Hurt by a Drunk Driver? DUI Injury Lawyer in Jefferson, GA

Injured by a Drunk or Impaired Driver

• Free, confidential case review
• You don't pay unless we win
• In-home consultations available

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A crash caused by a drunk or impaired driver can change your life in seconds. Serious injuries, time away from work, medical bills and a damaged vehicle often arrive all at once, and the insurance company starts asking questions before you have had time to recover.

At Parisi Law Firm, we represent people who were injured by drunk or impaired drivers in Jefferson, Gainesville, Athens and throughout Northeast Georgia. Jerry Parisi personally reviews every case, and the review is free.

Your Injury Claim Is Separate From the Driver's Criminal Case

When police believe a driver was impaired, the state handles the criminal side. That case is about penalties for the driver. It does not pay your medical bills, replace your lost wages or compensate you for what you have been through.

Your injury claim is a separate civil claim for the harm the impaired driver caused you. It moves on its own timeline, and it is usually pursued against the at-fault driver's insurance company.

Who May Be Responsible for Your Injuries

Depending on the facts, compensation may come from more than one place:

• the impaired driver and their auto insurance
• your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, if the driver had no insurance or not enough (what to do after a collision with an uninsured driver)
• an employer, if the driver was on the job at the time
• in limited circumstances, the business or person who served the alcohol

Georgia's Dram Shop Law (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-40)

Georgia law generally treats drinking, not the serving of alcohol, as the cause of injuries an intoxicated person inflicts. The statute sets out narrow exceptions.

Under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-40(b), a person "who knowingly sells, furnishes, or serves alcoholic beverages to a person who is in a state of noticeable intoxication, knowing that such person will soon be driving a motor vehicle" may become liable when that sale or service is the proximate cause of the injury. The same subsection covers a person who "willfully, knowingly, and unlawfully" serves alcohol to someone under the lawful drinking age, knowing that person will soon be driving.

These claims turn on what the server knew at the time, so receipts, video and witness accounts matter. That kind of evidence can disappear quickly.

Punitive Damages When the Driver Was Impaired (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1)

Punitive damages are meant to punish serious misconduct, not to repay your losses. In most Georgia cases they are limited to $250,000.

Subsection (f) of O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1 removes that limit when the defendant acted "while under the influence of alcohol, drugs other than lawfully prescribed drugs administered in accordance with prescription, or any intentionally consumed glue, aerosol, or other toxic vapor to that degree that his or her judgment is substantially impaired." Punitive damages are never automatic. Whether they are available depends on the evidence in your case.

Client Testimonials

"The Parisi Law firm was very professional, there was great communication, they kept me informed every step of the way and explained the process in great detail. I received a settlement and received every dollar I was entitled. Thanks Jerry and Cheryl, great job!" — Mark

"My experience with this lawfirm was completely positive. They handled my case very well from start to finish. I was very satisfied with the settlement that I received." — Linda

"Jerry Parisi handled all details of my auto accident case. Honest and a great communicator, he thoroughly covered all details and strategies, making it a pleasure to work with him. I trusted his advice and was pleased with the settlement. I highly recommend Jerry Parisi." — Wayne

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different.

What To Do After a Crash With a Drunk or Impaired Driver

1. Call 911 and get medical attention, even if you feel okay
2. Take photos of the scene and get the names of any witnesses
3. Get a copy of the crash report (how to get your Georgia car accident report)
4. Keep your medical records, bills and proof of missed work
5. Don't give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster
6. Talk with a lawyer before you accept any settlement

When a Drunk Driving Crash Causes Serious Injury or Death

Impaired-driver crashes often cause life-changing harm. If you are facing a long recovery, see how we handle catastrophic injury claims. If your family lost someone, our wrongful death attorney page explains who can bring a claim in Georgia.

Serving Jefferson and Northeast Georgia

We help people hurt by impaired drivers throughout:

• Jefferson
• Gainesville
• Johns Creek
• Athens
• Braselton
• Commerce
• Buford
• Winder
• Jackson County
• Hall County
• surrounding Northeast Georgia communities

Many serious crashes in this area happen along I-85, US-129 and the other commuter routes that connect these communities. See all of our car accident and personal injury services.

Speak With Jerry Parisi

If a drunk or impaired driver hurt you or someone you love, you don't have to deal with the insurance company alone. Tell us what happened and Jerry Parisi will give you an honest assessment of your options, at no cost.

Schedule a Free Case Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file an injury claim if the drunk driver hasn't been convicted?

Yes. Your injury claim is a civil claim that is separate from the state's criminal case, and it does not have to wait for a conviction. Records from the criminal side, such as the crash report and test results, may still help show what happened.

Can a bar or restaurant be responsible for a drunk driving crash?

Sometimes. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-40, a person or business that knowingly serves alcohol to someone in a state of noticeable intoxication, knowing that person will soon be driving, may become liable when that service is the proximate cause of the injury. These claims are narrow and depend on what the server knew.

Are punitive damages capped when the driver was impaired?

Georgia generally limits punitive damages to $250,000, but O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1(f) sets no limit when the defendant's judgment was substantially impaired by alcohol, by drugs other than lawfully prescribed drugs taken as prescribed, or by intentionally consumed toxic vapors. Punitive damages are never automatic.

What if the drunk driver had no insurance or not enough insurance?

Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may help pay for your losses. Our guide to collisions with uninsured drivers in Georgia explains the next steps.

How much does it cost to talk to Parisi Law Firm about a drunk driver crash?

The case review is free, and you don't pay unless we win.

Disclaimer: Contingent attorneys' fees refers only to those fees charged by attorneys for their legal services. Such fees are not permitted in all types of cases. "No fee unless you win or collect" refers only to fees charged by the attorney. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client.

Contact Information

• Office location: 218 Athens Street Jefferson, Ga 30549
• Phone: (404) 594-5130