On May 18, 2020, a high-speed vehicle accident in Cobb County resulted in serious injuries as well as an arrest for DUI. While the accident did not result in fatal injuries, these types of crashes claim far too many lives on Georgia highways.
According to the police report, 25-year-old Nicholas Demonthenes Braggs was arrested at approximately 8:30 p.m. following a two-vehicle collision. Braggs, who was driving a Hyundai Elantra, was traveling northbound on I-75 near South Marietta Parkway. The police allege Braggs was driving aggressively when he lost control during a lane change. While attempting to pass a Lexus ES350, Braggs struck the Lexus and lost control of his vehicle.
After striking the Lexus, the Elantra careened off a median and collided with a tractor-trailer. The drivers of the tractor-trailer and the Lexus reported only minor injuries, while Braggs and his passenger were taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital for the treatment of serious injuries.
After their release from the hospital the following day, both Braggs and his passenger were arrested. Braggs faced a range of charges including DUI, driving without a license, possession of marijuana, and an open container violation. Bragg’s passenger also faced open container and marijuana charges.
Negligence and DUI
When you suffer injuries in a car accident, you are only entitled to monetary compensation if you can establish the other driver acted negligently in causing the crash. This is true for accidents when the other driver is arrested for DUI. However, the law can work in your favor when you sustain injuries in a crash with an intoxicated driver.
Under the law, a plaintiff in a personal injury lawsuit must prove four elements to establish negligence. These include establishing a legal duty to conform to a standard of care, a breach of that duty, a causal link between the breach and the resulting injury, and measurable damages to the plaintiff. However, another legal theory known as negligence per se applies in accident claims involving drunken drivers.
Negligence per se is the theory that a defendant’s violation of the law results in a presumption that they acted negligently. This presumption effectively tips the scales in favor of the plaintiff in DUI-related injury claims.
That does not mean, however, that a successful claim is guaranteed. While the plaintiff may hold a presumption that the defendant was negligent, the defendant has the chance to rebut that presumption. While possible, it is a difficult task for intoxicated drivers to rebut the presumption of negligence.
Let Williams Elleby Howard & Easter Help
Although the presumption of negligence can go a long way in your personal injury case, it is vital that you have the right legal counsel to maximize your chances of financial recovery. At Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, we have experience holding drunken drivers accountable. We are prepared to aggressively pursue compensation from the driver that struck you.
If you have questions about your legal options following a collision with a drunk driver, do not hesitate to contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter. We are ready to put our extensive experience to work obtaining compensation on your behalf. Contact us online or call 833-LEGALGA (833-534-2542) to schedule a free consultation.
