Dothan Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Did you suffer injuries in an accident involving an impaired driver? Drunk driving is a leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, it is a factor in roughly a third of all traffic fatalities. Those who survive drunk driving crashes may experience severe physical harm, financial strain, and emotional distress.

If an alcohol-impaired driver struck your vehicle, you may have the right to hold them accountable for your resulting injuries, expenses, and losses. Let the team at Gartlan Injury Law provide the legal support you need. Contact us today for a free consultation and discuss your case with an experienced and compassionate Dothan drunk driving accident lawyer.

What Is the Blood Alcohol Level Legal Limit to Drive in Alabama?

In Alabama, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for most drivers is 0.08 percent. Commercial drivers face stricter rules, with a limit of 0.04 percent. Drivers under age 21 must adhere to a zero-tolerance policy, with a BAC limit of 0.02 percent. These limits aim to prevent impaired driving and protect public safety by reducing the risk of drunk driving crashes.

Evidence of the other driver’s BAC can also strengthen your case for compensation in a drunk driving accident claim. If a driver exceeds these limits and causes an accident, they may face criminal charges and civil liability.

What Types of Injuries Happen in a Dothan Drunk Driving Accident?

Drunk driving crashes in Dothan often result in severe injuries due to the reckless actions of an impaired driver. These crashes can occur at high speeds or involve erratic maneuvers, which increases the likelihood of a catastrophic outcome. Victims may face lasting physical and emotional consequences, along with significant medical expenses and lost income. Common injuries in drunk driving accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal organ damage
• Severe lacerations
• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Burns from vehicle fires
• Amputations
• Soft tissue injuries, including torn ligaments or muscles.

How Do You Prove the Drunk Driver Was Responsible for My Injuries?

Alabama law holds impaired drivers accountable when their actions cause harm to others. However, proving a drunk driver’s liability requires strong evidence showing their impairment and fault in the accident. To build a successful claim, you need evidence demonstrating the driver’s intoxication and how their behavior led to the crash. Common types of evidence Gartlan Injury Law looks for in drunk driving accident claims include:

• Police report showing the driver’s arrest and BAC test results
• Breathalyzer or blood test results showing the driver’s BAC
• Field sobriety test performance recorded by officers
• Witness statements describing erratic driving behavior
• Traffic camera footage or dashcam videos of the incident
• Accident reconstruction reports
• Expert testimony on the effects of alcohol on driving (and how those factors played a role in this crash).

What Should You Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Dothan?

In the days and weeks following a drunk driving accident, you must take some key steps to protect your health, your legal rights, and your potential compensation. To strengthen your claim and improve your likelihood of recovering damages, you should:

• Keep up with ongoing medical care — Even if you received treatment at the scene or the hospital, schedule follow-up visits with your doctor. Some injuries, like concussions or internal trauma, may not show symptoms immediately but still require prompt attention to avoid complications.
• Document your injuries and expenses — Keep a detailed record of your medical treatments, lost income, and other costs related to the crash. Photos of your injuries and a daily journal about how the accident affects your life can support your claim.
• Obtain a copy of the police report — Request the official accident report from law enforcement. This document can serve as key evidence. It should include the driver’s BAC results and details about their arrest.
• Contact your insurance company — Notify your insurer about the accident. However, avoid providing a detailed statement without legal guidance. Stick to the facts and avoid discussing fault until you consult your attorney.
• Seek legal help as soon as possible — An experienced attorney from Gartlan Injury Law can help you understand your legal options, gather evidence, and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf to pursue maximum compensation for you.

What Types of Damages Are Available in a Dothan Drunk Driving Accident Claim?

Drunk driving crashes and drunk driving deaths can leave victims and families with significant financial losses and emotional hardships. Alabama law addresses the harm a drunk driver can cause by allowing injured individuals to seek compensation for their economic and non-economic losses. Examples of recoverable damages include:

• Medical expenses, including future treatment costs
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Property damage, such as vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Transportation costs for medical appointments
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship or consortium for spouses or family members.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Drunk Driving Accident Claims in Alabama?

In Alabama, you must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the injury date, or you risk forgoing your right to pursue compensation in court for your car accident injuries. Even though two years after you are injured in a motor vehicle crash may seem like plenty of time, this deadline makes it essential to act quickly after a drunk driving accident. You must move fast to preserve evidence of drunk driving. Also, witnesses may forget critical details within days or weeks of the car accident.

Contacting a Dothan car accident lawyer will protect your claim. It makes meeting key legal deadlines easier and gives your attorney time to build a strong case on your behalf. So, don’t wait — reach out to a qualified lawyer as soon as possible.

Contact a Dothan Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today

Drunk driving crashes can be profoundly traumatizing. If a drunk driver has injured you, you deserve the support of a Dothan car accident attorney who will understand your needs and put you first. At Gartlan Injury Law, we are committed to holding drunk drivers accountable and to helping victims seek maximum compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harm they have suffered due to someone else’s negligence, including medical costs. Contact us today to share your story, receive a free case evaluation, and learn more about how an experienced and dedicated car accident lawyer at Gartlan Injury Law can help you.

Visit Our Dothan Drunk Driving Accident Law Offices