{"id":6401,"date":"2026-10-03T02:52:15","date_gmt":"2026-10-03T02:52:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/slamdunkattorney.com\/guides\/car-accidents\/dui-car-accident-georgia\/"},"modified":"2026-10-27T15:04:13","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T15:04:13","slug":"dui-car-accident-georgia","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/slamdunkattorney.com\/guides\/car-accidents\/dui-car-accident-georgia\/","title":{"rendered":"DUI Car Accident in Georgia: Your Rights & Compensation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Car Accidents<\/a> | Georgia<\/p>

Hit by a Drunk Driver in Georgia? Know Your Rights<\/h1>

You may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and damages, but no outcome is guaranteed, and the result depends on the facts of your case. If you were hurt in a DUI car accident, Slam Dunk Attorney can talk with you about your situation.<\/p>

Request Your Free Consultation<\/a><\/div>
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By Peter F. Jaraysi \u00b7 Published October 03, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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Being hit by a drunk driver is different from an ordinary car accident<\/a>\u2014legally and practically. Under Georgia civil law, impairment may support a negligence claim (negligence per se), depending on the facts of the case and applicable statutes, and a civil claim for compensation can generally proceed separately from any criminal case against the driver. Here’s what you need to know about DUI accident claims in Georgia, and why these cases require careful attention.<\/p>\n

What Happens When a Drunk Driver Causes an Accident in Georgia<\/h2>\n

When a drunk driver causes an accident, two separate legal processes unfold: a criminal case (pursued by the state) and a civil case (pursued by you, the injured person).<\/p>\n

The criminal case is not your responsibility. Georgia prosecutors decide whether to charge the drunk driver with DUI, serious injury by vehicle, or other criminal offenses. That case plays out in criminal court, and the outcome\u2014conviction, acquittal, or plea\u2014is separate from your right to sue for damages.<\/p>\n

Your civil claim is independent. You can pursue compensation even if the criminal case is still pending, hasn’t gone to trial, or results in acquittal. A criminal conviction, if obtained, may serve as evidence of the driver’s impairment in a civil case, and how it applies depends on the facts of your case. Georgia law sets a deadline for filing a civil lawsuit. The time limit depends on the facts of your case and may be subject to exceptions, so consult a lawyer about your own situation as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n

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If you or a family member were injured by a drunk driver, you may be facing questions about liability and next steps. Let's talk about what happened and what your options are. Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

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Why DUI Accident Claims Are Different From Other Car Accidents<\/h2>\n

Drunk driving is inherently reckless.<\/p>\n

An insurance company may dispute a DUI claim, and how it responds depends on the facts of each case. You may wish to consult a lawyer about your own situation.<\/p>\n

Punitive damages may also be available in Georgia DUI cases. Beyond compensatory damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering), you may recover additional damages if the drunk driver’s conduct was willful or wanton, which is a higher standard than ordinary negligence and depends on the facts of your case.<\/p>\n

Common Injuries and Losses After a Drunk Driving Crash<\/h2>\n

Injuries from DUI accidents can be serious, and the injuries in any given case depend on the facts. In some crashes, an impaired driver may not brake, swerve, or react in time, and what happened in a specific crash depends on the facts. They may run red lights, drift across lanes, or collide head-on with oncoming traffic.<\/p>\n

Depending on the facts of your case, recoverable damages may include:<\/p>\n