If a drunk driver caused your car accident in Birmingham, you may face vehicle damage, medical bills, and other challenges. Your case involves both criminal charges against the driver and your civil compensation claim. At Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP, we represent accident victims harmed by intoxicated drivers. Our experienced Birmingham car accident attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact of these accidents, and we work diligently to help you pursue appropriate compensation.
Why DUI Accidents Need Strong Legal Representation
DUI accidents differ from standard car crashes. When an intoxicated driver causes a collision, the impact goes beyond typical negligence claims. The driver’s impairment shows reckless disregard for public safety, which may warrant punitive damages and additional compensation that aims to deter similar conduct.
Insurance settlements often fail to cover the full costs of DUI accidents. Medical expenses, lost wages, ongoing rehabilitation, and pain and suffering add up quickly. Our attorneys evaluate your complete range of damages and pursue all available compensation sources, including the at-fault driver’s insurance, personal assets, and potential punitive damages.
How Drunk Drivers Create Liability in Birmingham Car Accidents
Alabama law recognizes a DUI conviction as strong evidence of negligence in a civil accident case. When a driver operates a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, they violate their duty of care to other motorists. This violation establishes the basis for negligence liability.
The criminal conviction, or even an arrest with evidence of impairment, strengthens your civil claim. You don’t need to wait for a criminal conviction to pursue your personal injury case. Civil cases typically progress faster than criminal proceedings. Our legal team gathers police reports, breathalyzer results, witness statements, and accident scene evidence to demonstrate the driver’s impairment and responsibility for your injuries.
Damages Available in a DUI Accident Claim
Alabama law allows accident victims to pursue three categories of damages in DUI cases:
Economic Damages cover measurable financial losses: medical treatment costs, surgical procedures, rehabilitation therapy, prescription medications, lost wages during recovery, reduced earning capacity if injuries affect your work ability, vehicle repair or replacement, and other accident-related expenses. These economic damages form the foundation of your compensation claim.
Non-Economic Damages address subjective harm: physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring or disfigurement, and reduced quality of life. These damages acknowledge that injuries impact more than finances. Pain and suffering calculations require experienced legal representation to maximize your recovery.
Punitive Damages serve a distinct purpose. Rather than compensating for losses, punitive damages address the drunk driver’s reckless conduct to discourage similar behavior. Alabama law caps punitive damages at three times the compensatory damages awarded or $1,500,000, whichever is greater. DUI accidents often qualify for punitive damages due to the conscious disregard for others’ safety.
The Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP Approach to DUI Accident Cases
Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP has helped Birmingham accident victims recover compensation in DUI cases. Our attorneys know Alabama’s personal injury laws, insurance practices, and how courts assess drunk driving accident claims. We handle all aspects of your case: investigating the accident, collecting evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and proceeding to trial when necessary. Read our client reviews to see how our dedication and experience have led to favorable results.
We maintain clear communication with our clients. You receive regular case updates, understand your legal options, and participate in decisions about settlement or trial. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs. Our fees come only from successful compensation recovery. Learn more about how personal injury settlements work.
DUI Accident Statistics in Alabama
The frequency of drunk driving accidents in Alabama highlights the seriousness of these cases. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, 260 people died in Alabama traffic accidents involving suspected alcohol or drug impairment in 2013—representing 32% of all traffic fatalities that year. These numbers show that drunk driving remains a significant public safety issue.
National data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that driving under the influence greatly increases the likelihood of a fatal crash, even at relatively low blood alcohol levels. Alcohol-impaired driving crashes account for approximately 30% of all traffic fatalities, despite representing a smaller proportion of total crashes, showing the higher danger level of alcohol-involved accidents.
Steps After a DUI Accident in Birmingham
Your actions after a DUI accident affect your case. First, focus on safety and medical care. Call 911 for emergency assistance. Document the scene: photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and the overall area. Get contact information from witnesses and the other driver. Learn what to do after a car accident to protect your legal rights.
Request a police report and note observations about the other driver’s condition. Then, seek medical evaluation even without immediate symptoms, as some injuries appear later. Keep all medical records, bills, and insurance communications. Understanding how to read an accident report helps you identify critical evidence.
Contact an attorney promptly. Early legal help protects your rights, prevents potentially harmful insurance company statements, and helps preserve evidence. An attorney investigates thoroughly, identifies liable parties, and builds your case for compensation. The importance of always calling the police after an accident cannot be overstated.
Common Questions About DUI Accident Claims
Can I pursue a claim if the drunk driver wasn't convicted?
Yes. Your civil case proceeds independently of criminal charges. You can seek compensation based on the driver’s impairment and negligence even if criminal charges were dismissed or remain pending. Evidence of impairment—police observations, breathalyzer results, field sobriety test performance—supports your civil claim separately. This is why understanding comparative negligence in Alabama matters for your case.
What is the time limit for filing a DUI accident lawsuit?
Alabama law sets a two-year statute of limitations from the accident date. This deadline is strict. Missing it prevents you from pursuing compensation. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your legal rights. Learn more about how long after an accident you can sue.
What if I was partially at fault?
Alabama follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If you bear any responsibility for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation. An attorney evaluates the accident circumstances and works to establish that you bear no fault for the collision. Understanding Alabama’s negligence laws is critical to your defense.
What factors determine my case value?
Case value depends on injury severity, medical expenses, lost income, long-term effects, and the defendant’s insurance coverage. Serious injuries requiring substantial medical treatment may justify higher compensation. We evaluate your specific situation to pursue appropriate compensation. When car accident claims exceed insurance limits, we pursue additional recovery sources.
Will my case require a trial?
Many DUI accident cases are resolved through negotiation. Insurance companies often recognize the strength of DUI cases and propose reasonable settlements. However, if settlement offers prove inadequate, we prepare thoroughly for trial. Our litigation experience helps protect your interests, whether through settlement or court proceedings. Understanding what happens after mediation settlement prepares you for the next steps.
Contact Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP for a Free Consultation
If a drunk driver injured you in a Birmingham car accident, you have legal options. Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP provides free consultations to review your case and explain your rights. We answer your questions, discuss potential compensation, and outline our approach, with no obligation.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Call (205) 324-1212 or complete our online contact form. We handle DUI accident cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our Birmingham personal injury lawyers are ready to help.
