Drunk driving accidents cause serious injuries and deaths every year. When a driver operates a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, they put themselves and everyone on the road at risk. If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver in Savannah, Georgia, you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. The Cornwell Firm represents victims of drunk driving accidents and works to hold impaired drivers accountable for the harm they cause.
Why Choose The Cornwell Firm for Your Drunk Driving Accident Case
The Cornwell Firm has served Savannah since 2003 as a locally owned and family‑operated law firm with over 20 years of experience handling motor vehicle accident cases. The attorneys understand the unique aspects of drunk driving cases, including how to use evidence of impairment to strengthen your claim. The firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney’s fees upfront and legal fees are collected only if compensation is obtained for you.
The Cornwell Firm offers free case evaluations so you can learn about your legal options without financial pressure. The firm is available for consultations outside regular business hours because accidents do not always occur during daytime. Bilingual support in Spanish is available. Rather than making promises about specific outcomes, The Cornwell Firm focuses on building strong cases and providing attentive service to injured clients.
Understanding Drunk Driving and Its Dangers
What Is Impaired Driving?
Impaired driving occurs when a person operates a vehicle while their ability to drive safely is compromised by alcohol, drugs, or both. Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and reduces coordination—all critical for safe driving. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect driving ability. Drugs, whether prescription medications, over‑the‑counter drugs, or illegal substances, can also impair driving in similar ways.
Under Georgia law, a person is considered impaired if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. However, impairment can occur at lower BAC levels, and some people are impaired at BAC levels below the legal limit. Drivers under 21 years old face a lower legal limit of 0.02% BAC. Commercial drivers face a limit of 0.04% BAC.
The Dangers of Drunk Driving
Impaired drivers are significantly more likely to cause accidents than sober drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving is a leading cause of traffic fatalities. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, making it harder to avoid obstacles or other vehicles. They have impaired judgment, which may lead them to take risks they would not take while sober. They have reduced coordination and control of their vehicles, making it difficult to steer, brake, or accelerate appropriately.
Drunk drivers are more likely to speed, drive recklessly, and fail to follow traffic laws. They may drive at night when visibility is reduced, and they may not use headlights or other safety features. The combination of impairment and risky behavior creates a dangerous situation for everyone on the road.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents often cause severe injuries because impaired drivers are less likely to brake or take evasive action before impact. Traumatic brain injuries and head trauma can occur even in moderate-speed collisions. Spinal cord injuries may result in partial or complete paralysis. Broken bones and fractures often require surgery and extended recovery periods. Internal bleeding and organ damage may not be immediately apparent but can be life‑threatening.
Whiplash and soft tissue injuries are common in rear‑end collisions. These injuries may cause chronic pain and require ongoing treatment. Psychological injuries such as anxiety, depression, and post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can result from the trauma of an accident. If you were injured in a drunk driving accident, seeking prompt medical attention is important both for your health and for documenting your injuries for your claim.
How The Cornwell Firm Handles Your Drunk Driving Accident Claim
The Cornwell Firm begins with a free case evaluation, listening to your account of the accident and assessing the potential strength of your claim. The firm’s investigation may include gathering evidence from the accident scene, obtaining police reports, reviewing medical records, and collecting witness statements. The attorneys work with medical experts to document the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
Evidence of impairment is particularly important in drunk driving cases. The firm obtains police reports that document observations of impairment, such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or poor coordination. Breathalyzer or blood test results showing BAC levels are critical evidence. The firm also gathers witness statements from people who observed the driver’s behavior before or after the accident.
The firm handles communication with the at‑fault driver’s insurance company on your behalf. Attorneys negotiate for settlement offers that fairly reflect your injuries and losses. If an insurance company does not make a reasonable offer, The Cornwell Firm can prepare the case for trial and present it in court. Throughout the process, the firm keeps you informed and answers your questions so you understand each step in your case.
Damages Available in Drunk Driving Accident Cases
You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. Lost wages for time away from work during recovery are recoverable, as is reduced earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to return to your prior job. You may also pursue compensation for pain and suffering—the physical pain and emotional distress associated with the accident and injuries.
In cases involving drunk driving, punitive damages may be available. These damages are intended to punish the defendant for their reckless conduct and deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are awarded in addition to compensatory damages and can significantly increase the total recovery. If a drunk driving accident results in death, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims to recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
Georgia’s Statute of Limitations for Drunk Driving Accident Claims
In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Acting promptly helps preserve evidence and witness testimony while memories are fresh. The Cornwell Firm can help ensure your claim is filed within the required timeframe and that your legal rights are protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a drunk driving accident?
Seek medical attention first, even if you feel relatively well—some injuries appear later. Call the police to report the accident and obtain a report number. Collect contact information for witnesses and, if possible, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage. As soon as you are able, contact The Cornwell Firm for a free consultation.
Can I pursue a claim if the drunk driver was not convicted?
Yes. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil claim for damages. You can pursue a claim based on the preponderance of the evidence—a lower standard than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard used in criminal cases. Evidence of impairment, such as police observations, breathalyzer results, or witness statements, can support your civil claim even if criminal charges are not filed or a conviction is not obtained.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under Georgia’s comparative negligence rules, you may still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, although your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. The Cornwell Firm will investigate the accident to evaluate fault and work to limit any percentage attributed to you.
How much does it cost to hire The Cornwell Firm?
The Cornwell Firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay attorney’s fees unless compensation is obtained in your case. There are no upfront attorney’s fees, and fee arrangements are discussed with you before representation begins.
How long does a drunk driving accident case take?
The timeline varies based on factors such as injury severity, the complexity of liability issues, and whether the matter settles or goes to trial. Some cases resolve within several months, while others may take one to two years or longer if litigation is required. The Cornwell Firm will provide a more specific estimate after reviewing the facts of your case.
What are punitive damages?
Punitive damages are damages awarded to punish a defendant for reckless or intentional conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. In drunk driving cases, punitive damages may be available because drunk driving is considered reckless conduct. Punitive damages are awarded in addition to compensatory damages and can significantly increase the total recovery.
Contact The Cornwell Firm for Your Free Drunk Driving Accident Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident in Savannah, you do not have to handle the process alone. Call 912-349-7028 today for a free case evaluation. The Cornwell Firm is available for consultations when you need help most and serves clients in Savannah and the surrounding Georgia communities. There is no obligation and no upfront attorney’s fees—the firm only collects legal fees if compensation is obtained for you. Bilingual support is available in Spanish. The Cornwell Firm can review your case, explain your options, and work to pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
