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Accidents Caused By Drunk Drivers
As with all states, drunk driving is against the law in Alabama, but that doesn’t mean intoxicated drivers don’t get behind the wheel everyday. These accidents can cause serious and often catastrophic injuries. If you’re involved in an accident and suspect the other driver was drinking before or even while driving, you should immediately contact 911. Then, contact Patrick Marshall Law, LLC to protect your legal claims and get you the compensation you deserve.
Finding Fault for Accidents Caused by Drunk Driving in Alabama
Drunk driver accidents are the result of the impaired driver’s negligence. To show another party was negligent, a victim must prove:
- The other driver owed you a duty of care to obey all traffic laws and drive reasonably safely, which includes driving sober
- The other driver breached that duty of care by driving while intoxicated
- The breach was the cause of the car accident
- The injuries suffered by the victim were the result of that accident, and those injuries caused financial loss to you
Does Alabama Allow Punitive Damages to Be Awarded?
Under Alabama law, a particular type of damages called punitive damages may be awarded, which are damages designed to punish drunk drivers and discourage future similar behavior, especially when the driver has driven drunk before.
The imposition of punitive damages depends on whether the at-fault driver was purposely indifferent to the consequences of their actions. Courts have held that if a driver continues to drive under the influence even after injuring another person, this demonstrates that the driver was purposely indifferent to the consequences of the driver’s actions.
If You’ve Been The Victim Of A Drunk Driving Accident, Contract Patrick Marshall Law, LLC Today
DUIs and DWIs are perhaps the most tragic of all motor vehicle accidents because they often leave innocent victims with serious injuries or even cause death. Yet, the intoxicated driver often walks away unscathed.
Drunk driving accidents take an enormous physical, emotional, and financial toll on victims and their families. We understand how traumatic these accidents can be, and our goal is to make the legal process as smooth and seamless as possible. Patrick Marshall Law, LLC will handle the complex legal matters so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Be sure to contact us before you speak to any insurance company to prevent them from taking advantage of you during this troubled time.