When someone makes the decision to get in their car and drive after having too many drinks or while under the influence of another substance, that person is deciding that their convenience is more important than the safety – and the lives – of others who might be on the road.
When tragedy strikes and a life is lost due to someone’s choice to get behind the wheel after drinking too much, the victim’s loved ones can pursue a wrongful death claim and seek to recoup damages from the responsible person or parties with the help of a car accident attorney from one of the Atlanta law firms.
Compensation for a Wrongful Death Claim and DUI Injury Claim
Each day, about 30 Americans lose their lives to someone else’s decision to drive intoxicated. If someone you love has been the victim of one of these senseless accidents, no amount of money or heartfelt apologies can bring back your loved one.
You may have an opportunity for financial recourse that can cover the cost of your loved one’s medical expenses, funeral costs, and other damages. Under Georgia law, only the next of kin may file a claim on behalf of the decedent, such as a child, spouse, or in some cases, a parent. The claimant can pursue various types of compensation, depending on the nature of the injury or wrongful death:
• punitive damages, in the event the death or injury was the result of malfeasance or a criminal activity (such as substance abuse or driving while drunk);
• property damage for vehicle repairs or other damaged belongings;
• loss of earning potential or future services of the person who died;
• any medical expenses incurred prior to or after death of the injured victim; and
• loss of consortium, or companionship.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of the potential compensatory sources available to you through a wrongful death claim or DUI injury claim. Your car accident attorney in Atlanta may also consider investigating the possibility of additional liable parties, such as those authorized through dram shop liability laws in Georgia.
These laws allow injured victims or the family members of those killed in a DUI accident to pursue compensatory recovery from the bar, liquor store, nightclub, restaurant, or even party event host who continued to serve alcohol to the driver after he or she was clearly inebriated, provided that the party was aware that the individual in question was going to drive. Under the laws, any alcohol provider that made alcohol available to an underage driver who was later responsible for an accident may also be held liable.
A DUI injury claim or wrongful death claim is not an easy process, nor is it one that is over and done with quickly. Claims can drag for months, even years, so you should speak to an Atlanta law firm specialized to prepare for the long haul. Reach out to a lawyer who will treat you with the compassion and respect you deserve while aggressively pursuing justice for you, your family, and your future.
