Protect Your Legal Rights Following a Drugged Driving Accident in Huntsville, Alabama
Are you or a loved one dealing with the aftermath of a drugged driving accident in Alabama? Look no further than Petro Accident and Injury Attorneys. Our drugged driving accidents attorney in Huntsville AL is well-versed in handling drugged driving accident cases, and we are committed to fighting for your rights and obtaining the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been involved in a drugged driving accident in Alabama, don’t wait another moment to seek legal representation. Contact Petro Accident and Injury Attorneys today. Let our skilled Huntsville drugged driving accident attorney to evaluate your case, answer your questions, and chart a path forward.
Our personal injury attorney has a proven track record of success and a compassionate approach, we are ready to stand by your side, advocate for your rights, and help you navigate the legal complexities of your drugged driving accident case. Don’t face this challenge alone.
Trust in Petro Accident and Injury Attorneys to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us now and take the first step towards reclaiming your life.
What Constitutes Driving Under the Influence (DUI)?
According to the laws of Alabama, DUI is when someone is in control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any other substance to the extent that they cannot drive safely. This includes both illegal drugs and any other substance that affects their ability to think or move properly.
It’s important to note that the substance doesn’t have to be illegal; it can even be something as common as over-the-counter sleeping pills.
What Are the Most Common Types of Drugged Driving Accidents?
When a person drives while influenced by drugs, it can lead to dangerous actions, a lack of awareness of their surroundings, and difficulties in controlling their vehicle. Several typical types of accidents occur as a result of driving under the influence of drugs:
Head-On Accidents
Drivers who are under the influence of drugs frequently make the mistake of entering highways in the wrong direction or driving in the opposite direction on one-way streets. This can result in extremely dangerous head-on collisions.
Sideswipe Collisions
When drivers under the influence of drugs suddenly move or drift into neighboring traffic lanes, they can unintentionally collide with other vehicles, resulting in significant accidents. This is particularly risky when they are driving at high speeds, as the impact can be severe and cause serious harm.
Rear-End Accidents
When a driver is intoxicated, they may lose focus and end up colliding with the vehicle in front of them. In addition, some drugged drivers engage in risky driving behaviors like speeding and tailgating, which can result in severe injuries and even loss of life.
Rollover Crashes
When a driver who is intoxicated takes control of the steering wheel, it becomes easy for them to lose control while making turns, swerve excessively, or collide with curbs and other obstacles. These actions can lead to rollover accidents, which can involve multiple vehicles, drivers, and even pedestrians, resulting in significant collisions and potential injuries.
What Are the Common Injuries Sustained in Drugged Driving Accidents?
Collisions caused by drivers under the influence of drugs can lead to severe and permanent injuries, which often require expensive hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and continuous care.
That’s why it’s crucial to consult with our knowledgeable Alabama drugged driving accidents attorney to ensure that you receive the highest possible compensation for your medical expenses, lost earnings, and other damages. Victims of drugged driving accidents may experience the following consequences:
Injuries to the Back, Neck, and Spine
Suffering from whiplash, herniated discs, or fractured vertebrae can be extremely painful and may necessitate long-term treatment. In more severe cases, spinal cord injuries can even result in partial or complete paralysis and, in some tragic instances, even lead to death.
Injuries to the Head and Brain
Suffering from a concussion, skull fractures, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), or other head injuries can pose life-threatening risks. These injuries can result in a coma, loss of cognitive and motor function, psychological challenges, and various other serious problems.
Fractured Bones
It is not uncommon for individuals involved in accidents with drugged drivers to experience severe fractures and crushed bones. These injuries can be quite serious and have a significant impact on one’s physical well-being.
Injuries to the Soft Tissues
When muscles, ligaments, and tendons are torn, sprained, or strained, they often require surgical intervention and extensive physical therapy for proper healing. These injuries can be quite demanding and may require a comprehensive treatment approach to restore function and alleviate pain.
Internal Injuries
Drugged driving accidents have the potential to cause uncontrolled internal bleeding and inflict significant damage on crucial organs like the kidneys, liver, lungs, and spleen. These injuries can be severe and pose a serious threat to one’s overall health and well-being.
Cuts and Burns
Lacerations and burns that occur in drugged driving accidents have the potential to result in permanent scarring and disfigurement. These injuries can leave lasting marks on the body, impacting one’s appearance and self-image.
Psychological Problems
Being involved in a drugged driving accident can lead to the development of psychological issues such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. These emotional challenges can harm your overall well-being and significantly impact your quality of life.
Wrongful Death
Experiencing the loss of a loved one due to the negligence of an impaired driver is a profoundly devastating experience. Our Huntsville drugged driving accidents attorney is dedicated to advocating for justice on behalf of your loved one and seeking compensation for the losses you have suffered.
What to Do Following a Drugged Driving Accident in Alabama?
Following a drugged driving accident in Alabama, it’s important to take certain steps to protect your well-being and strengthen your potential legal case. Here’s what you should do:
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Seek Medical Attention
Your health and safety should be your top priority. Call for emergency medical assistance if necessary or visit a healthcare professional promptly, even if you don’t have immediate symptoms. Some injuries may not manifest immediately, and a medical evaluation can ensure your well-being and provide documentation of your injuries.
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Contact Law Enforcement
Report the accident to the police. They will document the incident and create an official report, which can be valuable evidence for your case.
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Gather Information
Collect as much information as possible at the accident scene. Obtain the other driver’s contact details, insurance information, and license plate number. If there are any witnesses, try to get their names and contact information as well.
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Document the Scene
Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including damage to the vehicles involved, skid marks, and any other relevant details. This visual evidence can be crucial in supporting your claim later.
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Don’t Admit Fault
Avoid discussing the accident or accepting blame, even if you believe you may have contributed to the incident. Admissions of fault can negatively impact your legal case. Leave the determination of liability to professionals.
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Consult With an Attorney
Reach out to our reputable drugged driving accidents attorney in Huntsville AL. We can assess your situation, provide legal advice, and guide you through the legal process.
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Preserve Evidence
Keep copies of all documents related to the accident, such as medical records, police reports, and correspondence with insurance companies. These records will support your claim and help build a strong case.
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Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate information about the incident, but avoid discussing the details of fault or liability until you’ve consulted with a personal injury attorney.
Remember, each case is unique, so it’s crucial to seek personalized legal advice based on your specific circumstances. Our accomplished personal injury attorney will provide tailored guidance and fight for your rights, helping you navigate the complexities of a drugged driving accident case in Alabama.
What Constitutes Negligence?
Most accidents occur as a result of someone being inattentive or not taking proper care. When a person’s level of carelessness falls below what is legally expected, their behavior is labeled as “negligent,” and they become responsible for any injuries that arise from their negligence.
What is Alabama’s Contributory Negligence Rule?
In Alabama, a pure contributory negligence statute is in place, which has significant implications for personal injury cases. Under this rule, if a plaintiff is found to be even 1 percent responsible for causing their accident, they are completely barred from recovering any damages.
This strict standard of contributory negligence in Alabama is considered harsh, and it sets Alabama apart as one of only four states to adopt such a rule. It is crucial to understand the implications of this statute when pursuing a personal injury claim in Alabama, as it places a high burden on plaintiffs to demonstrate that they bear no fault in the accident to seek compensation.
What Are the Recoverable Damages for a Drugged Driving Accident Injury Claim?
In a drugged driving accident injury claim in Alabama, various types of damages may be recoverable, depending on the specific circumstances of your case. Recoverable damages can generally be categorized into two main types: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Medical Expenses
You may be entitled to compensation for current and future medical expenses related to your injuries. This can include hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and any necessary medical equipment or modifications.
Lost Wages
If your injuries have caused you to miss work or have reduced your earning capacity, you may be able to recover the wages you have lost. This can include both past and future income.
Property Damage
If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you can seek compensation for the cost of repairs or replacement.
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and Suffering
Compensation may be awarded for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and resulting injuries.
Disability or Disfigurement
If the accident has left you permanently disabled or disfigured, you may be entitled to compensation for its impact on your quality of life and self-esteem.
Loss of Consortium
If your injuries have negatively affected your relationship with your spouse or partner, they may be able to seek damages for the loss of companionship, intimacy, and support.
Punitive Damages
In addition, you may consider pursuing punitive damages from the drugged driver. According to Alabama Code Section 6-11-20, punitive damages can be sought in a personal injury case if the defendant’s actions were deemed wanton or malicious. This implies that the driver either intentionally caused harm or displayed a reckless disregard for your safety.
To successfully claim punitive damages, you will need to provide clear and convincing evidence of such wanton or malicious behavior.
What is Alabama’s Statute of Limitations for Drugged Driving Accident Injury Claims?
According to the statute of limitations in Alabama, outlined in the Code of Alabama Section 6-2-38, there is a specific time limit for filing a civil lawsuit seeking damages for any personal injury. The deadline established is two years from the date of the injury.
This means that in Alabama, you have a two-year window from the date of the incident to file a drugged accident injury lawsuit based on the legal grounds of negligence or intentional tort, such as cases involving assault. It is important to note that the countdown begins from the actual date of the incident.
Why Do I Need a Drugged Driving Accident Attorney in Alabama?
Having our skilled drugged driving accident attorney in Alabama is essential for several reasons:
Legal Know-How
Our skilled drugged driving accidents attorney in Huntsville AL understands the intricacies of Alabama’s laws, regulations, and legal procedures. We have in-depth knowledge of the specific issues and challenges associated with these types of cases.
This knowledge allows us to provide you with accurate advice, protect your rights, and navigate the complex legal system on your behalf.
Case Evaluation
Our personal injury attorney will evaluate the details of your case, including the evidence, witnesses, and applicable laws, to determine the strength of your claim. We can provide an objective assessment of your chances of success and the potential value of your case. This evaluation will help you make informed decisions about how to proceed.
Building a Strong Case
Our legal team will gather all relevant evidence, including police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions, to build a solid case on your behalf. We know how to present the evidence effectively and construct persuasive arguments to prove the negligence of the drugged driver.
Handling Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as their primary goal is often to minimize payouts and protect their interests. Our Huntsville drugged driving accidents attorney will communicate and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and maximizing your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Expert Network
We have access to a network of experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and economists, who can provide valuable insights and testimony to support your case. These experts can help establish liability, prove the extent of your injuries, and calculate the full value of your damages.
Legal Strategy and Representation
We will develop a strategic plan tailored to your case. We will represent your interests during negotiations, settlement discussions, or, if necessary, in court. Our goal is to secure the best possible outcome for you, whether through a settlement or a favorable trial verdict.
Peace of Mind
Dealing with the aftermath of a drugged driving accident can be overwhelming, especially when you are also trying to recover from injuries. By hiring our law firm, you can focus on your physical and emotional well-being while knowing that your legal matters are in capable hands.
Our qualified Alabama drugged driving accidents attorney will guide you through the entire process, providing support, guidance, and advocacy.
Contact Our Experienced Huntsville Drugged Driving Accidents Attorney Today
When it comes to drugged driving accident issues in Alabama, Petro Accident and Injury Attorneys stands out as a trusted and experienced legal ally. Our accomplished drugged driving accidents attorney in Huntsville AL possesses a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding these cases.
We are committed to fighting for justice and securing the compensation our clients deserve. With our extensive knowledge of Alabama laws, our network of experts, and our proven track record of success, we are well-equipped to handle even the most challenging drugged driving accident claims. With our legal team by your side, you can rest assured that your best interests are protected, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Call us now and discover why so many clients have trusted us to guide them through the legal complexities of drugged driving accident issues in Alabama. Our skilled legal team can also assist you with Car Accidents, Truck Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Boating Accidents, and Bus Accidents.
Let us put our skills and resources to work for you, building a strong case, negotiating with insurance companies, and tirelessly advocating for your rights.
