What are Your Rights in a Drunk Driving Accident?
Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic event. Add in the detail of being hit by a drunk driver, and the moment turns even more distressing. In the United States alone, almost 30 people die each day in drunk driving accidents. Unfortunately, drinking and driving claims more than 10,000 lives each year. While we all hope to never be involved in a drunk driving accident, it is important to know what your rights are in the event it does occur.
The last thing you should have to worry about after an accident is whether or not you’ll get compensated for any injuries caused to you. Below we will discuss in depth what rights you have if involved in a drunk driving car accident and the best steps to take to ensure your needs are adequately compensated.
What should I do if I’ve been hit by a drunk driver?
First and foremost, remain as calm as possible and make sure yourself, as well as others, are safe. Acting frantic and emotional will be a natural impulse. However, take a deep breath and dial 9-1-1 immediately. It’s important that you remain at the scene unless you are still in danger. Be sure to give the officers who arrive at the scene as much detail as possible.
What are my rights?
If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident, you have the right to press charges. In the state of Alabama, driving under the influence is against the law and can result in a DUI charge. The police on the scene will likely ask you if you would like to press charges. If you choose to press charges, the prosecution will be inclined to ask for your help with their case during the trial process. If convicted, the individual could face jail time, pay fines and may also be responsible for paying you restitution for any damage incurred.
In addition to pressing charges, you also have the right to demand compensation. You may choose to file a civil claim against a drunk driver. When filing a civil claim, it is very important to work alongside an experienced attorney to make sure you get what is rightfully owed to you. You and/or your family could also have a “dram shop” claim against a restaurant, bar or package store. If the drunk driver was under age and served alcohol or if the drunk driver was continuously served after being obviously intoxicated, the restaurant, bar or package store could be liable under Alabama law.
At Lewis & Feldman, we will take care of all paperwork and filing processes so that you can focus on what’s important: healing properly. Our team will work diligently and efficiently to provide a smooth, stress-free process and fight to prove the drunk driver’s fault behind your accident.
Our Birmingham, AL personal injury firm can analyze your drunk driving case.
If you believe you have suffered as a result of someone else’s actions, contact us, Lewis and Feldman, at 205-896-6410 or toll-free at 888-705-3997 for a free, no-risk consultation about your injuries.
No representation is made that the quality of legal services performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.