Statistics show that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains one of the deadliest crimes in the state of Georgia. Since 1994, the state has averaged approximately 400 alcohol-related driving fatalities each year. As recently as 2008, there were 416 deadly car accidents involving a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, which amounts to nearly a quarter of all traffic fatalities.
When a family loses a loved one in a DUI/DWI accident, it can be emotionally devastating. While coping with the grieving process, the survivors of a drunk driving accident victim must also focus on holding the at-fault parties accountable and seek the compensation they deserve.
At Millar & Mixon, LLC, our impaired driving accident attorneys can assist you. We have extensive experience with investigating these accidents. We can determine who should be held liable, including drivers, car owners, employers and any bar, tavern, restaurant or social host who may have served alcohol to the drunk driver. We can build a case with our team of experts and prepare for trial. We will seek a full and fair settlement through mediation, and if that cannot be achieved, we’ll advocate strongly in the courtroom. We won’t back down from insurance companies.
If your family member has been killed in a drunk or drugged driving accident, contact our DUI/DWI accident attorneys today for a free case evaluation by calling 404-994-6419 or reach us online. We represent the families of DUI/DWI accident victims throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area and the state of Georgia, including Jonesboro, East Point, North Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Forest Park, College Park, Decatur, Roswell, Marietta, Peachtree City, Fayetteville and Riverdale.
Alcohol-Related Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Under Georgia law, the spouse of an adult killed in a drunk driving accident may file a wrongful death lawsuit. The spouse is entitled to at least one-third of the total recovery, with the remaining portion going to the couple’s children. If the deceased driver is a minor, the parents may sue. The “estate” has the right to recovery if the driver is an adult with no survivors.
In a DUI/DWI drunk driving accident lawsuit, the survivors may be entitled to medical expenses, lost wages and funeral costs, as well as compensation for the deceased driver’s pain and suffering and loss of the loved one’s care, comfort and companionship. Because drunk or drugged driving is such an egregious form of negligence, the survivors may also be entitled to punitive damages. There is no cap on punitive damages available in these cases.
In addition to building a case and establishing the liability of the responsible parties, an experienced DUI/DWI accident attorney at Millar & Mixon, LLC, can also help with insurance issues that tend to arise. A health insurer who has covered medical expenses or a workers’ compensation carrier who has provided medical and wage benefits will seek reimbursement from a wrongful death verdict or settlement. However, they are limited in what they can claim.
Another insurance dispute may also arise with your own insurance company. Every driver in Georgia must carry a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in liability insurance. Truckers must carry minimums of $100,000 per person and $500,000 per accident. If your damages exceed these limits, you will turn to uninsured or underinsured insurance coverage (UM/UIM). Insurers often will contest paying out these claims.
Contact Us
When you are grieving the loss of a loved one who has been killed by an intoxicated driver, you need the experienced DUI/DWI accident lawyers at Millar & Mixon, LLC, to focus on protecting your legal rights and interests. We will work hard to maximize your recovery through a wrongful death lawsuit. Over the years, we have secured more than $60 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients.
If your family member has been killed in a drunk or drugged driving accident, contact us today for a free case evaluation by calling 404-994-6419 or reaching us online. We represent the families of DUI/DWI accident victims throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area and the state of Georgia, including Jonesboro, East Point, North Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Forest Park, College Park, Decatur, Roswell, Marietta, Peachtree City, Fayetteville and Riverdale.
