Atlanta Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
There is no type of traffic collision more egregious than a drunk-driving crash. Drunk driving collisions are entirely preventable, yet they claim nearly one out of every three lives lost on the roads every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you were hit by a drunk driver, or a drunk driver otherwise caused the crash you were in, an Atlanta drunk driving accident lawyer at Sawyer Injury Law can help you seek the maximum compensation.
Damages You Can Sue For in a Drunk Driving Lawsuit
While no amount of compensation can erase the physical and emotional trauma that you were subjected to in a drunk-driving accident, a personal injury claim can help you recover the following damages:
- Medical expenses;
- Lost earnings and earning ability;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Loss of joy of life;
- Property damage; and
- More.
Driver Impairment Levels By Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
Any presence of alcohol in a driver’s blood has a negative effect on their ability to operate their vehicle safely. While the illegal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) threshold is 0.08, much lower percentages can also be dangerous, including a BAC as low or lower than 0.02 (a single drink for a large male). The following BAC levels correspond with varying degrees of inebriation, according to the University of Notre Dame, which can prove fatal if the “tipsy” or drunk driver decides to get behind the wheel of a car:
- BAC of 0.02 to 0.039—Sense of euphoria and relaxation that can lead to serious distraction;
- BAC of 0.04 to 0.059—Reduced caution and inhibition which leads to speeding and other risk taking behaviors, reduced memory, impaired judgement.
- BAC of 0.06 to 0.099—Impaired balance, speech, vision, reaction time, and hearing. Impaired reaction time and self control. Reduced reasoning ability and memory.
- BAC of 0.10 to 0.129—Impaired vision, balance, and serious impairment of motor coordination.
- BAC of 0.130 to 0.159—Extreme motor impairment and lack of physical control. Blurred vision and complete loss of balance.
- BAC of 0.159 to 0.249—Appearance of a ”sloppy drunk”, inability to walk on their own, vomiting, blacking out.
- BAC of 0.250 or greater—Alcohol poisoning, unconsciousness, possible death due to respiratory arrest.
Call an Atlanta Distracted Driving Lawyer Today
Drunk drivers do not belong on the road, yet they are virtually always given their licenses back within a matter of weeks or months following each DUI. While our criminal justice system does not penalize drunk drivers as it should, you have the ability to seek justice on your own by filing a personal injury lawsuit against them.
Do not hesitate to contact us today at Sawyer Injury Law and schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta drunk driving accident lawyer to recover what was unjustly taken from you.
