Attorney on the case: William Pate

Total Verdict: $4,399,632.34 Judgment + $25,000 Policy Limits  

Location: Atlanta, Georgia  

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Witherite Law Group is proud to announce a significant result on behalf of a client who suffered life-altering injuries in a catastrophic head-on collision caused by an intoxicated driver. Attorney William Pate secured a $4.3 million bench trial judgement against two alcohol-serving business entities, in addition to a policy-limits recovery from the at-fault driver’s insurer.  

This result highlights our firm’s commitment to protecting the public and holding negligent drivers accountable under Georgia Law.  

The Collision

May 2022, our client was traveling northbound on State Route 85 in Clayton County. A southbound driver, traveling above the posted speed limit, failing to remain in their lane, crossed the median and hit our client's vehicle head on.  

A post-crash blood analysis revealed the other driver as highly intoxicated, with a serum ethanol concentration more than twice the legal limit. The driver later admitted to consuming alcohol at an adult-entertainment establishment shortly before getting behind the wheel.  

Catastrophic Injuries and Medical Care

This preventable act of impaired driving caused devastating harm. The collision resulted in sever, life altering injuries for our client, including:  

  • Multiple bilateral rib fractures
  • Pulmonary contusions
  • Internal abdominal bleeding  
  • Mesenteric tearing requiring emergency surgery  
  • Small bowel resection and open abdominal operation  
  • A right fibular fracture with lasting pain and mobility impairment  

Our client spent over 12 days hospitalized, including time in the ICU and on ventilator support. Medical expenses totaled $399,632.34.  

These injuries caused permanent physical limitations and changes to daily life and independence.  

‍Liability and Legal Strategy

Attorney William Pate pursued claims not only against the intoxicated driver but also against the businesses responsible for serving alcohol to the defendant before the wreck.  

When the alcohol serving establishments failed to respond to the lawsuit, Pate secured a default judgement, which established:  

  • Liability  
  • Agency  
  • Dram shop violations
  • Causation

This allowed the case to proceed directly to a bench trial focused solely on damages.  

Bench Trial and Damages

February 2026, Witherite Law Group presented a streamlined, evidence driven case highlighting the profound impact of the injuries. The presentation included:

  • The client’s testimony about the crash, emergency surgery, ICU stay, and ongoing limitations
  • Testimony from the client’s spouse illustrating the stark “before and after” of their life
  • Certified medical records and full documentation of past medical expenses
  • Medical evidence detailing the extensive internal injuries
  • No defense witnesses were offered.

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After reviewing the evidence, the Court issued a final judgment of $4,399,632.34, comprised of:

  • $4,000,000.00 in general damages (pain and suffering)
  • $399,632.34 in medical expenses

Our Commitment to Justice

At Witherite Law Group, we believe in standing up for those harmed by preventable and reckless behavior. This outcome reflects our dedication to pursuing justice through every available legal avenue and ensuring that our clients receive the resources they need to rebuild their lives.

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