If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident caused by a drunk driver, we are here to take care of everything you need to claim compensation so that you can focus on healing.
Our Vestavia Hills drunk driving accident lawyers will evaluate your financial damages and negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. With us, you pay no up-front legal fees until we obtain a favorable outcome for your case. Plus, our initial consultation is free.
What to Do If a Drunk Driver Injures You in Alabama
If you are the victim of a drunk driver, you have the right to claim compensation for your injuries and other losses associated with the accident. However, your main priority after any auto accident is your health, so you should seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries, such as a concussion or internal bleeding, are not immediately apparent. Having your injuries properly diagnosed and documented can also be used later as evidence in your case.
Gather Information at the Scene
If it is safe and you can, there are a few more things to do at the accident scene. First, notify the local police if they are not already in attendance and make a record of the other driver’s name, address, insurance provider, and contact number. Take as much information from the scene as possible by taking photographs. Collect contact details from any witnesses and note the location of nearby CCTV cameras, if there are any.
Contact an Attorney
Finally, if you would like to know what your legal options are, it can be beneficial to contact an injury attorney for a free consultation. If we can help, our drunk driving accident attorneys will provide everything you need for your claim. This way, you do not have to worry about talking to insurers, proving liability, calculating your current and ongoing financial damages, or negotiating an appropriate settlement.
The Benefits of Working with Our Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys
If a drunk driver has injured you or a loved one, you may be unsure how to proceed with your claim. You will likely have questions about how the legal process works, what kind of compensation is available, and how it will affect your case if you hire a lawyer.
We work closely with you, managing your case with the attention and care required to ensure your claim is handled correctly from start to finish. Typically, we achieve this by:
- Explaining your rights and legal options.
- Managing case administration and communication with insurers.
- Helping you through the medical treatment process.
- Investigate to identify how the accident happened and who is responsible.
- Gathering, preserving, and organizing the evidence required to prove liability.
- Assessing the full extent of your current and anticipated financial damages.
- Negotiating for a fair settlement with the at-fault party or their insurers.
- Representing you in court when necessary.
With more than 40 years of experience representing clients involved in serious accidents, we have built a reputation for hard work that delivers results. We understand the complexities of the laws related to drunk driving accidents in Alabama, how to use the evidence we gather to prove liability, and how to lead negotiations with insurance companies.
Compensation Available for Victims of Drunk Drivers
Drunk drivers cause serious injuries to other road users, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Victims can be left with long-term injuries and health problems such as chronic pain or disabilities affecting their daily home and work life.
While no amount of money can make up for the harm you have suffered, the legal system can right some of the wrongs caused by drunk drivers. Compensation available for injured parties is determined on an individual basis. However, we typically seek the following types of damages on behalf of our clients:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills, treatment, and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Compensation for future wages if your injuries affect your ability to work
- Lost or damaged property
We understand your pain and frustration and work hard to protect your rights, help you navigate the legal system, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Do Not Settle for Anything Less than You Deserve
We all know insurance companies operate to make a profit. As such, it is in their interest to minimize their financial liability in claims brought against them. Examples of tactics insurance companies may use include:
- Offering an early settlement before the full extent of your injuries is known
- Delaying the claim process
- Unfairly denying a claim
- Disputing fault
Remember, you do not have to accept an offer. However, once you do, the matter will be closed, so there is no going back. Our drunk driving accident lawyers in Vestavia Hills will shield you from any unfair or unreasonable treatment from insurance companies and fight for an appropriate settlement. In addition, we will review any offers you receive and provide advice before you decide whether to accept or reject them.
Time Limits Apply in Drunk Driving Accident Cases
The Alabama statute of limitations for filing personal injury and wrongful death claims is two years. If you fail to file within this period, you may lose the right to make a claim. Our injury lawyers will ensure all paperwork is accurately completed and filed in time so that you can focus on your recovery without worrying about whether or not your claim meets legal requirements.
Worried About Claiming? Call Our Friendly Team for a Free Case Evaluation
The team at Cory Watson attorneys understands how tough it is to manage a claim when recovering from an injury. So we can take on that responsibility for you, providing personalized attention and care at every stage of the legal process. We put our skills, experience, and resources to work from the moment you hire us so that you can get your life back on track as soon as possible.
To learn more about your legal options, how we have helped others in similar situations, and how we can support you, contact us for a free consultation today.