Drunk driving and drug impairment is both dangerous and illegal; each day 29 people die in drunk-driving crashes across America.
Georgia law holds that those found guilty of drunk driving must adhere to mandatory punishment guidelines, with legal limits set at 0.08% BAC for drivers aged 21 or above; drivers aged under 21 are subject to zero tolerance laws.
Designate a Sober Driver
Sober drivers are the key to avoiding drunk driving accidents. But some friends who do drink may refuse to do their part and give over their keys responsibly.
Encourage your friend to use a taxi or rideshare service, stay at your house, or if all else fails take their keys away as this may be the only effective means of stopping them from getting behind the wheel – taking this action may be difficult but can protect both parties involved from an alcohol-impaired driving incident.
As a Georgia DUI lawyer, I am dedicated to supporting families affected by drunk-driving accidents. Preventing these incidents is simpler than you think: plan ahead, know your rights and use smartphone apps; however if an incident does arise resulting in injuries or fatalities contact an experienced lawyer immediately for legal representation.
Call for a Ride
Alcohol-impaired driving has the potential to cost billions each year in damages and cause immense emotional suffering, so the best way to combat drunk driving is by planning ahead and setting boundaries that keep alcohol impaired drivers away from roads.
Whenever going out with friends and planning on drinking, be sure to appoint a designated driver ahead of time. This person can hold onto everyone’s keys to prevent anyone from leaving unknowingly behind the wheel; alternatively public transportation could be another alternative option.
Georgia law permits victims of drunk driving accidents caused by intoxicated individuals to pursue punitive damages from not only their driver but also from any establishment that provided alcohol – known as Dram Shop Act and applicable in such places as bars, taverns, restaurants, liquor stores, convenience stores and grocery stores, or even private homes that provided intoxicated individuals with drinks. This claim works under the theory that these establishments were aware of its possible link to car crashes but nevertheless served intoxicated customers anyway.
Intervene
Many who have lost a loved one to drunk driving find solace by channeling their grief into trying to prevent others from making the same mistake. Some opt to intervene directly when they believe a friend may get behind the wheel while others use more indirect means, like Mothers Against Drunk Driving organizations as outlets for advocacy.
Georgia law contains “dram shop laws” that enable victims of drunk driving accidents to pursue compensation not only from those responsible, but also social hosts who provided alcohol to individuals likely to drive soon after indulging. If this can be proven, victims could potentially seek recovery against both parties involved.
If you have been injured in a car accident due to drunk driving, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney can assist in navigating the legal process and seeking maximum compensation for your injuries.
Report the Accident
At first glance it may seem tempting to offer a driver a ride home after an accident, but such actions could actually land you in legal hot water. Georgia law requires all motorists involved in an incident to call the police immediately and exchange information at the scene of any collisions or near misses.
Note the vehicle and insurance information of each driver you encounter for your own records, noting any decals, logos, insignia, website addresses, telephone numbers and lettering on their vehicle that might help identify who owned it.
Acknowledging time-sensitive requirements helps protect and strengthen your legal rights. Seeking prompt medical treatment ties directly back to an accident, helping strengthen any possible compensation through insurance claims. Furthermore, filing your car accident claim within the statute of limitations allows for a better chance at legal action regardless of how strong your case might be.
