Despite the known dangers of getting behind the wheel while drunk, alcohol-impaired accidents continue to account for nearly one-third of all traffic-related deaths in the U.S. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 29 people in the United States die every day in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver.
Here in Alabama, countless individuals continue to get in their vehicles and drive after they have been drinking alcohol. And, in contrast to what many may believe, several of these drivers are ordinarily what most would consider highly responsible citizens.
As much as we try to prepare ourselves to be safe while on the road, the unfortunate reality is that accidents do still happen. It is difficult to know what to do after a car accident, and the chaos and confusion of an accident scene are overwhelming for anyone regardless of the circumstances. When a drunk driver is involved, however, the issues become even more complicated.
It is important for victims of drunk drivers to be represented by a personal injury lawyer who understands drunk driving cases. If you are injured in a drunk driving-related accident, contact the car accident lawyers at Taylor Martino to schedule a FREE consultation where we will create a personalized legal strategy to get you the financial relief you deserve.
The immediate aftermath of an accident can be terrifying for anyone involved. Despite the uncertainty, there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your case.
In addition to the above steps, contacting a car accident lawyer should be at the top of your list after you have taken care of yourself medically. It is important to have someone on your side legally if you have been injured by a drunk driver in a car wreck; as well as someone who can protect you financially. Being injured in a car crash can take a lot out of you. And the “mess” of the aftermath is one less thing you should have to worry about.
And when you work with an Alabama car wreck attorney from Taylor Martino, you can be sure you’re getting the highest level of representation. We have handled many drunk driving crash cases, are skilled at preserving vital evidence, and holding responsible parties accountable.
Under Alabama law, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a 0.08% blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) or higher. Commercial drivers must be under a 0.04% BAC, and the legal limit for people under the age of 21 is 0.02%. However, the state does not have a “zero tolerance” law against drugged driving. Instead, the state bans driving when your use of drugs or alcohol makes it unsafe.
When someone is arrested for drunk or drugged driving, they typically face criminal charges. If convicted, the driver may face jail time, mandatory substance abuse treatment, loss of their driver’s license, and other penalties. While these criminal cases are an important part of holding the at-fault driver accountable, they don’t compensate the victims for their injuries.
To get compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other damages resulting from an intoxicated driver, you’ll need to file a civil lawsuit. The prosecutor cannot file this claim for you, which means you’ll need to consult with a personal injury attorney instead.
Victims that survive crashes are often left with serious, lifelong injuries that cause hardship to entire families and often require a long recovery. If you were injured in a DUI accident, then it is time to speak with a drunk driving accident lawyer at Taylor Martino Rowan
It’s important to recognize that someone took it upon themselves to drive while physically and cognitively impaired, putting both you and others in harm’s way. The at-fault driver may walk away unscathed while you, your family members, or your friends suffer serious injuries.
Common Drunk Driving Injuries Include:
If a loved one was killed by a drunk driver, you may suffer from post-traumatic stress, crippling depression, severe anxiety, and more. You can and should seek compensation for these conditions.
Post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological injuries can significantly interfere with one’s ability to resume a normal life. Despite these injuries being “of the mind,” they can still be felt physically (they are often painful!) and lead to a diminished quality of life.
After an accident involving a drunk driver, you are forced to grapple with a myriad of emotions while recovering from your physical or psychological injuries. If the driver who caused your accident was convicted of DUI after the crash, negligence has already been established, and that fact will assist you in filing a claim for compensation against the convicted DUI driver.
The Alabama accident injury lawyers at Taylor Martino Rowan will help you bring an alcohol injury claim against the drunk driver. Through a personal injury claim, we will fight for you to receive compensation for:
No matter how much you prepare, sometimes a car wreck in Alabama is unpreventable. But preparation can ensure you stay as safe as possible if one happens. Unfortunately, even the most responsible motorists can suffer from life-changing injuries due to the negligence of other drivers.
After all is said and done, you might need to hire an attorney, depending on the severity of the accident and any injuries sustained by you or a loved one. An experienced Alabama Car Wreck Lawyer can review your claim and determine how to best protect you and your loved ones.
Surviving a car wreck caused by a drunk driver is one of the most stressful and traumatic events you can experience in your life. You and your family deserve to rest, relax, and heal without worrying about whether or not you will be able to afford your medical bills. When you work with an empathetic, experienced Alabama car wreck lawyer, they will fight for you so you can focus on your recovery.
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, the Alabama Car Wreck Lawyers at Taylor Martino are here to help. We offer a free consultation where we will help you evaluate your options and decide if a lawsuit is the right course of action for you.
Contact us at 251-433-3131 or here on our website to get started.
