Enhanced Damages for Victims of Drunk and/ or Aggressive Drivers

According to MADD, 27 people die every day in the U.S. as a result of drunk driving accidents. In total, the damages caused by drunk driving accidents costs the U.S. an estimated $132 billion a year. (madd.org) The data for aggressive driving-related injuries is equally disturbing. In a 2010 study conducted by the Governors’ Highway Safety Administration, 1 out of 3 people killed in auto accidents was due to aggressive driving. (carconnection.com) It is common knowledge that in Georgia a person is guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol when they operate a vehicle while their alcohol concentration is .08 grams or more. (O.C.G.A. §40-6-391) However, more recently, the Georgia Legislature has also enacted an aggressive driving statute. Under O.C.G.A §40-6-397, a person commits the offense of aggressive driving when they operate a vehicle with the intent to annoy, harass, molest, intimidate, injure, or obstruct another person. In addition to the criminal statutes designed to punish drunk driving and aggressive behavior behind the wheel, Georgia has civil laws that can enhance a defendant’s potential liability if they injure someone as a result of such acts. Under O.C.G.A §51-12-5.1, punitive damages may be available in cases involving drunk driving and aggressive driving. Punitive damages are in addition to compensatory damages such as pain and suffering and lost wages. The goal of punitive damages is to deter the conduct which led to the injury rather than compensate the injured. If you have been injured due to either drunk or aggressive driving, you should contact a Douglassville Personal Injury Attorney to review your case and assess your available damages, including compensatory and punitive. If you have been injured by a drunk or aggressive driver, The Faucette Law Firm will work hard to ensure you receive the full award you are legally entitled to recover.