When a driver operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicating substance such as alcohol, they put all other drivers on the road at risk of harm. If you suffered injuries in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you could seek compensation for your injuries.
At the Morris Bart law office, we provide legal representation to victims of drunk driving crashes to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve. In addition, a Decatur drunk driving attorney from our firm can help you understand all options for pursuing compensation under Alabama tort laws.
DUI Accident Victims May Seek Compensation for Their Injuries
In Decatur and throughout Alabama, driving under the influence (DUI) can lead to serious injuries and even death. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, in 2019, crashes involving suspected drug or alcohol impairment are 7.62 times more likely to end fatally compared to crashes in general.
After a DUI crash, the driver will most likely face criminal charges. Any victims injured in the collision can also seek compensation under civil negligence laws. The civil compensation process allows you to seek monetary awards from the drunk driver to cover your losses.
As a result, regardless of the status and outcome of the criminal case, you could seek compensation if you suffered injuries in a DUI accident in Decatur.
For a free legal consultation with a Drunk Driving Accident lawyer serving Decatur, call (256) 666-3010
Our Firm Could Help If You Suffered Injuries in a DUI Accident
At the Morris Bart law office, we can help you with all aspects of your drunk driving accident case, including:
- Thoroughly investigating your crash to identify all potentially liable parties and possible insurance policies
- Gathering key evidence such as the police report, surveillance footage of the crash, and witness statements from anyone who saw the accident or the defendant drinking
- Calculating the value of your case to include all damages that you can reasonably request
- Handling all negotiations and correspondence with the insurance company or other driver
- Explaining all potential options that you may have for recovery and the various time limits that may apply in your case
Our drunk driving accident lawyers understand how important it is for you to get the compensation you need after a DUI crash leaves you with mounting medical bills. We’ll handle your claim and represent your interests at every stage of your case.
How Much does a DUI Accident Attorney Cost?
Our DUI accident attorneys offer legal representation on a contingency basis, with no upfront fees. Instead, we collect our fee at the end of your case if we successfully recover an award for you.
We also offer free initial consultations with a lawyer where you can explain the facts of your case and ask questions about the process and your options.
What Damages Can I Recover in a DUI Accident Case?
You could request a variety of economic and noneconomic damages in your DUI accident claim:
- Medical expenses, including future medical costs
- Lost wages, including future lost income
- Property damage, including diminished value for your vehicle
- Emotional distress, including for issues such as PTSD
- Disfigurement and impairment
- Pain and suffering
The exact settlement in your case will depend on the specific facts of your accident and injuries.
Click to contact our Decatur Car Accident Attorney today
When Is a Driver Considered Drunk in Alabama?
Under Ala. Code § 32-5A-191, courts will consider a person to be driving under the influence when operating a vehicle in the following circumstances:
- With a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more
- With a BAC of 0.02% or more while under the age of 21
- With a BAC of 0.04% or more for commercial vehicle drivers
- While under the influence of alcohol or any other substance that “renders (the driver) incapable of safely driving”
In all these circumstances, the driver of the vehicle puts all other drivers at risk of severe injuries. A drunk driving accident lawyer from our legal team can use the official police report and the other party’s driving history as evidence in your claim to show the driver was under the influence at the time of the crash.
Understanding Alabama Dram Shop Laws
Depending on the facts of your case, you could hold several other parties liable for your injuries and losses.
In addition to the driver of the vehicle who caused the crash, the person who sold or served the alcohol to the driver may also be liable for the collision. According to Ala. Code § 6-5-71, also known as Alabama’s dram shop laws, you could seek compensation for your injuries from any person who sold or served the alcohol to the driver who caused your crash.
Our drunk driving accident attorneys can help you understand if dram shop liability applies in your claim to identify all potentially responsible parties.
There Are Time Limits to File Your Civil DUI Lawsuit
Although most drunk driving accident cases in Decatur settle outside of court, you might need to pursue further action by filing a lawsuit in civil court if you cannot settle with the insurance company. To meet the statute of limitations in your DUI accident case, you will need to file your lawsuit in the proper Alabama court within two years of the crash, according to Ala. Code § 6-2-38.
However, it’s important to know there may be additional deadlines associated with your case that can reduce the time you have to file your lawsuit. Our DUI accident lawyers in Decatur can help you determine what time limits may apply to your case.
Contact Morris Bart & Associates, LLC, for Help With Your Drunk Driving Accident Case
The DUI accident lawyers at the Morris Bart law firm can work with you to pursue compensation if you have suffered injuries in a crash involving a drunk driver. We can help build your claim within the statutory deadlines and gather the evidence necessary to support the amount you need for recovery.
Call us today at (256) 666-3010 for more information on how we can help with your drunk driving accident case.
Questions?Call (256) 666-3010
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
