Who Will Pay for My Injuries After a Drunk Driver Accident?

The holidays in Atlanta, Georgia, bring family gatherings, office parties, and festive celebrations—but unfortunately, they also bring a surge in drunk driving accidents. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, alcohol-related crashes spike between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, making it one of the most dangerous times to be on the road.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, you may be wondering who will pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The answer can be complicated—but with the help of Moriarty Injury Lawyer, you can pursue every avenue for compensation and hold all responsible parties accountable.

Drunk Driving Accidents in Georgia

Drunk driving continues to be a major problem throughout the state. In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that nearly 30% of all traffic fatalities in Georgia involved alcohol-impaired drivers. Metro Atlanta areas—especially Fulton, DeKalb, and Cobb counties—see a significant increase in impaired driving crashes during the holidays.

Even a small amount of alcohol can slow reaction times and impair judgment. The legal blood alcohol limit in Georgia is 0.08%, but drivers can still be charged for DUI with lower levels if impairment is evident.

When these reckless decisions cause serious injuries or fatalities, victims have the right to seek full and fair compensation.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Drunk Driving Accident?

The drunk driver is usually the most obvious party responsible for the crash. However, in many cases, multiple parties may share liability for your injuries. An experienced Atlanta drunk driving accident attorney can help identify every source of compensation available.

1. The Drunk Driver’s Insurance

Georgia requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage. The driver’s auto insurance should pay for your damages, including:

• Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
• Lost income and future earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Vehicle repair or replacement

Unfortunately, many drunk drivers are underinsured or uninsured, which can make it difficult to recover the full value of your losses.

2. Your Own Insurance (UM/UIM Coverage)

If the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough coverage, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy can help cover your remaining costs. This is a critical protection that many drivers in Georgia overlook until it’s too late.

Your attorney can file claims with both insurance carriers and ensure you aren’t pressured into accepting a low settlement.

3. Dram Shop Liability in Georgia

In some cases, responsibility extends beyond the driver. Under Georgia’s Dram Shop Law (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-40), businesses that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons or minors who later cause accidents can be held partially liable.

For example, if a bar in Midtown Atlanta or a restaurant in Buckhead continued serving a patron who was clearly drunk before they drove and caused your crash, that establishment could share financial responsibility for your injuries.

Pursuing a dram shop claim requires evidence, such as witness statements, receipts, or surveillance footage—something a skilled attorney can help obtain quickly.

The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer

At Moriarty Injury Lawyer, we understand the devastating impact a drunk driving accident can have on your health, finances, and family. Our legal team investigates every aspect of your case, including:

• Gathering police reports and witness statements
• Reviewing toxicology and accident reconstruction data
• Identifying all insurance coverage options
• Negotiating with insurance companies for fair settlements
• Pursuing dram shop claims or civil lawsuits when necessary

We fight aggressively to maximize compensation for our clients while providing compassionate support through every step of recovery.

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Atlanta

If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, follow these steps to protect your rights:

• Call 911 immediately and ensure a police report is filed.
• Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
• Gather evidence, including photos, witness contacts, and insurance details.
• Do not speak with the other driver’s insurance company before consulting an attorney.
• Contact Moriarty Injury Lawyer as soon as possible.

Our firm serves clients across the greater Atlanta metro area, including Sandy Springs, Decatur, and Marietta, and we’re familiar with how local law enforcement and courts handle DUI-related injury claims.

Get the Compensation You Deserve

You should never have to pay the price for another person’s reckless decision to drive drunk. At Moriarty Injury Lawyer, we work tirelessly to help accident victims recover the financial compensation and peace of mind they deserve.

Whether through insurance negotiations or a dram shop lawsuit, our team will explore every legal option to ensure your rights are protected.

If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver this holiday season, contact Moriarty Injury Lawyer in Atlanta, GA, for a free consultation. Let us help you move forward—with justice and security on your side.