Your Rights Under Alabama Drunk Driving Accident Law

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 32 people in the U.S. are killed in drunk driving accidents every day. These crashes may result in death or cause serious injuries to other motorists, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. If you’ve been hurt or have lost a loved one in a collision with a driver who was under the influence, our drunk driving injury lawyers at Moore Law Firm, based in Mobile, AL, can help you understand your rights under Alabama law and help you recover maximum compensation for your damages.

Alabama Drunk Driving Laws

Like most other states, Alabama has stringent drunk driving laws to deter people from driving under the influence and protect others on the road. In Alabama, a driver over the age of 21 with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher can be charged with a DUI. For drivers of commercial trucks like tractor-trailers, the BAC limit is lower at 0.04%. For motorists under the age of 21, the BAC limit is 0.02%.

Although a first-time DUI conviction is a misdemeanor, a repeat offender or someone involved in an accident that caused injury or wrongful death can face more serious charges and severe penalties. A drunk driver may also face a civil lawsuit if they cause property damage, injury, or death to others. A criminal DUI case can impact a car accident lawsuit, so it’s vital to seek the counsel of a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a collision.

Dram Shop Law in Alabama

Alabama dram shop laws hold establishments liable for serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated people who cause accidents or injuries. This means if you’ve been hurt or have lost a loved one in a drunk driving crash, you may be able to file a claim for damages against the establishment that overserved the driver. Dram shop law also holds individuals liable if they provide alcohol to a minor who hurts or kills someone while intoxicated.

Claims involving multiple parties are complex. It’s important to find a drunk driving injury attorney who is well-versed in Alabama drunk driving laws and has experience handling cases involving dram shop liability.

How a Drunk Driving Injury Lawyer Can Help You Recover Compensation

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a drunk driver, a personal injury attorney can help you effectively navigate the legal system and build a strong case. The attorney can offer support throughout the process and advocate for your rights and interests.

Here is how an experienced attorney can help you:

Establishing Liability

A drunk driving injury attorney will conduct an extensive investigation into the accident and identify all potentially liable parties. Evidence such as police reports, photographs and video, witness statements, toxicology reports, and other information related to the defendant’s DUI case can help to establish a drunk driver’s liability. If they were overserved alcohol at a bar or restaurant before the accident, your lawyer may also pursue a third-party liability claim against the establishment under Alabama dram shop laws.

Valuing Your Claim

A drunk driving injury lawyer can assess the full extent of your damages, which may include past and future medical expenses, wage loss, pain and suffering, and other accident and injury-related losses. They often work with experts such as medical professionals and economists to ensure that all past and future costs are accounted for, to help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, especially when you’re focused on healing and moving on with your life after a crash. Insurers do everything they can they try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Do not sign anything, give a statement, or accept a settlement without consulting a drunk driving accident attorney first. Your lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance company and negotiate a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your injuries and damages.

Litigation Representation

If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, your personal injury lawyer will prepare to take your case to court. They know how to put all the evidence together, call and examine compelling witnesses, and create convincing arguments that resonate with a judge and jury. Hiring an experienced drunk driving accident attorney gives you the best chance of recovering the maximum amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive.

Support and Guidance

Dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially taxing. A caring attorney provides you and your family with compassionate support every step of the way, which can give you peace of mind and enable you to focus on getting better.

Contact a Drunk Driving Injury Attorney in Alabama

At Moore Law Firm, we understand that being injured in a drunk driving accident can turn your life upside down. We’re dedicated to fighting for your rights and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. To schedule a consultation with a drunk driving injury lawyer in Mobile, AL, call us at 251-445-7602, contact us, or use the convenient chat feature on our website to schedule a consultation today.