Auburn Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Trusted Legal Representation for Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Alabama 

Getting injured in a car accident is always a traumatic event, but when the other driver is intoxicated, it can make the experience even more devastating. In the state of Alabama, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. If a driver is caught operating a vehicle with a BAC at or above the legal limit, they will be charged with driving under the influence (DUI).

Unfortunately, many drivers choose to ignore this law and get behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated. When they do, they are putting the lives of everyone on the road at risk. If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, you have the right to take legal action.

At Mike Slocumb Law Firm, we have the knowledge, skills, and resources to help you recover the maximum compensation you are owed after a drunk driving accident. Our team is passionate about fighting for the injured, and we will do everything we can to help you obtain justice. You can rely on our Auburn drunk driving accident lawyers to provide you with the compassionate legal guidance you need during this difficult time. 

Hurt in a drunk driving accident? Call Mike Slocumb Law Firm today at (888) 302-3669 or contact us online to speak to a team member!

How Alcohol Impacts Your Ability to Drive

Alcohol affects your ability to drive in several ways:

• Impaired Judgment and Coordination: Alcohol slows down your brain's processing ability, impairing judgment, reasoning, and decision-making skills. This can lead to poor driving choices, such as taking risks or misjudging distances.
• Reduced Reaction Time: Alcohol slows your reflexes and reaction time, making it difficult to respond quickly to changes in traffic conditions, such as sudden stops or obstacles.
• Decreased Vision and Hearing: Alcohol can blur vision, reduce peripheral vision, and impair depth perception. This makes it harder to see and react to traffic signals, pedestrians, and other vehicles. It can also affect your ability to hear and process auditory cues on the road.
• Increased Risk-Taking Behavior: Alcohol lowers inhibitions and can make you more likely to take risks that you wouldn't usually take while sober, such as speeding, weaving between lanes, or making aggressive maneuvers.
• Drowsiness and Fatigue: Even small amounts of alcohol can cause drowsiness. This can lead to decreased alertness and an increased likelihood of falling asleep at the wheel.
• Legal and Safety Consequences: Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol is illegal and can result in severe legal penalties, including fines, license suspension or revocation, and even imprisonment. Additionally, alcohol-related crashes often result in serious injuries or fatalities.

Alcohol impairs your ability to drive safely by affecting your physical coordination, cognitive functions, and judgment. It's crucial to avoid driving after consuming alcohol to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

How to File a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Alabama

In the state of Alabama, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the drunk driver who caused your accident. However, Alabama has a strict two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. You only have two years from the accident date to file a claim. You will be permanently barred if you fail to file a claim within this time frame.

While it is possible to file a claim without an attorney, it is not recommended. The legal process is highly complex, and insurance companies are known for using manipulative tactics to get injury victims to settle for less than they are owed. When you work with an Auburn drunk driving accident attorney, they will handle every aspect of your case, including:

• Investigating the Accident: To prove liability, your attorney must collect evidence showing that the other driver was intoxicated and that their intoxication directly caused the accident. This evidence may include the police report, blood alcohol test results, and witness statements.
• Calculating Your Damages: To obtain a fair settlement, knowing how much your claim is worth is essential. Your attorney will calculate the total value of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
• Negotiating with the Insurance Company: After calculating your damages, your attorney will send a demand letter outlining your damages and explaining why you are entitled to compensation. From there, they will handle all negotiations with the insurance company.
• Taking Your Case to Court: If the insurance company refuses a fair settlement offer, your attorney will not hesitate to take your case to court. They will use their knowledge of the law and experience in the courtroom to fight for a favorable verdict.

Liability of Establishments in Drunk Driving Accidents Under Alabama Law

Aside from the drunk driver, establishments, such as bars, restaurants, or liquor stores, can be held liable for injuries or damages caused by serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals or minors who subsequently cause harm to others.

In Alabama, however, establishments can be held liable only if they serve alcohol to a minor who is visibly intoxicated and that minor then causes harm to another person. The law does not generally apply to adults who are visibly intoxicated.

Types of Compensation You Can Seek After a DUI Accident

If you were injured in a DUI accident, you may be facing a variety of expenses. Fortunately, you have the right to seek compensation for both your economic and non-economic damages. This may include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and more.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevented you from returning to work, you can seek compensation for your lost wages. If you cannot return to work at all, you may also be able to recover damages for loss of future earning capacity.
• Property Damage: If your vehicle or any other personal property was damaged in the crash, you can seek compensation for the cost of repairs or the property's fair market value if it was totaled.
• Pain and Suffering: This includes both the mental and physical pain and suffering you experienced as a result of the accident and your injuries.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries have prevented you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you may be able to recover damages for loss of enjoyment of life.
• Loss of Consortium: If your injuries have affected your relationship with your spouse, you may be able to seek compensation for loss of consortium.

In some drunk driving accident cases, punitive damages may be sought. However, these are only awarded in cases where the at-fault party's actions were reckless or egregious.

Contact Our Auburn Drunk Driving Accident Today

At Mike Slocumb Law Firm, we are committed to helping victims of drunk driving accidents fight for justice. If you or someone you love was injured in a DUI accident, we can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of filing a claim.

If you've been hurt in a DUI accident in Auburn, reach out to Mike Slocumb Law Firm now for a FREE consultation and legal guidance!