19 Nov 2021

By Michael Weaver

In Car Accident

A Cumming drunk driving accident can injure you, damage your vehicle, and leave you without the income you need. It can also cause immense pain and lasting mental difficulties.

Fortunately, victims can pursue compensation from the drunk driver who caused the crash. What is the average settlement for a drunk driving accident, and what kinds of compensation could be available to you? In this post, we’ll address these common questions.

If you need legal support after a drunk driving wreck, talk with the dedicated attorneys at Weaver Law Firm. We’re local lawyers committed to the people of Cumming and surrounding areas of Georgia. We’re here for you.

For a free consultation, contact us today.

What Can You Expect in a Drunk Driving Accident Settlement?

Following an accident, victims may ask, “What is the average settlement for a Cumming drunk driving accident?” The answer is that any settlement will depend on several factors, including:

  • Who was responsible
  • What sources of insurance coverage are available
  • The severity of the injuries involved
  • The extent of the losses suffered

After a Cumming drunk driving accident, a settlement may include compensation for:

  • Lost wages, lost income, and damage to your future earning potential
  • Any medical bills related to your injuries
  • Pain and suffering
  • Disabilities caused by your injuries
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Your damaged or destroyed property

Could Punitive Damages Affect the Value of a Settlement?

Punitive damages are a type of damage that may be available in some Cumming drunk driving cases in addition to the compensatory damages listed above. Under Georgia statute § 51-12-5.1, courts may award these damages when someone drinks and then causes an accident when they’re behind the wheel. That’s because their willful misconduct caused others to suffer harm.

In a lawsuit, the threat of punitive damages for drunk drivers is real. The amount of any potential punitive damages would vary depending on the circumstances of the case. The risk of incurring punitive damages at trial could substantially increase the value of a settlement.

If the Driver Was Acquitted of DUI or Never Charged, Can I Still File a Lawsuit?

Yes, if the drunk driver was acquitted or never charged with DUI, you can still file a civil lawsuit for compensation. A DUI is a criminal matter between the drunk driver and the state of Georgia. It’s separate from any potential civil case you want to file. Whether or not someone was found criminally guilty of a DUI after an accident, they could still be held responsible for the injuries they cause you.

Seek a Fair Settlement with Assistance from Our Attorneys

If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Cumming, get in touch with Weaver Law Firm. Drunk driving crashes can change everything instantly, but our experienced lawyers know how to seek the compensation you deserve. We’re here to answer your questions, explain your options, and fight for your rights at every step.

We offer a free consultation to review your case, and you won’t pay us unless and until we recover money for you. To discuss your case, get in touch with us now.

About the Author

Michael Weaver
Michael Weaver focus his work on Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, Family Law, Civil Litigation, and Bankruptcy cases.