A holiday gathering should end with a safe trip home. But if a suspected drunk driver hits you in Macon after Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s celebrations, you may face injuries, missed work and medical bills. Knowing what to do next can help protect your Georgia injury claim.
What should you do at the crash scene?
Your safety comes first. Call 911, request medical help and tell officers if you suspect alcohol played a role. Seek medical care even if you feel fine, since some injuries appear later.
If it is safe, gather information that may support your claim:
- Take photos of the vehicles, road and visible injuries.
- Get witness names and contact details.
- Note nearby cameras that may have footage.
These details can help investigators understand how the crash happened.
How do you obtain the police report?
Ask the responding officer for the report number and investigating agency. Once available, you can request the report from the investigating agency or through Georgia’s approved crash report services.
The report may include witness statements, officer observations and information about the driver’s suspected impairment. A report may help support your car accident claim, but it does not determine who was at fault.
What evidence should you keep after a drunk driving accident?
After a drunk driving accident, medical records, bills, repair estimates and proof of missed wages can show your losses. Photos, dashcam footage and messages about the crash may also help establish what happened. Keep digital copies of photographs and messages to prevent the loss of important evidence.
Can you seek punitive damages in Georgia?
You may seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering. Georgia law allows punitive damages when clear and convincing evidence shows serious misconduct, such as a reckless disregard for others’ safety.
These damages punish wrongdoing rather than repay your losses. Georgia’s usual $250,000 limit does not apply to punitive damages against the driver if alcohol severely impaired their judgment and the legal requirements are met.
Understanding your options after a drunk driving crash
Georgia generally gives you two years from the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit, though exceptions may apply.
You do not have to sort through questions about fault, insurance and lost income alone. Adams Law Firm can review your evidence, assess your losses and explain what compensation may be available. That guidance can help you decide how to move forward.