When a person makes the decision to drive when they are intoxicated, they are putting others at risk. Drunk driving is a leading contributor to auto accident fatalities. If you have lost a loved one or sustained a serious injury due to a drunk driving car accident in Montgomery, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim.
Our drunk driving accident lawyer understands the issues you are facing right now. Whether you were hit on I-85 or in the Walmart Supercenter on Ann Street, you have a right to seek damages from the drunk driver who hit you.
Call the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown today and speak with a member of our legal team. Learn more about your legal options and how our car accident lawyer can help you collect compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and possibly more.
Drunk Driving Is a Very Serious Issue
Since the 1980s, our country has been fighting to cut down on the tragic loss of life in drunk driving accidents, and yet decades later, we are still dealing with this irresponsible behavior. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 13,524 alcohol-related crash fatalities in 2022. That is about 37 deaths a day.
When a person is under the influence of alcohol, their reaction time is impaired. They may have difficulty focusing, and their motor functions are less accurate. Under Alabama law, a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher is considered driving under the influence (DUI). However, if you are involved in an auto accident, if the responsible driver had any amount of alcohol in their system, it may be considered negligence even if the driver was below the legal limit.
DUI Wrongful Death Accidents
If vehicular manslaughter is caused by a drunk driver in Montgomery, it is common for a wrongful death lawsuit to be filed. The driver can face criminal charges and a civil personal injury lawsuit for negligently causing another person’s death. Although not intentional, vehicular manslaughter accidents are considered more serious when the driver was impaired by alcohol. It is a preventable tragedy that can impact everyone who loved the victim, especially their immediate family.
Additionally, a wrongful death lawsuit can only be pursued by a personal representative of the deceased’s estate. The representative will either be stated in the deceased’s will or appointed by the courts. Also unique to wrongful death cases in Alabama is the type of damages awarded in these cases. Alabama only awards punitive damages, not compensatory damages. These awards are meant to punish the defendant for their actions and warn others against similar behavior. There is no limit, or cap, on the punitive damages a family may receive.