When an incident occurs in the state of Georgia where someone sustains an injury there are two common potential alternatives. In a situation where the injury was the result of an intentional act or violence, the defendant will face criminal prosecution in the form of battery or assault charges. Alternatively, if the injury was caused by an accident, depending on the situation, an individual can face criminal charges, a personal injury lawsuit, or both. Regardless of what side you find yourself on following an accident, it is always critical to seek the counsel of a personal injury attorney. Your attorney’s guidance can be invaluable as the legal proceedings unfold.
Common Occurrences
One of the most common examples of a scenario where an individual can face both criminal charges and a personal injury lawsuit is when a drunk driving car accident occurs. This is due to the fact that the individual will likely be subject to criminal drunk driving charges and, if the accident resulted in an injury, the at-fault party will likely be held liable to pay damages for pain, suffering, lost wages, and medical bills.