Car accidents are always dangerous, but drunk driving accidents can be particularly devastating. In fact, every day, around 28 people die in drunk driving accidents in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). Injuries and other damages from nonfatal accidents can be painful and expensive.
If a drunk driver was responsible for your injuries, then they should be held accountable. IF you’re able to file a successful personal injury claim, you could be able to recover compensation for your expenses so you can recover in peace.
Our drunk driving accident lawyers in Tuscaloosa can help. We offer free consultations so you can learn more about what an attorney can do for you–there is often a deadline for injury claims, so don’t hesitate to get in touch as soon as possible.
Can You Sue a DUI Driver?
Yes, if a drunk driver was responsible for your accident and the damages you suffered, you can sue them. If they were proven to be drunk at the time of the accident, then they will most likely undergo a criminal trial. Your lawsuit would be a separate, civil trial.
However, car accident claims, including those against drunk drivers, rarely make it to an actual lawsuit, instead being settled outside of court. Usually, when you hire a lawyer to help get you compensation for your DUI accident, they are able to get you a settlement before the case even goes to trial. However, to bring a personal injury claim against someone, you need to show three things:
- That the other driver owed you a duty of care–this is the standard to which any reasonable person can be held in their treatment of other people
- That the other driver breached their duty of care–this is known as negligence. In most cases, just showing that the driver was drunk at the time of the accident is enough to prove negligence.
- That the other driver’s negligence caused you specific damages, usually medical bills or other expenses
The best way to go about proving the other party’s negligence is to hire a skilled drunk driving accident lawyer in Tuscaloosa who knows how to gather the necessary evidence.
For a free legal consultation with a Drunk Driving Accident lawyer serving Tuscaloosa, call (800) 537-8185
Is It Worth Suing for a Drunk Driving Accident in Tuscaloosa?
If you have any damages that stem from an accident with a drunk driver, then it very well may be worth hiring a lawyer to help you recover compensation. There are no up-front fees, so there’s no risk in paying to start something that won’t get you any results.
Our Tuscaloosa DUI accident attorneys work on a contingency-fee-basis, which means they don’t get paid unless you get compensation. Their fees come from a portion of your initial payout, so they also have an incentive to get you as much compensation as possible.
You may be tempted to try to forgo any contingency fees and file your claim by yourself, but that isn’t advisable. When you try to represent yourself, you open yourself up to all of the tricks and bullying that the other party’s lawyer or the insurance company can try. Without an experienced attorney, your chances of compensation are far lower.
If you’re not sure whether or not you have a valid claim, you can always get a free consultation with one of our DUI accident lawyers in Tuscaloosa. They can listen to your story and tell you what your next steps should be.
What Can a DUI Accident Attorney in Tuscaloosa Do for Me?
When you contact a drunk driving accident attorney in Tuscaloosa, the first thing they will do for you is meet to discuss your case. In this initial consultation, they’ll listen to your story, review the facts, and tell you what they can do to help you get compensation.
After you agree to hire them, they’ll get to work on your claim while you focus on recovering from your injuries. A DUI accident lawyer will:
- Gather evidence
- Calculate your damages
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- Represent you in court if necessary
Our personal injury lawyers in Tuscaloosa have your best interests in mind. They treat every case with care and charge nothing upfront.
Click to contact our Tuscaloosa Car Accident Lawyers today
Is a Drunk Driver Always at Fault for the Accident?
Drunk drivers are almost always at fault in a DUI accident, but they aren’t always the sole party at fault. In some cases, another party who could have been responsible for the driver being drunk on the road could also be liable.
According to Alabama Code §6-5-71, known as the Dram Shop Law, anybody who knowingly provided alcohol to someone who then injured somebody due to their drunkenness can be held liable. That could include bartenders or bar owners who served the driver alcohol knowing that they would be driving.
If there is another party that could also be liable for your damages, a drunk driving accident lawyer in Tuscaloosa could be able to help. By investigating your accident, a lawyer can hold all responsible people accountable and make sure you get compensation from anyone at fault.
Talk to a Tuscaloosa Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer for Free
After being hit by a drunk driver, your medical bills and lost work can add up, causing money to be tight. You shouldn’t have to pay for damages that an irresponsible driver caused. The Tuscaloosa DUI accident attorneys at Morris Bart, LLC can help with that.
Call us or contact us online for a FREE consultation with one of our skilled lawyers. We want to help you move on from your accident.
Questions?Call (800) 537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
