According to Responsibility.org, Alabama had 246 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in 2018 – making up nearly 26% of total fatalities that year. The state also had 6,391 DUI arrests in 2018. If you were hit by a drunk driver, a Mobile DUI accident attorney can help you pursue fair compensation.
In addition, filing a lawsuit will hold the liable party accountable for their recklessness, thus making Alabama a safer place for everyone. You can learn more about what our personal injury lawyers can do during a free consultation with a team member at our office in Mobile.
Let Our Firm Take Responsibility for Your DUI Accident Case
There are many ways a DUI accident lawyer in Mobile can help you with your case. These include:
Investigating the Circumstances of Your Accident
The police may have already investigated your accident. However, your lawyer’s investigation has a different scope and goals. They will look for evidence proving that:
- The accident happened the way you say it did
- The other driver caused your accident
- The other driver was legally drunk at the time of the accident
- The accident caused your injuries
- Your injuries have caused you noticeable physical, emotional, and financial upset
Seeking Fair Monetary Compensation
In a lawsuit, you can get compensation in one of two ways: by settling out of court or by taking your case to trial.
Settling out of court is often the faster, easier way of getting your money. A car accident lawyer will pursue an appropriate settlement by:
- Identifying the liable party
- Meeting with the liable party and/or their insurance company
- Negotiating for the money you need
- Drawing up a settlement agreement
Auto insurance companies are not always willing to negotiate or offer you appropriate compensation. If necessary, your lawyer will take your case to court. This involves:
- Scheduling trial dates
- Preparing and submitting evidence
- Finding, questioning, and cross-examining witnesses
- Preparing and delivering oral arguments
Handling All the Essential Details
Lawsuits involve more than just attending important meetings or making courtroom speeches. At Morris Bart, we strive to take care of every aspect of your case, big and small. This includes:
- Filling out and submitting forms
- Notifying the liable party about your lawsuit
- Delivering messages from the liable party to you
- Answering all your legal questions
For a free legal consultation with a DUI Accident lawyer serving Mobile, call (251) 298-8380
You May Qualify for Two Types of Damages
Before filing your lawsuit with a Mobile DUI accident attorney, you must prepare a list of the damages your accident caused and figure out how much money each one is worth. Your list of damages can include economic and non-economic injuries.
Economic damages refer to financial losses or expenses caused by factors such as:
- Medical expenses: This includes money you spent or expect to spend in treating your physical and mental injuries.
- Repair costs: You can seek reimbursement for the money you spent fixing or replacing your car.
- Loss of wages: If your injuries forced you to stay home from work until they healed, you could qualify for lost income or benefits.
- Loss of employment: This may refer to either the loss of your previous position or a permanent inability to perform any work at all.
Non-economic damages refer to physical or mental injuries caused by factors such as:
- Pain and suffering: This could refer to any aspect of your well-being, whether psychological or physical, that the accident negatively impacted.
- Disfigurement or scarring: Your injuries have left you with scars that affect your range of motion, appearance, and/or self-confidence.
- Loss of quality of life: You can no longer complete enjoyable or necessary activities without assistance.
- Loss of consortium: The accident affected any aspect of your relationship with your spouse.
How Damages Work in Wrongful Death Cases in Alabama
If you lost a loved one in a DUI accident, you can still file a wrongful death lawsuit. In some states, eligible family members are able to collect damages that can include the deceased’s lost income and other expenses. However, in Alabama you will only be able to recover punitive damages, which are meant to punish the party that was responsible for the death.
Our wrongful death lawyers can handle your case so you can grieve in peace with your family. No amount of compensation can bring your loved one back, but it could help your family cope in their absence. It may also help you properly honor the memory of your loved one.
How Much Are Your Injuries Worth?
The amount of money you can recover depends on several factors, including:
- The types of injuries you sustained
- The severity of your injuries
- How much insurance the liable party has
- What type of insurance the liable party has
A Mobile DUI accident lawyer from Morris Bart can help you figure out the maximum dollar amounts you can ask for. This is especially helpful when it comes to non-economic damages, which are often more difficult to quantify than economic damages.
Start Your DUI Accident Lawsuit as Soon as Possible
You have the right to seek compensation after a DUI car accident. To take full advantage of that right, get in touch with our law office as soon as you are able. It is best to start quickly because of:
- The availability of evidence: Some evidence, like surveillance footage or witness testimony, may be more difficult to get if you wait too long.
- The statute of limitations: The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is two years, as stated in Ala. Code § 6-2-38 and Ala. Code § 6-5-410, respectively.
- Other factors: The statutes cited above may be shorter, depending on the specifics of your accident. We can tell you how (and if) these specifics apply to your case.
Our Mobile DUI accident lawyers can help you meet these deadlines and work to streamline your case as much as possible. It still takes time to investigate an accident and negotiate with insurers, though. These processes do not stall the statute of limitations. The sooner you get started on your case, the better.
Click to contact our Mobile Car Accident Lawyers today
Get a Free Case Review With Our Mobile DUI Accident Lawyers Today
Morris Bart is a contingency fee firm with 15 locations in multiple states (Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Alabama). We would be happy to provide you with the services offered by a DUI accident lawyer in Mobile.
For a free case review, call our Mobile office or fill out our online contact form at any time.
Questions?Call (251) 298-8380
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
