Injured by a Drunk Driver in Georgia: Can I Sue?
On July 6th, 2026, CBS News reported that more than 12 people had died due to car crashes in Georgia over the Fourth of July weekend. A further four people drowned, with 34 intoxicated boat operators arrested over the same period. The chances of being injured by an intoxicated driver are obviously much higher during the Fourth of July weekend, but can you sue? This is a question you might want to ask an experienced auto accident lawyer in Georgia.
Scores of People Die Over Fourth of July Weekend in Georgia
Although every death during this holiday period was tragic, a particularly noteworthy crash involved a 1-year-old girl who lost her life when her vehicle struck a concrete culvert head-on. The driver was speeding in a Ford Mustang, and the child was not in a proper car seat. Authorities are now investigating the collision in more detail.
12 traffic fatalities represent a 100 percent increase compared to last year’s Fourth of July weekend, something that local authorities are extremely concerned about. “Only” six people died last Fourth of July Weekend in 2026. This year, authorities also arrested 372 motorists for DUI and 372 motorists for distracted driving. A further 872 people received citations for not wearing seat belts.
The waters around Georgia proved to be dangerous as well. 34 boaters received BUI (boating under the influence) charges, and four people drowned over the holiday weekend. Again, this represents an increase compared to last year’s drowning numbers over the weekend. One of the drownings involved a tractor-trailer that overturned into a pond, trapping the driver under the water.
You Can Sue a Drunk Driver for Causing Your Injuries in Georgia
You may be able to sue the drunk driver who caused your Fourth of July weekend crash. That being said, each crash is slightly different. Since Georgia is an “at-fault” state for car accidents, you must hold someone else liable for your injuries if you want to pursue compensation. The only way you can turn to your own insurance is if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (UM and UIM).
While driving drunk is an obvious form of negligence, not all drunk drivers carry insurance. If someone is irresponsible enough to drive drunk, they might also lack the responsibility to obtain and maintain insurance. Sometimes, you have to get more creative when pursuing compensation after drunk driving crashes. This may involve suing third parties who contributed to your crash, such as trucking companies or other drivers.
Can an Auto Accident Lawyer in Georgia Help Me?
If you were injured by a drunk driver on the Fourth of July weekend, consider discussing your legal options with an auto accident lawyer in Georgia. These legal professionals can guide you toward justice, compensation, and closure for everything you have been forced to endure. Contact Morain & Buckelew, LLC at (404) 448-3146 for further guidance.
Sources:
cbsnews.com/atlanta/news/11-killed-in-crashes-4-in-drownings-during-fourth-of-july-holiday-weekend-in-georgia-data-reveals/
yahoo.com/news/us/articles/34-drunk-boat-operators-4-151316947.html