Is It Possible to Receive Compensation If Injured by an Uninsured Drunk Driver?
Being injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver is devastating. But when that driver is also uninsured, the situation becomes even more stressful and confusing. If you’re a victim of an uninsured drunk driver in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia, it’s important to know that you may still be eligible for financial compensation.
At Conley Griggs Partin LLP, we help victims of drunk driving accidents explore all available legal avenues, including uninsured motorist coverage and dram shop liability laws, to recover damages for medical costs, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
The Reality of Drunk Driving in Georgia
Drunk driving remains a major problem across the state. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for nearly 25% of all traffic deaths in Georgia in 2022. In metro areas like Atlanta, the risks increase due to high traffic density and nightlife that fuels impaired driving.
What’s even more troubling is that many of these at-fault drivers are uninsured or underinsured, leaving innocent victims with serious injuries and no obvious source of compensation.
Option 1: Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
Georgia law requires auto insurance providers to offer uninsured motorist coverage (UM), although policyholders can opt out. If you’ve been injured by an uninsured drunk driver, your own UM policy may provide compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term rehabilitation
If you live in Atlanta or the surrounding counties and have UM coverage, this may be the fastest and most direct way to receive compensation. However, these claims can be complex, and insurance companies may try to minimize payouts. That’s where our experienced personal injury attorneys can help advocate on your behalf.
Option 2: Dram Shop Liability
Another avenue to explore is Georgia’s dram shop law (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-40), which holds certain alcohol vendors legally responsible if they serve alcohol to:
- A minor under the legal drinking age
- A noticeably intoxicated adult who then causes injury or death to others
If a bar, restaurant, or even a private host in Atlanta served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor who later injured you in a crash, that establishment may share legal liability. Proving this requires a skilled legal investigation, but it can significantly increase the compensation available in cases where the driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Other Potential Sources of Compensation
Even when the drunk driver is uninsured, other sources may include:
- Vehicle owner’s insurance (if the car was borrowed)
- Employer liability (if the driver was working at the time)
- Homeowner’s or renter’s policies (in rare cases involving minors or house parties)
Each case is different, and a thorough investigation is key. At Conley Griggs Partin LLP, our legal team works to identify every liable party and hold them accountable.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Insurance companies and at-fault parties often push back the hardest in cases involving uninsured drivers. They may question the severity of your injuries or deny liability altogether. That’s why having an experienced personal injury attorney in Atlanta is critical.
At Conley Griggs Partin LLP, we’ve helped countless accident victims across Georgia recover the compensation they deserve — even when the driver at fault was uninsured or intoxicated.
Contact Conley Griggs Partin LLP Today
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk, uninsured driver in Atlanta or the surrounding areas, don’t face the legal battle alone. We’ll help you understand your options and build a strong case for full and fair compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our trusted legal team.
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