Valentine’s Day is typically a day of celebration, love, and connection. However, it is also a time when the roads become more dangerous due to increased alcohol consumption. At Princenthal, May & Wilson LLC, we see a rise in personal injury claims during this period, especially those resulting from drunk driving accidents. Drivers who are impaired by alcohol make poor decisions, putting themselves and others at risk. Unfortunately, these accidents often lead to serious injuries, some of which can be life-altering. Understanding how these incidents impact personal injury claims is crucial for victims seeking compensation.
This day, filled with romantic dinners and social gatherings, also leads to a significant increase in alcohol consumption. With more people on the road and more impaired drivers, accidents are almost inevitable. In Georgia, these accidents can drastically affect the outcome of personal injury claims, often resulting in increased compensation for victims.
The Rise in Drunk Driving Accidents During Valentine’s Day 
While Valentine’s Day is known for its celebrations, it is also one of the more dangerous holidays in terms of car accidents. Statistically, drunk driving accidents increase substantially on this day due to the holiday’s association with drinking. Events like romantic dinners, parties, and outings often involve alcohol, leading to impaired driving behavior.
- Increased Alcohol Consumption: Many couples and friends go out to celebrate with a few drinks. Alcohol impairs judgment and slows reaction time, making drivers more prone to accidents.
- More Drivers on the Road: Unlike other days, Valentine’s Day sees a lot more activity on the roads during the evening hours. People head out for romantic dinners, late-night activities, and social gatherings, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
- Poor Decision-Making: When people are celebrating, they may not always be aware of their own impairment, or they may choose to drive despite being intoxicated. The combination of emotional excitement and alcohol often leads to dangerous driving behavior.
These factors combine to make Valentine’s Day a prime time for drunk driving accidents. Unfortunately, the consequences are often serious, leading to personal injury claims that may involve long recovery periods, expensive medical bills, and emotional distress.
Adam Princenthal
Attorney At Law
David May
Attorney At Law
Matthew Wilson
Attorney At Law
How Drunk Driving Accidents Affect Personal Injury Claims in Georgia
In Georgia, personal injury claims arising from drunk driving accidents are often more complicated than typical car accident cases. These claims involve more than just proving that an accident happened—they require demonstrating that the driver was intoxicated, which directly affects the case’s outcome.
- Negligence and DUI: Proving that the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident is often a clear case of negligence. Georgia law defines drunk driving as a clear violation of the duty to drive responsibly, making it easier to prove fault.
- Punitive Damages: Unlike other personal injury claims, DUI accidents may allow the victim to receive punitive damages in addition to regular compensation. These damages are meant to punish the at-fault driver for their reckless behavior and deter future instances of impaired driving.
- Insurance Issues: In drunk driving accidents, insurance companies often try to downplay the severity of the incident, especially when it involves a high amount of liability. Insurance adjusters might try to argue that the accident was partially the victim’s fault, even if the driver was drunk. It is crucial to have experienced legal representation to ensure that you are not shortchanged during the settlement process.
After a car accident, I contacted David May at the Lagrange office. He, and his staff, helped me with medical advice and follow up doctors visits, along with dealing with my insurance and the insurance of the woman that hit me. I have been very pleased with the service I received from David May and the Lagrange staff. They are warm and open, always there to help with advice and answer questions.”
- Debau
I highly recommend Adam Princenthal .I was looking for someone with years of experience in personal injury.They needed to be knowledgeable, transparent and honest.I wanted to know I was dealing directly with the lawyer I hired.Adam Princenthal could answer all the difficult questions and phone calls were returned.Adam got the settlement I was looking for in a timely manner."
- Nancy K.
I am glad that I was referred to Princenthal & May. Matthew met with me and gained my trust with the case. I was never left in the dark on any matters, My phone calls were either answered or returned quickly. The office staff are very friendly as well. My case was settled, with both Matthew and Adam present. Both are very professional in their work.. They work for you !!!"
- Jacque Minor
Understanding Georgia’s Comparative Fault Law
Georgia follows a comparative fault rule, which means that even if the victim is partially at fault in the accident, they may still be able to recover damages. However, the compensation awarded will be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to the victim.
For instance, if you were partially at fault for the accident, your compensation might be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. This is an important consideration in any personal injury case in Georgia, but especially in drunk driving accidents, where emotions and circumstances can complicate matters. If you were involved in a drunk driving accident on Valentine’s Day and were partially at fault, consulting with a personal injury lawyer from Princenthal, May & Wilson LLC can help ensure that you are compensated fairly.
The Role of Law Enforcement During Valentine’s Day
One significant factor that impacts drunk driving accidents on Valentine’s Day is the increased presence of law enforcement on the roads. Police officers set up DUI checkpoints and patrol the streets more frequently during holidays like Valentine’s Day, seeking to deter impaired driving. When law enforcement catches an impaired driver, they will typically arrest the individual, which can help strengthen your case in court.
Additionally, the police report from the incident will often indicate the driver’s state of intoxication, including whether or not they were charged with DUI. This report can serve as crucial evidence in a personal injury claim. It can establish that the other driver was at fault and that their impaired driving contributed directly to the accident.
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Medical Bills and Long-Term Recovery After a Drunk Driving Accident
The injuries sustained in drunk driving accidents can be severe and may require long-term medical care. Victims often face a long recovery process, which may involve multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment. In some cases, injuries sustained in these accidents can result in permanent disability or chronic pain, which has a profound impact on the victim’s life.
- Physical Therapy: Many victims require physical therapy to regain mobility and function after a serious accident. These sessions can be expensive and may go on for months or even years.
- Psychological Impact: Emotional distress and mental health issues such as PTSD are common after traumatic accidents. Victims of drunk driving crashes may experience anxiety, depression, or flashbacks of the incident. These factors should be considered in a personal injury claim, as they can significantly affect the victim’s quality of life.
- Lost Wages: In serious cases, victims may be unable to return to work for extended periods of time. If the accident results in long-term disability, victims may never be able to return to their previous employment, further complicating their financial recovery.
Victims should work closely with their attorney to ensure that all aspects of their recovery are accounted for in their claim, including future medical care and lost wages.
Steps to Take After a Valentine’s Day Drunk Driving Accident
If you are involved in a drunk driving accident on Valentine’s Day, it is important to take immediate action to protect your health and strengthen your personal injury claim.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel hurt right away, it’s important to seek medical attention. Injuries can sometimes take hours or days to manifest.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, get contact information from any witnesses, and make sure the police report is filed. This evidence will be critical in proving your case.
- Don’t Speak to the Insurance Company: Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your compensation. It’s advisable not to discuss the accident with them until you’ve consulted an attorney.
- Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer: The sooner you reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer, the better. Princenthal, May & Wilson LLC can help guide you through the legal process and work to ensure that you receive fair compensation.
Valentine’s Day may be a time of celebration, but for some, it is a painful reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk driving accident, it’s crucial to understand the impact these incidents have on personal injury claims in Georgia. At Princenthal, May & Wilson LLC, we are committed to helping victims of drunk driving accidents recover the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been injured in a DUI accident this Valentine’s Day, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation.