Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Alpharetta

Punitive damages in Georgia DUI cases

In most personal injury cases, punitive damages are capped at $250,000. However, under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1(f), this cap is removed when the defendant was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This means a jury can award significant additional damages to punish the drunk driver and deter others from making the same reckless choice. We build the evidence of impairment to ensure you have the best chance at an uncapped recovery.

The two-year deadline for Alpharetta DUI crash claims

Under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. However, this deadline can be "tolled" or paused during the time the criminal DUI case against the driver is pending. We monitor the criminal proceedings closely and use the evidence gathered by law enforcement—including breathalyzer results and body cam footage—to strengthen your civil claim for damages.

Georgia's Dram Shop Law and over-serving

Sometimes, the driver isn't the only one at fault. Under Georgia's Dram Shop Law (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-40), a bar, restaurant, or host can be held liable if they knowingly served alcohol to a "noticeably intoxicated" person, knowing that person would soon be driving. We investigate where the driver had been drinking to identify every party that contributed to the crash.

How Georgia's 50 percent bar applies to DUI victims

Georgia's modified comparative negligence rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33) still applies, but a driver's impairment is a powerful factor in your favor. Even if the insurance company tries to claim you were partially at fault for the collision, the driver's choice to operate a vehicle while intoxicated is a clear act of gross negligence that we use to protect your right to full recovery.

Serving victims across North Fulton and Forsyth Counties

Our Alpharetta team represents clients injured by drunk drivers in Alpharetta, Milton, Johns Creek, and Roswell. We understand the devastation these crashes cause and are committed to providing the aggressive legal support needed to secure your future.

Reports, medical care, and filing your lawsuit

A DUI crash is investigated by the Alpharetta Police Department or Georgia State Patrol, often involving specialized DUI task forces. We assist you in gathering medical records from Wellstar North Fulton and coordinate with the criminal prosecutors handling the driver's case. When insurers refuse to pay fairly, we litigate in the State or Superior Courts of Fulton County.

Speak with a Alpharetta drunk driving accident attorney

You should not have to bear the burden of another person's criminal choice. Call (404) 383-6204 to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.

Common questions

What if the driver was not convicted of DUI?

You can still win your civil case. The burden of proof in a civil claim is lower than in a criminal trial. Even if the driver avoided a criminal conviction, we can use evidence of their impairment—such as witness testimony about their behavior or receipts from a bar—to prove they were negligent and caused the crash.

Can I recover damages if the driver was high on drugs?

Yes. Georgia's laws regarding driving under the influence apply to both alcohol and drugs, including prescription medications and illegal substances. If a driver's impairment from any substance caused the crash, they can be held liable for the resulting damages and punitive damages.

Should I wait for the criminal case to finish before filing my claim?

No. While the criminal case provides evidence, you should start the civil process immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights. We can file your claim and then "stay" or pause certain parts of the litigation if necessary while the criminal case proceeds.