Gwinnett County Serious Injury by Vehicle Lawyer
Anyone motorist who crashes into another person can face a personal injury lawsuit. In Georgia, you might also face criminal charges for causing serious injury while driving dangerously behind the wheel. Call The Spizman Firm today to discuss the accident with an attorney. We excel at providing sophisticated legal defense to those in need of a Gwinnett County serious injury by vehicle lawyer.
When Can You Face Charges?
A driver might be charged if they cause an accident which results in bodily harm while driving recklessly or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Reckless driving is more serious than mere negligence, and DUI is itself a serious crime.
The bodily injury must be significant and includes:
- Amputation
- Permanent injury to a limb
- Serious disfigurement
- Brain damage
This is a felony charge, and a defendant can face 1-15 years in prison if convicted. Common examples would include:
- A person going 30 miles over the speed limit and causing paralysis in a motorist whom they struck.
- A drunk driver who clips a pedestrian and causes a permanent brain injury.
- A motorist engaging in drag racing who crashes into another vehicle, permanently disfiguring the victim.
What’s more, a reckless or drunk driver can also be sued in civil court for monetary damages. You might end up paying a huge settlement to anyone injured in a crash if a judge or jury agrees you were liable for the wreck.
You Need an Aggressive Defense
Vehicular accidents are difficult to defend because most people assume you are guilty if you crash into another person, especially if you blew a high number on a breath test or were reckless. Our firm will need to canvas the full record, including police reports, to piece together what happened. When we have a handle on the facts, we can move quickly to identify the best defenses.
Some sample defenses include:
- A vehicle defect made your car unmanageable. For example, the steering column might fail, meaning you could not turn the wheel and were unable to avoid a crash as a result.
- Mistaken identity. Someone else caused the accident and you weren’t driving. Police might show up after everyone is out of the vehicles, and the officer assumes you were driving because you appear drunk.
- The alleged victim was at fault. A pedestrian could have darted in front of your car, or a careless driver is to blame for the collision.
- You were driving carefully or at least not recklessly. For example, you might have briefly looked down at your dash to adjust the dials, which is not reckless.
Speak with an Attorney Today
Are you facing claims that you caused catastrophic injuries in a car wreck? If so, you need a seasoned lawyer in your corner. The Spizman Firm has a deep experience with both criminal law and personal injury. We are uniquely situated to offer the right defense to drivers facing this criminal charge. Call us today to schedule a consultation with a Gwinnett County serious injury by vehicle lawyer.
