Columbus, GA, Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Are You in Need of a Columbus Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

A drunk driving crash can change your life in seconds. These accidents are entirely preventable, and yet they continue to occur on Georgia roads every day.

If you or someone you care about has been seriously injured by a drunk driver, you have the right to hold them accountable. The legal system allows victims to pursue financial compensation for the damages they’ve suffered, including medical costs, lost income, and emotional harm.

Butler Prather LLP has successfully taken on powerful insurance companies, negligent corporations, and dangerous drivers. If you’re facing the physical and financial toll of a drunk driving crash, we are here to help.

Why Choose Us Over Other Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Columbus?

Here’s why so many clients choose Butler Prather LLP to represent them after a drunk driving accident:

• Over 35 years of experience representing injured victims across Georgia and the U.S.
• Ten verdicts exceeding $100 million, among the largest personal injury verdicts in U.S. legal history.
• Over $349 million recovered in class action and high-stakes injury cases.
• Proven results in more than 30 states, including complex vehicular injury and wrongful death claims.
• James E. Butler Jr., our founding partner, is featured in the Legends of the Bar Series by the Atlanta Bar Association.
• Trial-tested and fearless—we prepare every case as if it’s going to a jury and have built a reputation as a firm that wins in court.
• No legal fees unless we win—you owe us nothing unless we secure a recovery for you.

We Hold Drunk Drivers Accountable

At Butler Prather LLP, we’ve spent decades helping injury victims and their families rebuild after life-changing events. We offer free consultations, and you won’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation for you.

Call (706) 322-1990 to learn more today.

Do You Have a Legitimate Case?

Many clients come to us unsure whether they have a valid claim after a drunk driving accident. If the other driver was under the influence and you suffered injuries or losses in the crash, you may absolutely have a case.

To establish a legitimate personal injury claim, we must prove:

1. The other driver was negligent
   Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a clear violation of Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391) and demonstrates a serious breach of legal duty.
2. That negligence caused the crash
   We must show that the driver’s intoxication was a direct or contributing factor in causing the collision.
3. You suffered damages as a result
   This includes physical injuries, medical bills, lost wages, property damage, emotional distress, and more.

Georgia law allows punitive damages in DUI cases, and we will aggressively pursue them when appropriate.

Why You Should See a Lawyer Right Away

Time is not on your side after a drunk driving crash. While you may be focused on your recovery, the other side is already gathering evidence and building a defense. It’s essential to have a Columbus car accident lawyer protecting your interests from the start.

Here’s why you should contact Butler Prather LLP as soon as possible:

• Preserve evidence: Dashcam footage, surveillance videos, witness statements, and physical evidence from the crash scene can be lost or destroyed quickly.
• Prevent mistakes: Insurance companies may try to get you to make statements or sign documents that could harm your case. We protect you from these tactics.
• Secure expert support early: We bring in accident reconstructionists and toxicology experts to support your claim and counter the defense.
• Comply with legal deadlines: Missing important filing deadlines can mean losing your right to seek compensation.

Don’t wait. We offer free consultations and can start working on your case immediately so you can focus on healing.

Why Is Drunk Driving So Dangerous?

To keep people safe on the road, Georgia has strict penalties for drunk driving. Drivers convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) face heavy fines, jail time, mandatory substance abuse classes, and the loss of driving privileges. Despite the best efforts of public safety campaigns and law enforcement officials, drunk driving continues to pose a major risk to law-abiding drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcycle riders in Georgia.

Someone who is intoxicated has no business operating a motor vehicle. Alcohol consumption dramatically reduces a person’s ability to make good decisions. That’s why it’s so important for people to plan ahead and take precautions before they start drinking. Making arrangements to have a dedicated driver or calling for a taxi or rideshare driver is the best way to prevent a tragic accident.

The reason why drunk driving is so dangerous is simple—drinking destroys a person’s ability to make good decisions and safely operate a motor vehicle. Countless studies demonstrate that alcohol diminishes the following skills:

• Reflexes
• Hearing
• Coordination
• Concentration
• Depth perception
• Mental processing
• Reaction time
• Ability to track objects

Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable for Their Actions in Georgia

In Georgia, a driver is considered legally intoxicated if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 percent or higher. If a driver’s BAC is or exceeds .08 percent and it is determined that drinking impaired their ability to drive safely, they may be convicted of DUI.

It takes a high level of skills and coordination to safely operate a big rig truck. That’s why Georgia has high standards for truck drivers. They may be convicted of DUI and lose their commercial driver’s license for operating a truck with a BAC of .04 percent or higher. Underage drivers are subject to license revocation for having a BAC of .02 percent or higher.

Every person has a duty of care to avoid actions that may cause reasonably foreseeable harm to others. If you or a loved one was injured due to another person’s negligence, you have the right to file a claim or a lawsuit for damages, which is a monetary award that serves as compensation for an injury or loss.

Dram shop laws in Georgia allow people who are suffering from drunk driving injuries to collect damages from businesses that continue to serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated. Bars, restaurants, and social hosts may be held liable for drunk driving injuries when they serve alcohol to a driver who is under 21.

Don’t Let the Insurance Company Downplay Your Injuries

Call (706) 322-1990 for a free case review with Butler Prather LLP.

How Your Columbus Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Can Help

Your Columbus, GA drunk driving accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to demonstrate that the drunk driver who hit you is liable for your injuries. Even if a driver hasn’t been convicted of DUI, the evidence that police officers collect after an accident can be used to support a civil lawsuit.

Evidence that may be included in a Columbus drunk driving claim or lawsuit includes:

• Police reports
• Surveillance camera video
• Forensic evidence
• BAC test results
• Arrest records
• Police videos
• Accident scene photos
• Witness testimony
• Medical records
• Expert testimony

Damages Available for Columbus Drunk Driving Accident Victims

In Georgia, people injured due to the actions of a negligent driver accident are eligible to seek economic damages to cover the cost of monetary losses such as medical treatment and vehicle damage. Non-economic damages may also be awarded to compensate for subjective losses such as emotional distress and reduced enjoyment of life.

Punitive damages may be available depending upon the nature of the drunk driver’s conduct. Also referred to as exemplary damages, punitive damages are meant to penalize the defendant and discourage others from committing similar acts. Punitive damages may be awarded in Georgia if the defendant’s actions demonstrated “willful misconduct, malice, fraud, wantonness, oppression, or entire want of care.”

When our investigation is complete, the experienced Columbus drunk driving accident attorneys at Butler Prather LLP will file a claim or lawsuit seeking the following types of damages:

• Medical Expenses
• Loss of income
• Medical devices
• Pain and Suffering
• Emergency room treatment
• Surgeries
• Medications
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium
• Occupational therapy
• Ambulance rides
• Wheelchair ramps for your home
• In-home nursing care
• Wrongful death

What Is the Statute of Limitations in Georgia?

In most cases, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Georgia is two years from the date of the accident (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). This means you have two years to file a lawsuit, or you may lose your right to recover damages.

However, certain exceptions or factors could affect your deadline:

• Wrongful death claims: Typically, the family has two years from the date of death, not the accident.
• Government defendants: If a government agency is involved, you may have a much shorter deadline, sometimes just six months.
• Minors or incapacitated victims: The timeline may be extended under specific circumstances.

To avoid missing critical deadlines, speak with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident. We will ensure all legal filings are completed on time and your rights are fully protected.

Injuries Caused by Drunk Drivers

Drunk driving accidents in Columbus cause catastrophic injuries that totally disrupt your life and prevent you from enjoying your favorite activities. Many victims are forced to spend a lifetime suffering the effects of disabilities and chronic pain. Frequent injuries caused by drunk driving accidents include:

• Severe burns
• Paralysis
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Amputation
• Whiplash
• Crush injuries
• Nerve damage
• Fractures
• Neck and back injuries
• Broken hips
• Concussion
• Internal organ damage

What Clients Are Saying About Us

THEY HIT A GRAND SLAM HOMERUN! -Timothy White (5-Star Google Review)

I had the privilege to work with this firm on a pretty-serious injury case. I did what I could for the client, then referred her to Butler Prather to litigate the case. THEY HIT A GRAND SLAM HOMERUN! I tell people all the time that these are THE BEST litigators in the country and perhaps the world. Look no further for a better law firm, it simply doesn't exist.

I highly recommend this firm in your time of need -Joe Jones (5-Star Google Review)

Butler Prather LLP made our experience so easy after a car accident. They have handled obtaining all records needed for our case, and they have kept us updated on where we are. I highly recommend this firm in your time of need. They truly care about their clients.

Speak With an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Columbus

At Butler Prather LLP, we’ve won record-breaking lawsuits against some of the most powerful interests in the nation. Our Columbus injury attorneys don’t back down from anybody when pursuing justice for our clients.

Contact our office at (706) 322-1990 to schedule a free consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a lawsuit against a drunk driver even if they’re facing criminal charges?

What compensation can I recover after a drunk driving accident?

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Emotional distress
• Long-term or in-home care

In some cases, you may also be eligible for punitive damages, which are designed to punish egregious conduct like drunk driving.

How do you prove someone was driving under the influence?

We gather evidence such as:

• Police reports
• Field sobriety and breathalyzer test results
• Dashcam or surveillance footage
• Eyewitness statements
• Expert testimony

We also monitor the driver’s criminal case and may subpoena additional records as needed.

How long do I have to file a claim after a drunk driving accident in Georgia?

Generally, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. But certain exceptions apply, such as claims involving government entities or fatal crashes.

Will I have to go to court?

Not always. Many drunk driving injury claims settle before trial. However, we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re fully prepared to take your case to a jury and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

What if I lost a loved one in a drunk driving crash?

You may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and the emotional impact of the loss. We can also pursue punitive damages in fatal DUI cases. These cases are devastating; we’re here to guide you with compassion and strength.

How much does it cost to hire Butler Prather LLP?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront. You only pay legal fees if we recover compensation for you. Your consultation is free, and we’ll explain everything clearly before you move forward.

Meet Our Attorneys

James E. Butler Jr.

James E. Butler Jr. is the founding partner of Butler Prather LLP and one of the most accomplished trial lawyers in the country. With a career spanning more than four decades, James has earned national recognition for representing individuals and families in catastrophic injury, wrongful death, product liability, and high-stakes civil litigation.

Over the years, James has achieved some of the largest verdicts in American legal history, including ten jury verdicts exceeding $100 million. He served as lead counsel in the groundbreaking product liability litigation involving defective vehicle components and has repeatedly stood up to major corporations on behalf of ordinary people, securing life-changing results for his clients.

Ramsey B. Prather

Ramsey B. Prather is a partner at Butler Prather LLP, where he represents clients in complex personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, and catastrophic injury cases. Known for his methodical approach and powerful advocacy in the courtroom, Ramsey plays a leading role in preparing high-stakes cases that demand thorough investigation, strategic planning, and relentless pursuit of justice.

Ramsey has been instrumental in securing major results for clients injured by defective products, dangerous premises, and negligent conduct. His work reflects the firm’s core values – dedication, preparation, and compassion for those whose lives have been changed by serious harm.

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Columbus Office:
105 13th Street
Columbus, GA 31901

Mailing address:
P.O. Box 2766
Columbus, GA 31902

Additional Information

• Can Driving at a Legal BAC Level Be a Factor in a Crash?
• What is the Difference Between DUI and DWI?
• How Bad Is Buzzed Driving?