Huntsville Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys

A drunk driving accident can leave you confused when you lack a comprehensive understanding of the laws and effects of such incidents in Huntsville.

Drunk Driving Laws in Alabama

In Alabama, you cannot operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher. The state passed an even stricter limit for commercial drivers and individuals under the legal drinking age.

Violating these laws can lead to severe penalties, including hefty fines, license suspension, and imprisonment. Despite these stringent regulations, though, drunk driving accidents still occur, causing significant distress and damage. 

Effects of Drunk Driving Accidents in Huntsville

Drunk driving accidents have a profound effect on Huntsville’s community. They can cause tragic loss of life, serious injuries, and emotional trauma for victims and their families.

Drunk driving accidents also place a substantial financial burden on victims due to medical expenses, property damage, and loss of income. Understanding this impact underlines the importance of seeking justice and compensation for victims.

When Are Drunk Driving Accidents Most Likely to Occur? 

Drunk driving accidents are most likely to occur during night hours on the weekend when people are commonly out drinking or partying. They are also common during the morning hours when drivers are on their way home after a long night of drinking. These accidents can happen at any time of the day, though. 

How Common Are Drunk Driving Accidents in Alabama? 

Drunk driving accidents are a serious problem in Alabama, with over 5,100 alcohol-related crashes in one recent year. The number of fatalities due to these accidents is also on the rise, with 158 deaths that year. It is clear that despite the extensive efforts to curb drunk driving, there is still much work ahead to reduce these numbers. 

Your Legal Rights

A drunk driving accident can be a traumatic experience. Knowing your legal rights, however, can empower you to take swift action to protect your interests and seek the justice you deserve. 

Legal Rights of Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Alabama

In Alabama, victims of drunk driving accidents may seek compensation for their injuries and losses. This includes the right to recover medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and, in worst-case scenarios, wrongful death damages. You also may sue the drunk driver within two years of the date of the accident under Alabama’s statute of limitations.

The Importance of Seeking Legal Help Immediately After a Drunk Driving Accident

Getting legal help immediately after a drunk driving accident is crucial. Drunk driving accident attorneys can preserve evidence, file a timely lawsuit, and negotiate with insurance companies. Insurance firms have teams of lawyers and adjusters who start evaluating your injury claim right away. You need a legal professional on your side to ensure you get fair compensation. 

What Should I Do After a Drunk Driving Accident? 

After a drunk driving accident, ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. After receiving medical treatment, keep all the medical records regarding your drunk driving accident. These records can prove injury and damages. Your attorney will need detailed and accurate documentation to build a strong case. 

Contact an attorney as soon as possible after a drunk driving accident. An experienced attorney can provide crucial legal guidance and support and protect your rights. They can file an injury claim, negotiate with insurers, and prepare for a trial if necessary. They are your advocates for the best possible outcome.

Do not speak with the drunk driver or their insurance company without an attorney present. The drunk driver’s insurer will likely try to settle the claim quickly and inexpensively to minimize their financial losses. You should not agree to any settlement until you have hired an attorney. 

Lawsuits for Drunk Driving Accidents 

If negotiations fail to bring a satisfactory resolution, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to seek compensation for victims of drunk driving accidents.

Filing a Drunk Driving Lawsuit in Alabama

In Alabama, victims of drunk driving accidents have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Your lawyer will review the details of your case and advise you of your options. They will also prepare all the necessary paperwork and represent you in court if your case proceeds to trial. 

The Role of a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Navigating the complexities of a drunk driving accident case can be challenging for victims. This is where the role of a qualified drunk driving accident attorney is crucial. 

What a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Does

A drunk driving accident attorney primarily works to protect the rights of accident victims. They conduct a comprehensive investigation to gather all necessary evidence and ascertain who is at fault. They deal with insurance companies on behalf of the victim, handle all the paperwork, and use their legal knowledge and negotiation skills to secure the maximum possible compensation. If necessary, they take the case to court and aggressively represent the victim’s interests. 

How a Lawyer From McCutcheon & Hamner Can Help Victims

A lawyer from McCutcheon & Hamner can be one of your greatest allies in your quest for justice. With years of experience in dealing with complex drunk driving cases, our attorneys are well-versed in Alabama law. They can navigate the legal journey for you, from filing claims to negotiating settlements to representing you in court. Our lawyers provide not just legal skills but also empathetic support during this challenging period. 

Compensation for Drunk Driving Accident Victims

As a victim of a drunk driving accident, you need to know how to achieve the maximum compensation is essential for your recovery and financial security.

Types of Compensation Available for Victims in Alabama

In Alabama, victims of drunk driving accidents can receive compensation in several forms. These include economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost earnings, and repair costs for any property damage. Victims can also pursue non-economic damages for intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. If the drunk driver’s conduct was particularly egregious, punitive damages may also come into play to deter others from similar misconduct.

How Much Compensation Could You Receive for a Drunk Driving Case? 

A successful drunk driving accident claim can bring significant compensation to victims; however, this compensation depends on several factors, such as the severity of the victim’s injuries, the extent of losses, and the amount of insurance coverage available. Thus, it is impossible to provide an estimate of the compensation without a thorough investigation of the case.

What Types of Punitive Damages Are Available in Alabama? 

Victims can receive punitive damages in cases involving willful, wanton, intentional, reckless, or malicious actions. These damages do not compensate victims for their losses, they punish the wrongdoer and discourage others from repeating such misconduct.

The state caps punitive damages at three times the compensatory damages or $1.5 million, whichever is greater.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

In Alabama, close relatives or representatives of the deceased may bring a wrongful death action against the driver responsible for causing the accident. The personal representative of the deceased, typically the surviving spouse or adult children, is generally responsible for filing the claim. If there is no surviving relative, then the district attorney or state will bring the suit. 

What About Criminal Consequences?

Most drunk driving cases are misdemeanors in Alabama. Penalties for such crimes can include license suspension or revocation, hefty fines, imprisonment, and mandatory community service. If the victim’s injury or death is a result of drunk driving, then the driver may receive a felony and face more serious consequences. Drunk drivers who repeat offenses may also receive a felony. 

Do Victims Need to Participate in the Criminal Legal Process?

In most cases, victims’ participation in the criminal legal process is not mandatory. The prosecutor in the case will work independently to obtain the driver’s conviction.

Victims should, however, submit their affidavits to the court if their testimony is necessary. This can help ensure punishment for the offender to the fullest extent of the law. Your attorney will support you during the criminal process by providing detailed and accurate statements or affidavits for the court. They can also manage any subpoena or court hearing regarding the criminal case. 

How McCutcheon & Hamner Can Maximize Compensation

At McCutcheon & Hamner, we believe that victims should receive all the compensation they deserve. We work diligently to build a strong case, substantiate it with solid evidence, and argue for the compensation you are eligible for.

Our experienced attorneys skillfully negotiate with insurance companies and are willing to take your case to court if necessary. We leave no stone unturned to ensure our clients get what they rightfully deserve.

Working With McCutcheon & Hamner

At McCutcheon & Hamner, we value our clients and provide top-tier legal services. We understand how stressful a drunk driving accident case can be, and we are here to guide you through every step of the process.

What to Expect During the Legal Process

The legal journey following a drunk driving accident can be complex.; however, with McCutcheon & Hamner on your side, you can expect regular communication, transparency, and guidance. We’ll begin by meticulously investigating your case to identify all potentially liable parties. We will then manage all the necessary paperwork, negotiate with insurance companies, and prepare for a possible trial. Throughout the process, we will keep you informed and involved in key decisions.

The Firm’s Approach to Client Service and Satisfaction

Our approach to client service is simple: we put our clients first. At McCutcheon & Hamner, we strive to provide personalized attention for each client. We understand that every case is unique, and we tailor our services accordingly. We pride ourselves on our responsiveness, compassion, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients. Your satisfaction is our primary measure of success.