Driving drunk in Georgia can have serious penalties, above and beyond the criminal charges a person may face. A person who drives drunk and injures or kills another person may find themselves civilly liable, and on the hook for more than just compensatory damages. They may find themselves having to pay punitive damages as well. If covered by insurance, plaintiffs can seek damages up to the policy limits. Having previous DUIs may hurt a person’s case. The Gwinnett Daily Post reports on a driver with 3 previous DUI arrests who killed a woman in a crash in Lawrenceville.
Lisa Cox, 52, was heading home from her job as a seamstress for Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament when she was struck by a wrong way driver.
She had been driving along Highway 316 in Lawrenceville when she was hit head-on by 47-year-old Marvin Bonilla of Winder.
After hitting Cox, Bonilla continued to drive, striking another vehicle, despite that vehicle’s attempt to veer as far to the right as possible to avoid a collision.
Bonilla’s blood-alcohol content at the time of the accident was .175%, more than double the legal limit. Bonilla has previous arrests in Gwinnett County for DUI, in June, September, and October of 2011.
Bonilla was charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, DUI, driving on the wrong side of the road, and reckless driving. He is in the Gwinnett County Jail being held without bond.
Have you been injured in an accident? You may have a case. Let the experienced attorneys at the law offices of John Foy & Associates fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today.