The Drunk Driver's Criminal Case Won't Pay Your Medical Bills. Your Civil Case Will. And We'll Add Punitive Damages.
The criminal justice system punishes the driver. It doesn't compensate you. A civil personal injury claim does — and in Georgia, drunk driving opens the door to punitive damages that multiply your recovery.
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The driver made a choice. You're paying for it.
You or a loved one was hit by a drunk driver in Atlanta or Georgia. The injuries are often catastrophic — high-speed impacts, head-on collisions, wrong-way crashes. Mounting medical bills. The criminal case might mean jail time — but it won't pay a single one of your bills.
You're angry. You're in pain. You're watching a criminal case proceed that feels slow and disconnected from your needs. Nobody in the DA's office is asking about your medical bills or lost wages. The system is focused on punishing the driver — while you're left to fend for yourself.
Drunk driving isn't an accident — it's a choice. When someone makes that choice and injures an innocent person, they should face every consequence: criminal prosecution AND full civil liability, including punitive damages.
A system that punishes the driver but forgets the victim.
Criminal Cases Don't Pay Your Bills
The DA prosecutes on behalf of the state, not you. Restitution orders are minimal and rarely enforced.
Insurers Still Lowball — Even DUIs
Even when the driver was drunk, their insurer still tries to minimize your payout.
Dram Shop Liability Goes Unused
The bar or restaurant that served the visibly intoxicated driver may also be liable — but few victims know this.
A Conviction Doesn't Guarantee Recovery
The driver's criminal conviction doesn't write your check. You need a separate civil case.
Gunn Law Group — we channel your anger into accountability.
We understand the unique rage and helplessness of being victimized by a drunk driver. It wasn't a momentary lapse — it was a conscious decision to put your life at risk. We channel that anger into a civil case that holds everyone accountable.
- Experience with DUI-related personal injury and wrongful death claims in Georgia.
- We pursue every source of recovery — driver's insurance, UM/UIM, and dram shop liability.
- Georgia allows punitive damages in drunk driving cases — we demand them in every qualifying case.
- We coordinate with the criminal case to use the conviction as evidence in your civil claim.
Three steps from the crash to maximum compensation.
Free Consultation
Call 888-BIG-GUNN. We assess your civil claim independently of the criminal case — your right to compensation doesn't depend on the DA's timeline.
Full Investigation
Police report, BAC results, toxicology, the driver's criminal history — and crucially, where they were drinking. A bar that served them while visibly intoxicated may be liable under Georgia's dram shop law.
Maximum Compensation + Punitive Damages
Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering — plus punitive damages under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1. Drunk driving qualifies. We demand them in every qualifying case.
The statutes that multiply your recovery.
Punitive Damages (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1)
Drunk driving cases are strong candidates for punitive damages. Georgia's $250,000 cap may not apply when the defendant was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Dram Shop Liability (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-40)
Georgia allows liability against bars and restaurants that serve a noticeably intoxicated person knowing they will soon be driving — adding another defendant and another insurance policy.
Criminal Conviction as Evidence
A DUI or vehicular homicide conviction can be used as evidence in your civil case. The civil burden of proof (preponderance) is lower than the criminal burden (beyond a reasonable doubt).
Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Many drunk drivers carry minimal or no insurance. Your own UM/UIM policy may be the primary source of recovery — we verify every available source.
What happens if you wait.
- Georgia's 2-year personal injury statute of limitations applies — the criminal case doesn't protect your civil deadline.
- Dram shop claims require fast investigation — bar surveillance footage is overwritten within days.
- Punitive damages are only available if properly pleaded and proven.
- Without a civil attorney, the criminal system will not pursue your compensation.
What we fight for.
- Full compensation for catastrophic injuries — medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation.
- Punitive damages that send a message: drunk driving has consequences beyond a night in jail.
- The bar that over-served the driver held accountable.
- Your recovery isn't dependent on the criminal case timeline.
- Financial security for your family regardless of the driver's ability to pay.
A drunk driver chose to drive. You're paying the price. Let's change that math.
Call 888-BIG-GUNN. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.
Georgia DUI Accident Questions
Drunk driving has consequences beyond a night in jail. We make sure of it.
Free case evaluation· No fees unless we win· Statewide Georgia representation
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Punitive damages are not available in every case and depend on the specific circumstances. Gunn Law Group handles cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation. This page is a communication from Gunn Law Group, 950 E. Paces Ferry Rd NE, Suite 1550, Atlanta, GA 30326. Responsible attorney: Harrell Gunn.