Marietta Injury Lawyer Blog
In September of 2025, WSB-TV reported that a fatal car accident in Georgia had resulted in the death of a small child and the arrest of an allegedly intoxicated driver. These incidents are becoming far too common in Cobb County and the rest of the state, and families may wonder how to hold guilty drivers accountable in the aftermath. While criminal charges can send a strong message, an auto accident lawsuit in Cobb County may also help ensure accountability, justice, and compensation for victims.
Drunk Driver Attempted to Flee After Rear-Ending Vehicle
Police say that an intoxicated driver tried to flee the scene after rear-ending another vehicle at about 9:30 PM. The driver of the rear-ended vehicle pulled out of an apartment complex before the collision, which claimed the life of an eight-year-old passenger. After the crash, the driver ditched his vehicle and ran away on foot. Thankfully, he was soon apprehended by local police.
The defendant now faces multiple charges, including driving under the influence, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, and vehicular homicide. If convicted, he will likely spend many years behind bars. However, these penalties are far from guaranteed, and there are many ways in which defendants can avoid penalties.
Can I Sue a Drunk Driver on Behalf of My Child in Georgia?
If your child was injured by a drunk driver, you have the right to pursue legal action on their behalf. In fact, your child is likely unable to file a lawsuit on their own. Before a person turns 18, they do not have the ability to sue other people. Instead, this burden falls to their parents. If your child was over the age of 18 when they were struck and injured, they may need to take legal action on their own behalf.
This logic also applies to fatal accidents. Parents or legal guardians may need to pursue wrongful death lawsuits on behalf of their children, regardless of their age. Since the victims are no longer alive to pursue legal action themselves, their family members must take on this responsibility.
Drunk Parents Drive With Their Children
Unfortunately, many parents in Georgia drive intoxicated with their children. This may lead to not only DUI charges, but also child endangerment charges. Georgia enforces particularly severe charges for those who drive drunk with children under the age of 14. Those convicted could face up to one year in prison, even for a first offense. Subsequent offenses lead to felonies and more lengthy sentences.
While these penalties can dissuade parents from engaging in this misconduct, they cannot provide the same kind of closure and accountability as civil lawsuits. Concerned parties may wish to sue drunk parents for causing children to suffer crash-related injuries. For example, this responsibility might fall to a grandparent, a legal guardian, or the other parent of the injured child. Compensation can help children access medical treatment while covering many other damages. In the case of a fatal accident, an auto accident claim could also cover funeral costs.