Experienced Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Birmingham, AL
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around 37 people are killed in drunk driving accidents every day across America. That equals one person every 39 minutes. These incidents are often unpredictable, leaving victims and their families reeling from the impact. Whether you're traveling down Highway 280 or navigating downtown Birmingham, the risk of being struck by a reckless driver is ever-present. If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, our drunk driving accident lawyers in Birmingham are here to help your family recover the compensation you deserve.
Hit By A Drunk Driver? Know Your Rights
Being a victim of a drunk driving accident can leave you with severe injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. Under Alabama law, you have specific rights as an accident victim. These include the right to seek compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Knowing these rights is the first step in taking control of your situation and ensuring your well-being.
Jefferson County Alabama Impaired Driving Accidents 2024-2022
Drunk driving remains a significant concern in Birmingham. According to the Alabama Safety dashboard, there have been over 400 auto accidents involving a drunk or impaired driver in Jefferson County between January 1 through November 1, 2024.
Statistics on Drunk Driving Accidents in Birmingham, Alabama
| Fatal Injury | 8 | 14 | 7 |
| Suspected Serious Injury | 29 | 36 | 27 |
| Suspected Minor Injury | 82 | 87 | 67 |
| Possible Injury | 48 | 56 | 49 |
| Property Damage Only | 399 | 328 | 251 |
| Unknown | 35 | 44 | 30 |
Source: https://safety.aladata.com/
*2024 Data covers January 1st - November 1st.
Common Injuries from Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents can lead to devastating consequences, often resulting in serious injuries for those involved. Victims of these accidents may experience a range of physical and emotional injuries that can have lasting impacts on their lives. Here are some of the most common injuries associated with drunk driving accidents:
Emotional Distress
Soft Tissue Injuries
Burns and Lacerations
Fractures and Broken Bones
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Internal Injuries
Long-Term Health Issues
Injuries to Children
Why You Need a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
The aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be confusing and stressful. Victims often face physical injuries, emotional distress, and mounting medical bills, all while trying to recover from the traumatic experience. Having a skilled drunk driving accident lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in your ability to secure fair compensation. An attorney understands the complexities of personal injury law, can advocate on your behalf, and will work diligently to hold the responsible party accountable. With their expertise, you can focus on healing while knowing that your legal rights are protected.
An attorney plays a crucial role in drunk driving accident cases. From the moment you engage their services, they will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records. They will also assess the full extent of your injuries and damages, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. Additionally, your lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, advocating for a settlement that accurately reflects your needs. If necessary, they will not hesitate to take your case to court, providing strong representation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Establishing negligence is a critical component of any drunk driving accident case. To prove negligence, your attorney must demonstrate that the driver acted irresponsibly by operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This involves showing that the driver had a duty to operate their vehicle safely, that they breached this duty by driving intoxicated, and that this breach directly caused your injuries.
Evidence such as blood alcohol content (BAC) tests, witness testimonies, and police reports will be vital in building your case. By effectively establishing negligence, your lawyer can help you secure the compensation needed for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In Alabama, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Loss of Consortium: If your injuries affect your relationship with your spouse or partner, they may be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship and support.
- Property Damage: You may be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the accident.
- Disability Compensation: If your injuries result in a permanent disability, you can claim compensation for the impact this has on your life, including adjustments needed for daily living.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious negligence, you might also pursue punitive damages to punish the at-fault driver.
Dealing with insurance claims and legal proceedings after a drunk driving accident can be incredibly challenging for the injured party. Insurance companies often prioritize their own bottom line, which can result in lowball settlement offers that don’t adequately reflect the full extent of your injuries and losses. As a plaintiff, you might find yourself facing pushback when trying to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Moreover, the process of filing a claim involves navigating complex paperwork and legal jargon that can be daunting, especially when you’re trying to recover from an accident. You may encounter delays in claim processing, requests for additional documentation, and disputes over liability, all of which can add to your stress.
Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident in Birmingham, AL
- Ensure Safety: First and foremost, check for injuries and call for medical help if needed.
- Report the Accident: Notify the police to document the incident.
- Collect Evidence: Gather as much information as possible, including photos of the scene, witness contacts, and the other driver’s information.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent, so it's crucial to get checked out.
- Consult a Lawyer: Contact a drunk driving accident lawyer to discuss your case and options, as timely legal advice can greatly impact your recovery process.
Our 3-Step Process
Connect With Us:
Call our office at (877) 715-9300 or use our online form to arrange a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our Birmingham legal team.
We Assess Your Case
In our initial review, our experienced Birmingham team will analyze the details of your case and map out potential strategies. If you've experienced an injury due to negligence, we’ll assign one of our expert personal injury attorneys to handle your case.
We Defend Your Rights
As one of the Southeast’s top personal injury firms, Wettermark Keith is fully committed to advocating for your rightful compensation and recovery. If an injury has disrupted your life, let our dedicated Birmingham attorneys seek justice on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
The legal BAC limit is 0.08% for most drivers, but lower limits apply for commercial drivers and those under 21.
Yes, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher in Alabama.
You have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Knowing your rights empowers you to take appropriate action.
Evidence such as police reports, eyewitness testimony, and medical documentation can help establish the other driver's negligence. Your Birmingham attorney will work with you to collect what you need to prove your case. Gathering this evidence early can strengthen your case significantly.
At Wettermark Keith, our personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay us if we successfully secure compensation for your case. If we are unable to obtain a settlement or award on your behalf, you won’t owe us anything.
Yes, Alabama has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, so it’s essential to act quickly. Understanding this deadline is critical to preserving your legal rights.
Parents have the right to file a personal injury claim on behalf of their child if they were injured in a car accident. It’s essential to seek medical attention for your child right away, even if their injuries appear minor. Documenting their injuries and any medical treatment is crucial for your legal case. You may pursue compensation for your child's medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident. Consulting with a qualified personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options and navigate the claims process effectively.
No Recovery, No Fee - Guarantee!
We believe that everyone in Birmingham deserves access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why our personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and only owe legal fees if we successfully secure compensation for you. This structure relieves the financial burden and risk commonly associated with pursuing legal action, allowing you to focus on recovery without added stress. Our commitment is to make justice accessible, providing you with dedicated advocacy and peace of mind, free from financial barriers.
How Our Birmingham Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Can Help You
Our Birmingham drunk driving accident lawyers are dedicated to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. With extensive experience in handling these complex cases, we understand the nuances of drunk driving laws and insurance claims. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your car accident, gathering evidence to build a strong case on your behalf. From negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way.
Wettermark Keith, with offices located throughout Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida, has an excellent reputation as one of the most accomplished personal injury firms in the country. Wettermark Keith’s reach is not only regional, but it also includes a diverse range of practice areas, including personal injury cases, car wrecks, trucking wrecks, nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, on-the-job injuries, social security disability, and veterans’ disability claims, to name just a few. At Wettermark Keith, we believe in taking cases personally. Our purpose is to practice with care and compassion - to tell our client’s stories and make their voices heard. We do this by building strong relationships based on constant communication and an unwavering dedication to truth and trust. Winning cases isn’t our goal - caring for you is. Winning is just how we show it. As we say, It’s more to us, it’s personal.
Wettermark Keith was extremely professional and helpful. This personal injury law firm helped my husband over 10 years ago when he fell and broke his foot on vacation. I called them first because I liked their TV commercials. They are very nice people and I would call them again if I needed a lawyer.
- Juanita
Law firm Wettermark Keith has exceeded my expectations! I recommend these lawyers to anyone and everyone I come across. Their commitment to their clients is outstanding. Communication is easy. And I got my settlement very fast. I definitely recommend working with Lee Hawker. He is very gracious and kind. He looked out for me and my family and went above and beyond for us. I’m very grateful!
- Alexa
My personal embattlement with the Social Security Administration went downhill. From a personal recommendation, I reached out to Wettermark Keith law firm. Brian Smith and his team took my case and throughout the whole process, I felt more than just another number. Frequent updates were provided, and emphasis was placed on ensuring all needed documentation was in place. In the end, the accident case resulted in a favorable victory. A big thank you to my lawyer Brian Smith and the team at Wettermark Keith for the hard work throughout the entire personal injury process.
- Dallas
I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Mark English at Wettermark Keith law firm after my car accident in December 2021. He was very thorough in everything, did a wonderful job of explaining everything that was happening, and was super easy to get in touch with when I needed him. I never had a question that was left unanswered by this lawyer. He's very kind and patient, and he made the personal injury claims process so easy for me. I absolutely recommend him, it was a pleasure working with him!
- Rose
I am so elated that I utilized Mr. Muhammad Abdullah’s services. In the beginning, he told me the compensation that I would receive for my personal injury claim and I actually received more than that! After my car wreck (in my brand-new vehicle), I was actually surprised that I was in the pain that I was in. Mr. Abdullah made sure I saw the necessary people for therapy and worked hard to get me back into my car after the accident. I felt that he was diligent, listened to my concerns, and quickly got me back in my car and compensated! I will be utilizing Mr. Abdullah again and again, anytime I ever have to hire a lawyer.
- Madinah
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