People injured by drunk drivers can suffer injuries that lead to big medical bills, ongoing medical care, and time away from work. Recovery can take months or years, and uncertainty about the future can make life difficult.
If you were hurt by an impaired driver, a Cumming car accident lawyer at Van Sant Law will explain your legal options and handle the insurance process on your behalf. Since 2008, our firm has helped injured people across Georgia seek compensation after serious accidents.
We have recovered hundreds of millions for clients and bring decades of combined experience to every case we handle. Our Cumming drunk driving accident lawyers will investigate what happened, identify available insurance coverage, and pursue full damages for your losses. We are ready to help. Call us for a free consultation to review your legal options.
How Our Cumming Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Can Help
It is common for insurance companies to move quickly after a crash, especially one that causes serious injuries. Adjusters may contact injured people within days and begin gathering information that could affect the value of a claim.
At Van Sant Law, we stand with injury victims. We take over communications with the insurance company so that our clients can focus on recovering from the crash. Our Cumming personal injury lawyers will review the crash and obtain the police report and other evidence.
We also will:
- Review evidence of driver impairment.
- Calculate current and future losses.
- Negotiation with insurance companies.
- Identify all liable parties.
- Pursue other available sources of compensation.
- Prepare the case for trial if necessary.
We aim to recover compensation from the insurance company so that injured people aren’t left carrying the financial burden. We also offer flexible options for new clients. We can sign cases electronically, schedule virtual meetings, and arrange an in-home visit when needed.
What Makes Drunk Driving Accidents Different From Other Crashes?
Drunk driving collisions often involve reckless decisions that place everyone on the road at risk. Alcohol can affect a driver’s reaction time, judgment, coordination, vision, and ability to recognize hazards on the road.
An impaired driver may run red lights, drift into oncoming traffic, speed, drive the wrong way, or fail to stop in time to avoid a collision. Police often use field sobriety tests, breath tests, blood tests, witness statements, and officer observations as they investigate what happened.
All of this evidence can play an important role in a personal injury claim. Our Cumming DUI lawyer will review it to determine how it may help your case.
Damages Available After a Drunk Driving Accident in Cumming
The amount someone can recover in a drunk driving crash depends on the kinds of injuries and losses they suffered and how the accident affects them long-term. Damages may include:
- Medical treatment already received
- Care that may be needed in the future
- Income lost during recovery
- Changes in a person’s ability to earn a living
- Damage to a vehicle and other personal property
- The physical effects of the injury
- The emotional effects of the crash
- Changes to daily routines and activities
- Long-term support required because of a permanent injury
A thorough investigation from our firm may determine the full extent of these losses before negotiating with the insurance company. A Cumming catastrophic injury lawyer from Van Sant Law will help when an accident causes severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage.
We will work with medical professionals, life-care planners, and financial experts as needed to understand the full cost of future care.
Wrongful Death Damages After a Fatal Drunk Driving Crash
No family expects to receive the call that a loved one has been killed by an impaired driver. If your family is facing this loss, we are deeply sorry for what you are going through.
If you have questions about what your legal rights are and what comes next, our Cumming wrongful death lawyer will help you. A wrongful death claim may provide a way for your family to seek accountability and financial recovery for certain losses.
You may be able to seek damages related to the value of the life that was lost, funeral and burial expenses, medical bills related to the final injury, and other losses recognized under Georgia law. We will review your situation and advise on the next steps during a free consultation.
Who May Be Liable for a Drunk Driving Crash in Cumming?
Liability usually starts with the impaired driver, but other parties also share responsibility depending on how the crash happened. Outside of the driver, any of the following may be liable for damages:
- The vehicle’s owner
- An employer if the driver was working at the time
- A business that overserved alcohol in certain situations
- Another driver who contributed to the crash
- A company responsible for vehicle maintenance
- A vehicle manufacturer if a defect played a role
Van Sant Law looks at every possible source of recovery and every potentially liable party when building a case.
What if the Drunk Driver Does Not Have Enough Insurance?
A serious injury can cost more than the drunk driver’s auto insurance policy covers. Medical treatment, missed paychecks, and other expenses can add up quickly. If you have underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, it may help your situation.
This coverage may apply if the drunk driver has no auto insurance, does not carry enough coverage, or cannot be found after the crash. A Van Sant Law injury lawyer will review the insurance policies and explain what options may be available.
Does a Criminal DUI Case Affect a Civil Injury Claim?
A drunk driving accident may lead to a criminal case and a civil injury claim, but the cases are separate. The criminal case is handled by the state and focuses on whether the driver violated Georgia law. A civil claim focuses on the harm suffered by the injured person or family.
The person injured in the accident does not have to wait for a criminal conviction before pursuing a civil claim. In some situations, evidence gathered during the criminal investigation may support the civil case.
Our lawyer for drunk driving accidents in Cumming will monitor the criminal proceedings, obtain relevant evidence when available, and use that information to strengthen an injury or wrongful death claim.
Get Help From Our Team After a Cumming Drunk Driving Crash
Medical bills, missed work, and ongoing treatment can create serious financial pressure after a drunk driving crash. You should not have to carry those burdens when someone else’s decision to drive impaired caused your injuries.
Van Sant Law helps injured people across Georgia pursue financial relief after serious accidents. Our drunk driving accident lawyers in Cumming handle the entire insurance process, investigate the crash, and work to recover damages for the losses it caused. If we must resolve your case at trial, we will take care of everything and make sure we file it on time.
If you or a loved one was injured by a drunk driver, call us for a free consultation. There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless our drunk driving accident lawyer in Cumming recovers compensation for you. Make the Right Call.
