You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer You Can Trust If You’ve Been Injured by a Drunk Driver
There’s nothing wrong with going out and having a good time. The good times have to stop when it’s time to drive home. Sadly, many people ignore their responsibility to drive soberly, and they get behind the wheel after having one too many.
A drunk driving crash can ruin lives instantly. Do you know where you could turn for help if you need a drunk driving accident attorney?
Having experienced Birmingham drunk driving attorneys you can trust by your side can make the difference for you and your family.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Injured by a Drunk Driver?
There are a few steps you can take after a drunk driver injures you in a crash. As an injured person seeking compensation from the drunk driver, you have to prove your case against the drunk driver.
You need solid evidence to win your case and recover just compensation for your injuries.
Cooperate with Any Criminal Prosecution Resulting from Your Crash
Knowledgeable Birmingham drunk driving accident attorneys will look for the best evidence to help you win your case. But you can help your DWI accident attorney to make the strongest case possible.
One way to do that is by participating in the criminal prosecution of the driver that injured you. Your observations of the drunk driver at the accident scene may be very useful. You might be a strong witness if you noticed that the drunk driver:
- Had slurred speech,
- Had bloodshot eyes,
- Was unsteady while walking,
- Had an open alcohol container,
- Had a smell of alcohol coming from them,
- Tried to hide evidence they were driving, or
- Admitted to drinking or taking drugs before driving.
This information helps the police make a strong drunk driving case. Additionally, you could provide evidence of how the person drove immediately before the crash.
Erratic behavior, like swerving, driving at night with no headlines on, or slowing and then accelerating, are usually signs the driver is impaired. Your observations can make a strong personal injury case against the drunk driver as well.
Your drunk driving accident attorney may be able to use a criminal conviction from DWI against the driver to show that the driver is responsible for your injuries.
That is why it is important to cooperate with the police prosecution. Cooperating with the authorities also lets the insurance companies know that you mean business.
Why You Need a DWI | DUI Accident Attorney
Remember that the local prosecutor does not represent you. Our dedicated Birmingham drunk driving accident attorneys have your best interests at heart.
We will fight to get the largest financial recovery possible for you and your loved ones. We will be with you step-by-step throughout the entire process so that you know we have your back.
However, you should be aware that a criminal prosecution and your injury claim for damages are separate legal cases. Even if the drunk driver beats the criminal case, you can file a claim in civil court to seek compensation.
The legal standard in civil court is much lower than in criminal court. Therefore, you could still win compensation for your injuries even if the drunk driver beats the criminal charges.
Other Ways You Can Help Your Birmingham Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys
There are many other ways you can help make a compelling case for damages. You should get a copy of your police report as soon as it’s finished.
The officer’s report contains a substantial amount of information about your crash, such as insurance information, witness information, and any statements the drunk driver or other witnesses made at the crash scene. The police might have taken photos of the crash scene. You should get copies of those if you can as well.
Keeping medical appointments and taking your recovery seriously may strengthen your case. Insurance companies have no sympathy for people who suffer serious injuries yet don’t do anything to help themselves.
Keeping your appointments and participating in follow-up care is a good way to show that you take your recovery seriously. The insurance company will know that you’re not out to make a quick buck.
Keeping a diary is a convenient way to keep all of your appointments. Also, keeping a diary or journal is a good way to record how you feel on a regular basis. Your diary will help you remember the details of your recovery as well as recollect the devastating impact the crash had on your life.
Damage Awards in a Drunk Driving Accident Case
Drunk driving crashes cause serious bodily injury or death to thousands of innocent victims every year.
If you or a loved one is an innocent victim of a drunk driver, then you may be eligible to win compensation for damages such as:
- Medical costs,
- Future medical costs,
- Lost wages or salary,
- Future lost wages,
- Pain and suffering,
- Punitive damages, if applicable, or
- Wrongful death damages, if applicable.
The damage award in your case might be different from that in another case. Since you are unique, your case will be different from all others.
By emphasizing the impact the drunk driving crash had on you and your family, your Birmingham drunk driving accident attorneys will give you the best chance to maximize your financial recovery.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit Against a Drunk Driver?
In Alabama, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file an injury lawsuit against the drunk driver. This is known as the “statute of limitations”.
In wrongful death cases, you generally have two years from the date of the person’s death to file suit.
There are a limited number of exceptions to the statute of limitations. Do not delay. Contact an exerienced drunk driving accident lawyer at Fob James Law Firm for help: 866-837-1010.
What Is My Drunk Driving Injury Claim Worth in Birmingham?
Every personal injury case is different and not one size fits all.
Many variables factor in to the average settlement value of a drunk driving accident claim. A few examples are:
- extent of injuries and treatment
- amount of insurance coverage
- venue (where the accident occured)
- who the defendant is (indivdual or corporation)
Your best bet is to schedule a free consultation with a top rated drunk driving accident lawyer to discuss the likely value of your case.
Our Birmingham Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Are the Top Choice
A small law firm offers a personal touch that larger law firms simply can’t offer. We want to earn your trust. We pride ourselves on treating you with compassion and dignity.
Our award-winning personal injury lawyers fight aggressively to recover the financial award that you deserve.
We want justice for you and your family. As a result, we are available every day to serve you. We never take a fee unless we are successful. Furthermore, you never have to reach into your pocket to pursue your rights.
We have extensive resources that allow us to fully investigate your case and then make a compelling case from the evidence we found.
Call a Drunk Driving Injury Lawyer Near Me for a Free Consultation
Call Fob James today at 205-407-6009 to make a free consultation when it is convenient for you.
Our mission is to help people just like you maximize your financial recovery and hold drunk drivers accountable for their actions.