The holiday season should be a time of celebration, connection, and travel. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most dangerous times of the year on Georgia roads. Each holiday season, alcohol-related crashes rise sharply as parties, family gatherings, and late-night events lead to more impaired drivers behind the wheel. If you or someone you love was injured by a drunk driver over the holidays, you may have the right to pursue full compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
At Harman Law Firm in Atlanta, we help victims hold negligent drivers and other responsible parties accountable under Georgia law—including through dram shop claims when a bar, restaurant, or business contributed to the intoxication.
Holiday Drunk Driving Is Alarmingly Common in Georgia
Law enforcement agencies across Georgia report a consistent spike in DUI arrests and alcohol-related crashes from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly one-third of traffic fatalities nationwide during the holiday season involve a drunk driver.
Local numbers reflect the same trend. The Georgia Department of Public Safety records hundreds of DUI-related crashes in the Atlanta metro area alone during these weeks. Heavily traveled routes such as I-75, I-85, I-20, and the Downtown Connector often see the highest rates of holiday crashes.
Unfortunately, victims of these collisions can suffer severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Long-term emotional trauma
Because drunk driving is entirely preventable, Georgia law takes these cases extremely seriously—and provides several paths for victims to seek compensation.
Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Drunk Driving Accident?
You may be able to pursue compensation from more than just the impaired driver. Georgia law provides multiple avenues of recovery depending on the circumstances of the crash.
1. The Drunk Driver
The intoxicated driver is typically the primary responsible party. They may be required to pay for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Long-term rehabilitation costs
Because driving under the influence is a reckless act, juries often award punitive damages, which are designed to punish extreme negligence and deter future misconduct.
2. The Driver’s Insurance Company
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts—even when liability is obvious. Adjusters may pressure victims to accept quick settlements before the full extent of injuries is known.
Having an experienced attorney ensures you do not accept an offer that is far less than you deserve. At Harman Law Firm, we handle all communication and negotiation with insurers to protect your rights.
3. Bars, Restaurants, and Other Businesses Under Georgia Dram Shop Laws
Georgia’s dram shop laws allow victims to hold alcohol-serving establishments accountable when they contribute to a drunk driving crash. A business may be liable if it:
- Served alcohol to a noticeably intoxicated person
- Served alcohol to a minor under age 21
- Knew the individual would be driving shortly afterward
For example, if a Midtown bar continued to sell drinks to a stumbling, visibly impaired customer who later caused a crash on Peachtree Street, that business may share responsibility for the injuries.
Dram shop cases require swift investigation—including witness statements, receipts, surveillance footage, and bar policies—so contacting an attorney quickly is essential.
Steps to Take After Being Injured by a Drunk Driver
Victims often feel overwhelmed after a holiday collision, but certain steps can protect your case:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Obtain a copy of the police report
- Document injuries and symptoms
- Save receipts, medical records, and insurance correspondence
- Avoid speaking with the at-fault driver’s insurance without legal guidance
The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
How Harman Law Firm Helps Drunk Driving Victims
Our Atlanta legal team has extensive experience representing victims of DUI-related crashes. We investigate every detail, identify all liable parties, and fight for the maximum compensation allowed under Georgia law. You should not bear the financial burden of someone else’s recklessness—especially during a time of year meant for celebration, not suffering.
We stand with victims throughout Atlanta and across Georgia, ensuring they receive the justice and support they deserve.
Injured Over the Holidays? We’re Here to Protect Your Rights
If you were harmed by a drunk driver during the holiday season, you are not alone—and you have legal options. Harman Law Firm is ready to guide you through the process and pursue full compensation on your behalf.
Contact Harman Law Firm today for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the aftermath of a holiday DUI crash and fight for the justice you deserve.
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