Did you know that statistically, one out of every three people in the U.S. will be involved in an alcohol-related accident in their lifetime? This statistic is astonishing but very real. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are approximately 10,839 people who die in drunk driving crashes across this nation each year, which equates to about one person every 50 minutes.
Seeing statistics like this paints a very real and scary picture. Anyone can become a victim of a Georgia drunk driving accident or lose a family member to a DUI wreck. Sadly, drunk drivers don’t even realize they are drifting in and out of lanes and not following road rules until it is too late. An innocent person can be at the wrong place at the wrong time and suffer, due to no fault of his own.
When a drunk driver crashes into another car, occupants in that vehicle could suffer serious injuries or even loss of life. If your loved one was killed in an Atlanta DUI crash, you may be entitled to file a Georgia wrongful death lawsuit.
More about Wrongful Death Claims
When another person’s choices and bad decisions impact your life for the worst and result in the death of your loved one, their wrongful conduct may be punished through a wrongful death claim. Because their wrongful act of driving drunk was negligent and reckless, a wrongful death case is warranted.
First Step in Filing a Georgia Wrongful Death Claim
It is best to consult a skilled Atlanta DUI victim attorney when you pursue a wrongful death claim because it can be very complex due to the statute of limitations and the nature of the claim itself. A lawyer skilled in this area of law can tell you about the statute of limitations or other deadlines that may be critical to your case.
In cases like this, criminal prosecution may not be enough to get the justice and compensation you and your family deserve. This is why pursuing a civil suit against the drunk driver with the help of a skilled Atlanta wrongful death attorney at Shane Smith Law may be in your best interest.
To learn more about a wrongful death suit and your rights, call us at (980) 246-2656 today for a free consultation. Also, be sure to request a complimentary copy of our book, I Was Hit by a Drunk Driver: What Do I Do Next? The Guide for Victims of Georgia Drunk Driving Accidents.