How to Seek Compensation for Drunk Driving Accidents During the Holidays

Did you know that drivers in Alabama have a one in three chance of getting into a severe car crash at some point throughout their lifetime? In addition, Alabama ranks high in drunk driving fatalities, especially during the holidays.

How can a DUI car accident victim get compensated following a drunk driving accident? What requirements does the state of Alabama have?

If you are wondering about how to be compensated in Alabama if you are the victim of a drunk driving accident, contact the auto accident attorneys in Birmingham at Hare, Wynn, Newell, & Newton to get answers to all of your questions.

Drunk Driving Statistics in Alabama

According to the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA), alcohol impairment causes more than 25% of all traffic-related deaths in the country. Approximately 800 people in the United States suffer injuries from drunk driving accidents every day.

From 2003 to 2011, there were a total of 119,100 drunk driving fatalities in 16 states—Alabama was responsible for 3,190 of those deaths.

In 2018, there were 246 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in Alabama. During that same year, someone reported a traffic crash every 197 seconds. Personal injuries caused by car accidents were reported every 11 minutes 5 seconds, the most common of which were spinal cord injuries.

From 2010 to 2018, 2,485 deaths occurred sometime on either Thanksgiving or Christmas Day, accounting for 37% of the total number of all holiday deaths during this time.

In Alabama, there were 21 deaths on Thanksgiving and 49 deaths on Christmas, totaling 2% of national deaths for all holidays.
But how does compensation work in Alabama if you are the victim of a DUI car accident?

DUI Victim Compensation in Alabama

In Alabama, DUI victims can pursue compensation by way of monetary damages. Compensatory damages come in two forms: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are direct monetary losses that the victim suffers, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and loss of earning capacity.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intangible damages and can be difficult to quantify. Examples include physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, diminished quality of life, and permanent disability.

Another type of legal damages is called punitive damages, also called exemplary damages. These damages are not meant to compensate the victim but rather “punish” the responsible party for the victim’s injuries and help deter them (and others) from similar future actions.

Factors to Remember

Alabama is a “contributory negligence” state, which means that if there is evidence that an injured party contributed in any way to the accident or incident in question, they may be ineligible to recover damages.
A victim must file a civil claim to seek monetary compensation for their injuries. Payment could come in the form of a settlement with the responsible driver’s insurance company or a damage award from a personal injury lawsuit.

Do I Need an Alabama Car Accident Attorney?

If you are the victim of a DUI accident, hiring a personal injury lawyer is a wise and smart decision. But why do you need an Alabama personal injury lawyer?

There are many ways that an Alabama personal injury attorney can help with your case, including:

• Lawyers have experience with these kinds of cases and know how to negotiate.
• You will not pay a dime unless/until your case is resolved.
• You will save time and effort, thereby giving yourself a chance to focus on your physical recovery.
• Attorneys understand the legal process.
• Lawyers will work to get you the best possible compensation for your case.
• Lawyers understand the value of your case.
• Lawyers may be able to expedite your injury claim.
• Your attorney will handle negotiations with the insurance companies.

Contact Us

Are you looking for injury lawyers near Birmingham, Alabama? Do you need an Alabama car accident attorney? Hare, Wynn, Newell, & Newton is here to help. Our results reveal our distinct and successful capability to handle personal injury claims and other complex litigation. We have a strong dedication to work for the best interests of all the clients we serve.

For over 130 years, we have helped individuals, along with their families, fight for their rights after they suffered from harm and loss caused by another person’s negligence. We have won numerous multi-million-dollar jury verdicts and settlements and have recovered over two billion dollars for our clients. Contact us today.