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Everyone already knows that drunk driving is a bad idea. Everyone already knows that drunk driving can lead to some of the deadliest car accidents on the roads. But most importantly, everyone knows that there are still drunk drivers out there, and they’re dangerous.
Alcohol-related fatalities have declined over the years, but they still account for more than one in four deaths on Georgia’s roads. In 2014, 326 people died in alcohol-related accidents here in Georgia. Of that total, the vast majority (278 deaths) involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, contact The Stoddard Firm today. It’s important that you have an experienced car accident attorney you can trust on your side. The Stoddard Firm has years of experience with car accident cases, and we offer a free consultation to help you get started on your case. If you’ve been injured, contact us at 678-RESULTS today.
The law sets different BAC limits for different types of drivers. A driver younger than 21 years old is considered to be driving under the influence (DUI) if he or she has a BAC of 0.02% or higher. For drivers of legal drinking age, the limit is a BAC of 0.08%. And for drivers of commercial vehicles, the limit is 0.04%.
That being said, a driver can be considered DUI regardless of BAC, as long as he or she is visibly impaired in driving abilities. As the numbers we mentioned above suggest, drivers with a BAC are significantly more likely to become impaired, but that does not mean driving with a lower concentration is safe.
Tougher drunk driving laws have reduced the occurrence of DUI, but they have not done away with it entirely. It is still necessary to be on guard against drunk drivers at all times.
From 2008 to 2015, the average number of annual deaths due to alcohol impairment in Georgia dropped from approximately 425 to approximately 300. Progress is being made, but alcohol impairment is still the second most common factor in roadway fatalities. Seat belt non-use routinely accounts for over 40 percent of Georgia’s road deaths each year, while the alcohol-related fatality rate usually hovers around 25 percent. Together, these highly preventable causes contribute to approximately 65 percent of roadway fatalities each year.
As you would expect, alcohol-impaired driving death rates are highest in urban areas, where traffic is heavier and alcohol is more readily available. Some of the highest rates of alcohol-related traffic deaths occur in Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, Macon, Columbus, as well as college towns like Athens and Valdosta.
Impaired driving multiplies the risk that a crash will become fatal by six times. Stricter laws, increased law enforcement, and increased educational programs have worked to alleviate the problem, but they haven’t gotten rid of it entirely. Alcohol remains a significant danger on the roads, and it shows no signs of stopping soon.
A drunk driver who injures or kills another person in an accident will face strong criminal penalties. The penalties for DUI are lighter than these penalties, but they are still considerable. The specific penalties depend on age and the number of previous offenses, but they usually include:
A commercial driver caught driving under the influence will face much stiffer penalties. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) takes care of these penalties, which usually include disqualification of the driver from further employment as a commercial driver.
The penalties for a first-time DUI are relatively light, including license suspension for up to one year, a fine of $300 to $1,000, a $210 fee for license reinstatement, a DUI Alcohol or Drug Risk Reduction Program, 40 hours of community service, and possible imprisonment of up to one year. These penalties become stronger with subsequent offenses. Furthermore, a DUI offense will remain on an individual’s records permanently.
If you or a loved one is injured in an auto accident, you should first seek medical attention. You should also make sure you contact authorities. If your injuries were the result of neglect by another party, you should seek legal assistance. The personal injury lawyers at The Stoddard Firm have years of experience handling accident cases, and we even offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case. Call us at 678-RESULTS.
A dedicated, ethical advocate who takes on major corporations and global insurers with virtually unlimited resources. Known for high-profile cases featured on Courtroom Viewing Network, this attorney is also a sought-after legal educator, teaching at seminars for top bar associations. Trusted by clients and media alike, they work tirelessly to secure justice and deliver results.
Member of the Atlanta Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association, and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
Licensed in Georgia since: 2008
Education: University of Georgia School of Law
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Matthew Stoddard and his staff are wonderful people. This law firm is a no complication type of place. They always answer the phone without the hassle of going through 30 different people and always return emails just as quick as they are received. Thank you gentlemen for everything y’all do.
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If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
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I can’t express enough how good attorneys Keith Evra and Matthew stoddard are as well as the rest of the firm. They took care of me and my family and did everything they could for us and were professional and amazing at what they do. You can count on them to genuinely make you feel like they care about you and will do everything they can for you. If I could give 500 stars I would. If you are debating to choose them for your representation look no further becuase you won’t find a better firm. They are the best.
I was very proud of my lawyer Keith evra n his professional in my time of pain dealing with my son’s death. I would recommend Keith to anyone who needs legal services
By far a great group to handle such a tremendous and difficult time in our lives, not only do they communicate and explain in detail, but they really care to make this process as easy as possible. I would highly recommend this firm for any of your needs because they really do go above and beyond with blood sweat and tears for their clients
One thing I can truly say about the Stoddard Firm is that they take great initiative in helping their clients. My case and situation took a lot out of me. Mentally, emotionally and even physically. But the Stoddard firm did an amazing job with my case. Shauna and Janine did absolutely amazing with helping me with coping skills and they have great communication. They helped me understand that the process of my case would take some time but that they would do everything in their power to help me differentiate the odds that were against me. Yes the process was time given, but patience is key and at the end everything was successful and I am grateful for them.
Matthew Stoddard and his team of lawyers, including Belle- Anne and the staff, were very professional and caring from the beginning to the end. They were very knowledgeable, always available to answer any questions, and made sure I was always updated. I’m very grateful and highly recommend them.
I contacted the Stoddard Firm and told them about the accident and explained our family’s situation in detail. They took on the case and did a FANTASTIC job. They were very mindful that this was a very heartbreaking situation for all of us. They made certain our entire family was well informed of everything going on throughout the entire process. They were always very polite, very responsive and never got frustrated whenever a situation arose where we didn’t understand something. They were always very patient and explained any questions or concerns we had at all times. I would highly recommend them to anyone who has experienced the unfortunate need to hire an attorney for this type of situation.
When you need a law firm to fight for you, I mean fight for you!! The Stoddard Firm is the answer. My case was a uphill battle. The Stoddard Firm went to war with other side and made it happen. I am ensure that anyone that’s in need of a excellent legal team. Dont waste your time with firms that sell dreams, this firm makes it happen. Thank you Stoddard Firm.
They are client focused and make sure that you are in the loop every step of the way. We worked directly with Matt Stoddard, Keith Evra, & Shauna Thomas and they were accommodating, understanding, and wonderful. They treat their clients with respect and care and genuinely have your best interest at heart. We weren’t treated as just clients, we were treated as family. Their knowledge and experience with law shows and they know exactly what they are doing. This is a top of the line law firm and you will be extremely satisfied when you choose them for your case.
The Stoddard firm did a extraordinary job on my case. Their whole team is very professional, and will go over and beyond to achieve the greatest results so that the customer is satisfied. Thank you again for making me a priority.
Our experience with The Stoddard Firm was great. Everyone helped us navigate through a stressful situation. Professional and compassionate – the firm worked with and for us. Would recommend them to anyone.
The Stoddard firm done an excellent with my son case. They had great open communication and treated you like family. The whole staff was just on point and had great customer service. I want to thank everyone at the Stoddard firm
The Stoddard Firm has been an excellent firm to work with. Everyone there was very professional. I truly appreciate everything that they did to walk me through the process. I know they worked very hard to bring my lawsuit to a favorable conclusion. I especially appreciate Matthew, Janine and Shauna and the dedication to my case.
All the folks at the Stoddard firm were responsive, polite, professional and caring. They handled our case with determination. They handled our family with high regard and respect.
I work with a lot of law firms across the country, and I can say The Stoddard Firm truly cares about all their clients and are invested in seeking justice for them. Their staff is always delightful, and super organized! Class act firm from top to bottom!
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was revised and approved by Attorney Matthew B. Stoddard, who has more than 16 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
Your information will remain confidential and used solely to contact you about your case.
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