause serious physical, emotional, and financial harm to victims.
Completing all medical treatment is essential to ensure proper recovery and to document injuries for your claim.

Gathering documentation, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements, strengthens your case and supports accurate compensation.
Contacting the Hawk Firm immediately allows our knowledgeable attorneys to protect your rights and begin building a strong legal strategy.
Our attorneys are aggressive negotiators who fight for maximum compensation but are not afraid to litigate cases in the court system.
Early legal involvement improves your chances of receiving fair compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

How Much Can I Get for My Augusta Drunk Driving Accident Case?

Tha National Trial Lawyers The amount of money you may receive for a drunk driving accident in Augusta, Georgia, depends on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the crash, and the at-fault driver’s level of negligence.

If the at-fault driver was intoxicated, Georgia law allows you to seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages cover measurable financial losses. These include medical expenses such as emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, prescription medications, and ongoing physical therapy. Those costs are also recoverable if your injury requires long-term care, rehabilitation, or home modifications. Lost income from missing work due to your injury is another type of economic damage. If your injury affects your ability to earn in the future, you may recover compensation for lost future income.

Non-economic damages address losses that are more subjective and harder to measure. These can include physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of life enjoyment. Experiencing a traumatic accident can have lasting psychological effects, and compensation may be awarded to account for the impact on your daily life and personal well-being.

In cases involving especially reckless or egregious conduct, such as a drunk driver causing serious injury, Georgia law also allows for punitive damages. These damages are designed to punish the at-fault driver and discourage similar reckless behavior. These damages can significantly increase the total recovery in your case.

Most Common Locations for Augusta Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents in Augusta, Georgia, can occur anywhere, but certain locations are more prone to collisions that result in injuries due to traffic volume, nightlife activity, and roadway design.

One of the most common areas for drunk driving crashes is Downtown Augusta, particularly near Broad Street and the surrounding entertainment districts. These streets are home to bars, restaurants, and music venues, and late-night traffic combined with impaired drivers increases the likelihood of accidents. Intersections in downtown Augusta, such as Broad Street at 13th Street or Broad Street at 15th Street, see frequent accidents because of high pedestrian activity and heavy vehicle flow in the evening and early morning hours.

Another location where drunk driving accidents frequently occur is along Washington Road, especially near shopping centers, restaurants, and nightlife spots. Washington Road is a major arterial road connecting different parts of the city, and drivers traveling at higher speeds while impaired often cannot react quickly to slower traffic, sudden stops, or turning vehicles, resulting in collisions.

Similarly, Gordon Highway has been identified as a hotspot for accidents, particularly around intersections like Gordon Highway at Wrightsboro Road and Gordon Highway near Tobacco Road. These areas have multiple lanes and high-speed traffic, which increases the severity of crashes when alcohol is involved.

Finally, major highway entrances and exits, including I-20 interchanges, are frequent locations for drunk driving accidents in Augusta. High-speed ramps combined with impaired judgment can easily lead to collisions involving multiple vehicles.

Types of Accidents that Drunk Drivers in Augusta Frequently Cause

Drunk drivers in Augusta, Georgia, are involved in a variety of accident types, but certain kinds of collisions occur more frequently due to impaired judgment, slowed reaction times, and reduced motor coordination.

One of the most common types of accidents is rear-end collisions. Impaired drivers often fail to maintain a safe following distance or misjudge the speed of vehicles in front of them. When traffic slows or stops, a drunk driver may be unable to stop in time, causing a rear-end crash.
Side-impact or T-bone collisions are another frequent outcome of drunk driving. These accidents usually happen at intersections when a driver runs a red light or fails to yield the right-of-way. Alcohol impairs the driver’s ability to recognize traffic signals, judge distances, and react to other vehicles. Side-impact collisions can be particularly dangerous, as the sides of vehicles offer less protection than the front or rear, often resulting in severe injuries for occupants on the impacted side.
Head-on collisions also occur with alarming frequency in drunk driving cases. These accidents tend to happen when a driver swerves into oncoming traffic due to poor lane control or attempts to pass another vehicle without sufficient visibility. Because head-on crashes involve significant forces, they are often among the most serious, causing life-threatening injuries.
Finally, multi-vehicle pileups are a notable consequence of drunk driving, particularly in situations where one impaired driver triggers a chain reaction. When a drunk driver fails to brake in time or swerves unpredictably, other vehicles may collide, resulting in complex accidents that involve several cars and multiple injuries.

Most Common Injuries in Augusta Drunk Driving Accidents

Victims of drunk driving accidents in Augusta, Georgia, often suffer serious injuries due to the high speeds, sudden impacts, and unpredictable movements associated with collisions caused by impaired drivers.

One of the most common injuries is whiplash, which occurs when the head and neck are violently jerked forward and backward during a crash. Whiplash can lead to persistent neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and reduced range of motion, sometimes requiring weeks or months of physical therapy to improve mobility and relieve discomfort.

Broken bones are another frequent result of drunk driving accidents. Arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones are particularly vulnerable in collisions, as the force of impact can crush or fracture bones when occupants strike parts of the vehicle or are struck by other objects inside the car. Severe fractures may require surgical intervention, including plates, screws, or rods, and can involve long recovery periods and extensive rehabilitation.

Head injuries, including concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are also common among accident victims. Even relatively low-speed collisions can cause the brain to move violently inside the skull, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, memory loss, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and changes in mood or behavior. In more severe cases, TBIs can result in permanent cognitive impairment or neurological damage, affecting a victim’s ability to return to work or maintain daily routines.

Spinal cord injuries are another serious consequence of drunk driving accidents. These injuries can range from herniated discs and partial nerve damage to complete paralysis. The impact of a collision on the spine can leave victims with permanent mobility limitations, chronic pain, or loss of sensation in various parts of the body, requiring long-term medical care and rehabilitation.

Soft tissue injuries, including torn ligaments, sprains, and muscle strains, are also very common. While these injuries may not always be visible, they can cause significant pain, swelling, and limitations in movement. Many victims require physical therapy to regain strength and functionality.

Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, can also occur in more severe crashes. These injuries are particularly dangerous because they may not be immediately apparent and can require emergency surgery to prevent life-threatening complications.

Fighting the Insurance Company after an Augusta Drunk Driving Collision

The knowledgeable and compassionate drunk driving accident attorneys at Hawk Firm in Augusta understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with insurance companies after a serious crash. Insurance adjusters often attempt to minimize payouts, delay claims, or place blame on the victim to protect their company’s bottom line.

The attorneys at Hawk Firm are skilled at navigating these tactics and advocating aggressively for the full financial compensation you deserve. They begin by thoroughly reviewing your case, examining police reports, witness statements, and medical records to establish the extent of your injuries and the responsibility of the drunk driver.

Hawk Firm attorneys are adept at calculating all types of damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and future medical care or rehabilitation costs. They ensure that nothing is overlooked when negotiating with the insurance company. By presenting a detailed and well-documented claim, they make it more difficult for insurers to deny or undervalue your case.

When dealing with insurance adjusters, Hawk Firm lawyers use their experience to counter common strategies meant to reduce compensation. They handle communications, respond to requests for information, and refuse lowball settlement offers that do not fully account for your losses. Their goal is to prevent you from being pressured into accepting less than what you are legally entitled to recover.

Hawk Firm attorneys are prepared to take your case to court if negotiations fail. They have experience litigating drunk driving accident claims in Augusta, presenting strong evidence, expert testimony, and persuasive arguments to ensure that a jury fully understands the impact of the accident on your life. This courtroom readiness often encourages insurance companies to offer fair settlements before trial, but the firm’s attorneys will fight for you every step of the way if necessary.

Most Important Steps to Take after a Drunk Driving Crash in Augusta

After a drunk driving accident in Augusta, Georgia, it’s vital to take specific steps to protect your health, legal rights, and potential financial recovery. First, you should complete all necessary medical treatment. Even if your injuries seem minor initially, untreated or partially treated injuries can worsen over time and may affect your ability to recover full compensation. Follow your doctor’s instructions, attend all appointments, and keep detailed records of your treatment, medications, and therapy sessions.

Gathering important documentation is also essential. It includes obtaining a copy of the police report, photographs of the accident scene, and witness statements. Keep all medical bills, pay stubs, and records of property damage related to the accident. Detailed documentation provides critical evidence to support your claim and helps our attorneys accurately calculate your damages.

Contacting experienced attorneys quickly is another important step. Our knowledgeable Augusta drunk driving accident lawyers at Hawk Firm can guide you through the legal process, communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, and ensure that deadlines are met. Early legal involvement allows us to collect evidence promptly, prevent insurance companies from undervaluing your claim, and protect your rights.

FAQs About Augusta Drunk Driving Cases

What if the drunk driver who hit me also faces criminal charges?

The criminal case against the drunk driver is separate from your civil claim for compensation. Georgia prosecutes the driver for the crime of driving under the influence (DUI).

Your civil claim is a separate legal action you file to recover damages for your injuries. A criminal conviction can strengthen your civil case by providing powerful evidence of the driver’s negligence, but you do not need to wait for the criminal case to conclude before pursuing your injury claim.

Can I sue a bar or restaurant for serving the drunk driver who hit me?

Yes, in certain situations. Georgia’s dram shop law, found in O.C.G.A. § 51-1-40, may allow you to hold a bar, restaurant, or social host liable if they served alcohol to someone who was noticeably intoxicated or under the legal drinking age, knowing that person would soon be driving.

Proving this type of liability requires a thorough investigation, which an attorney can conduct for you.

What happens if the drunk driver who caused my accident has no insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still recover compensation through your own auto insurance policy.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is designed for this situation. It covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages up to your policy limits.

Our attorneys can review your policy and handle the claim with your own insurance company to ensure you receive the benefits you are owed.

Do I still have a case if I was partially at fault for the accident?

You may still have a valid claim. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This rule allows you to recover damages if a jury finds you were less than 50 percent at fault for the accident.

If you are partially at fault, your final compensation award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can evaluate the circumstances of your accident and explain how this rule might apply to your case.

Call an Experienced Augusta Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today

At Hawk Firm, our drunk driving accident attorneys are ready to fight for your legal rights – and the compensation you need. If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to court and aggressively advocate for your interests there.

Injured victims of Georgia drunk driving crashes must file their personal injury lawsuit within two years of their accident date. Therefore, don’t delay!

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Augusta personal injury attorney, please call us at (706) 429-5529 or contact us online.