When you’re hit by a drunk driver, emotions can run high. While you may feel grateful to walk away with your life, there are medical bills and traumatic memories to deal with in the aftermath.
If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, here’s what do to to get the legal relief you deserve.
Alabama lawsuits against drunk drivers
As an individual who was hit by a drunk driver, you can file a civil lawsuit against the driver. This is separate from any criminal charges they may be facing due to their actions.
In a civil lawsuit, you can sue the driver for lost wages, lost or damaged property and medical expenses. In Alabama, you can also sue the party for emotional damages, better known as “pain and suffering.”
Alabama is not a no-fault state, which is good for victims of auto accidents. This means that you can sue the drunk driver over any level of injuries you sustained, rather than needing to meet a minimum threshold of injuries.
What to do if you are hit by a drunk driver
If you are hit by a drunk driver, call the police (if you’re physically able to do so). While you wait for the police to arrive, take pictures of the crash and write down any impressions you have. Get the information of the person who hit you so you can file an insurance claim. Speak with the police to report the accident and it’s always important to seek medical attention.
If the crash was so severe that you were rushed to the hospital, you can obtain a copy of the police report later. After the accident, your first thoughts should be for your welfare, so take the time you need to heal.
While the Alabama statute of limitations for auto accident injuries is two years, it’s good to file the suit as soon as you have recovered your stamina. This way, you can move on from the incident. A lawyer will speak with you about the accident, gather any witnesses who can corroborate your story, and put together a compelling case against the drunk driver.
Start looking for an Alabama personal injury attorney who has a proven track record of obtaining favorable results for auto accident victims. You can talk with the attorney about your situation, find out how they would proceed, and only hire someone with whom you feel comfortable.