It is hard to imagine why someone would drive while they are impaired. With rideshare companies, there is simply no excuse to drive under the influence. People don’t even need to find a designated driver these days. All they need to do is click an app on their phone and a safe ride home appears within minutes. Sadly, this doesn’t mean that there are not impaired driving accidents every day. In fact, Birmingham car accident lawyers meet with people every month who are injured in these sorts of crashes.
Your Birmingham Injury Lawyer Understands that Impaired Driving is Not Limited to Drinking and Driving
It is important to understand that not all impaired accidents are caused by drinking and driving. More and more cases are starting to appear where the defendant is under the influence of drugs, not alcohol, and it is not always illegal drugs that cause them to be impaired. Some drivers use prescription medications. However, they use them improperly or take more than they are supposed to.
Still, other people get behind the wheel either while using or immediately after taking illegal drugs. Some of the biggest problems law enforcement face today are related to the methamphetamine and opioid epidemics. These drugs can cause someone to totally blackout during an accident. This means they have absolutely no control over their actions.
What Sort of Injuries are Caused by Impaired Driving Accidents?
Impaired driving accidents are some of the most dangerous of all motor vehicle accidents. This is because, when someone is impaired, they take risks they normally would not take. For example, someone who typically would do the speed limit go much faster when they are impaired. Or a driver may be so inebriated or high that they do not even realize they are driving down the wrong side of the road.
Studies show that certain types of people are more likely to suffer injuries in a car crash. Some of these injuries include the following:
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and contusions
Of all of these, spine injuries can be the most serious. This is because they can leave you either partially or totally paralyzed. This is the sort of injury that can be not only life-changing but life-ending.
Can Your Car Accident Attorney in Birmingham Get You Damages?
If you are injured in any sort of impaired driving accident, you may be entitled to damages. It depends on a few things. First, it depends on whether your Birmingham car accident lawyer can prove the other driver was at fault. Second, your attorney is going to need to show that you were injured. If your lawyer can do this, then you may be entitled to some or all of the following:
- Medical Bills
- Future Medical Bills
- Lost Wages
- Lost future income
- Property Damage
- Pain and Suffering
Since each case is unique, your Birmingham car accident lawyer won’t know what your case is worth right away. They will need to review the facts of your case. Some of the things that can impact your claim for damages include the following:
- The seriousness of your injuries
- The damage to your vehicle
- How much medical treatment you are going to need
- Whether or not your injuries impact your ability to earn a living
Once you sit down with a skilled attorney, they can give you a much better idea of what your case is worth.
Contact a Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer in Birmingham Right Away
Sadly, thousands of people are hurt and killed in impaired driving accidents every year. More often than not, it’s the innocent motorist or pedestrian who suffers the brunt of the impact. Ironically, impaired drivers are more likely to walk away from the scene of a crash. This means that you may have no choice but to take legal action. If this is the case, then you should contact an experienced car accident lawyer in Birmingham, Alabama right away.
As explained earlier in this article, not all impaired driving accidents involve alcohol. A person can be impaired due to the effects of illegal or legal drugs. Just because someone was prescribed a medication, that does not mean they are able to drive. If someone hits you while they are impaired, you need help. You will be focusing on recovering from your injuries. You need a skilled attorney to take the reins when it comes to the legal side of things.
Call today and set up a date and time that works for you. You can schedule your free, initial consultation as soon as possible after your accident.
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