Augusta Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk driving is one of the most irresponsible actions someone can take. Before most of us even learn how to drive, it gets beaten into our heads how dangerous it is to drive while intoxicated. And it’s for a good reason that it is. Every day in Augusta and throughout Georgia, innocent people are grievously injured by someone who was irresponsible enough to get behind the wheel while drunk. The innocent people hurt in these crashes are not just victims of irresponsible driving; they are victims of a serious crime.

At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, our Augusta drunk driving accident lawyer team is committed to standing with victims and their families from the very first phone call through the final outcome of the case. We provide free consultations so that victims can begin the legal process without additional financial pressure. We also represent clients throughout Georgia and take pride in handling the legal burdens so that victims can focus entirely on their recovery. You can reach us at any time at 706-955-1559.

How Drunk Driving Puts Augusta’s Drivers at Risk

Alcohol affects the human body in predictable ways. It slows reaction time, reduces attention, clouds judgment, and makes even the most basic driving tasks unsafe. When impaired individuals choose to drive, they transform ordinary roads into dangerous pathways for everyone around them. Collisions involving drunk drivers often occur at high speeds or in unexpected locations because impaired drivers fail to react in time or lose control of their vehicles. These crashes frequently result in catastrophic injuries due to the force of the impact.

In Augusta, the pattern repeats itself day after day. Drivers who have spent the night at restaurants, social gatherings, private parties, sporting events, or entertainment venues return to the road despite knowing they are unfit to drive. The consequences are often devastating. Victims may be struck head-on, hit by drivers traveling in the wrong direction, harmed while standing or walking near traffic, or caught in chain reaction collisions caused by a drunk driver who fails to stop. These incidents are not accidents. They are the result of a conscious decision to disregard the safety of others.

At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, our Augusta drunk driving accident lawyer staff approaches every drunk driving case with deep respect for the pain our clients endure. We believe that every victim deserves a thoughtful and forceful legal strategy that highlights the reckless choices that caused the crash. We are not satisfied until the full truth is known and every responsible party is held accountable.

Recognizing the Signs of Impairment in Drunk Driving Crashes

Many victims ask how they can be certain that the other driver was intoxicated at the time of the collision. Fortunately, our team has extensive experience gathering evidence that clearly demonstrates impairment. Police officers and legal professionals look for several key indicators that show a driver was under the influence of alcohol. Our team is familiar with the law enforcement officers of the Augusta Police Department and Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, meaning that we often can get direct evidence that proves driver intoxication.

Occasionally, we will have to look at indirect forms of evidence to see if the driver was drunk. For example, erratic speeding or sudden swerving is one common sign. Impaired drivers often move unpredictably, drift out of their lanes, or operate their vehicles at unsafe speeds. Field sobriety tests can also provide valuable evidence. Many drunk drivers struggle to stand steadily, follow directions, or complete simple tasks that a sober person can perform with ease. Body cameras worn by officers capture these moments and often reveal slurred speech, confusion, or difficulty understanding instructions.

Open containers found in a vehicle can further support a claim of impairment. Receipts from restaurants or bars may show that a driver consumed numerous drinks prior to driving. Refusal to take a breath test may also lead to a court-ordered blood draw that reveals a blood alcohol concentration well above the legal limit. Prior history of impaired driving can also indicate a pattern of reckless behavior. These factors collectively create a clear picture of irresponsibility.

Our team collects surveillance footage, witness testimony, toxicology reports, and any available digital records to show exactly what happened. Every piece of evidence strengthens the case and ensures that the truth cannot be dismissed or ignored.

Facial injuries are also common and can require extensive reconstruction. These injuries are not only physically painful but emotionally challenging as well, since the face is central to personal identity. Our team works closely with medical providers to document every injury and to fully understand how these physical and emotional challenges impact the victim’s future.

Medical Evidence That Strengthens a Drunk Driving Case

Medical documentation is one of the most important components of a strong legal claim. Emergency room tests often include blood draws that confirm intoxication levels. Imaging studies such as CT scans, MRI scans, and angiography provide insight into internal injuries, brain trauma, and spinal damage. Surgical reports document procedures needed to stabilize fractures or address organ damage. Specialists in burn care, neurology, orthopedics, and physical therapy provide ongoing evaluations that help demonstrate long-term needs.

Pain management specialists also play an important role, especially for victims who suffer chronic nerve pain or joint injuries. Speech therapists, occupational therapists, and cognitive rehabilitation experts help victims regain lost abilities. Every report, test result, and medical opinion becomes part of the legal record. Insurance companies cannot argue that injuries are minor when the evidence clearly shows otherwise.

How Merritt & Merritt Law Firm Proves Liability and Builds a Powerful Case

Proving liability in a drunk driving case requires both skill and persistence. Our attorneys gather every available form of evidence. This includes blood alcohol results, field sobriety test recordings, dashboard camera footage, reconstruction analysis, and interviews with witnesses. We also subpoena bar or restaurant staff when necessary in order to determine how much alcohol was served and whether the individual showed obvious signs of intoxication before leaving the establishment.

Our Augusta drunk driving accident lawyer team uses this evidence to show not only negligence but also reckless disregard for human life. In many cases, we rely on experts who specialize in accident reconstruction and toxicology. These professionals help explain how alcohol affected the driver’s reaction time, coordination, and ability to operate a vehicle safely. Their opinions carry significant weight in negotiations and court proceedings.

Guiding Clients From the Aftermath of the Crash to the Final Resolution

The legal process can feel overwhelming, especially when victims are dealing with medical appointments, physical pain, and emotional stress. Our team guides clients through every step. We begin with a free consultation, gather documentation, review police reports, and conduct a thorough investigation. We notify alcohol serving establishments when a dram shop claim may be appropriate. We craft a persuasive demand package, negotiate with insurers, and prepare for trial when necessary.

Although many cases result in settlements, we prepare each file as if it will be presented before a jury. This ensures that every detail has been addressed and that the case is as strong as possible.

Why Timing Is Critical After a Drunk Driving Crash

Several time-sensitive factors can influence the strength of the case. Georgia law has strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. Alcohol levels decline rapidly, making immediate testing essential. Businesses often overwrite surveillance footage after a short period. Witness memories fade. Insurance companies sometimes attempt to contact victims early in order to influence statements.

Steps To Take in the Critical Hours After a Crash

Whenever possible, victims should request medical evaluation, gather contact information for witnesses, preserve physical evidence such as damaged clothing, and avoid speaking with insurance companies before consulting an attorney. We can guide clients through these steps to prevent costly mistakes.

Holding Alcohol Serving Establishments Accountable

Georgia law allows victims to pursue claims against establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals who later cause crashes. We gather receipts, staff training records, surveillance video, and witness statements to demonstrate overservice. When businesses fail to act responsibly, they can be held financially liable.

The Merritt & Merritt Law Firm Team Gets Justice After a Drunk Driving Crash

If you have been injured by an intoxicated driver, you deserve a compassionate and supportive team that not only understands how to get you the full compensation you deserve but also knows how emotionally straining this situation is.

At the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, our clients get frequent updates directly from an experienced Augusta drunk driving accident lawyer. From day one, we stand by you and focus on getting you the support that you need. We understand that your accident is not just a legal case; it is an event that fundamentally alters the lives of you and your family.

Give our team a call at 706-955-1559 for a free consultation. There is no charge for a consultation from our attorneys. In fact, you pay nothing if we cannot secure you compensation for your injuries.