DUI Auto Accident Lawyers in Dothan AL Fight for Full Compensation

Reputable Alabama attorneys build a strong case for your recovery

Despite decades of campaigns to raise public awareness, driving under the influence continues to be a significant problem in Alabama and across the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 10,511 people died in alcohol-related traffic accidents in 2018. In that same year, more than 1 million drivers were arrested for DUI/DWI involving alcohol or drugs, according to FBI estimates. Even in small towns like Dothan, innocent drivers, passengers and pedestrians are victimized by drunk drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured, a DUI accidents lawyer at Carey & Hamner, P.C. is ready to help. For nearly two decades, our seasoned legal team has assisted victims of DUI-related accidents in Dothan and throughout Alabama. We are prepared to fight for the maximum compensation possible under the facts of your case.

Alabama law concerning DUI and DWI

Alabama law uses the term driving under the influence (DUI), rather than driving while intoxicated (DWI). A driver is guilty of DUI if a test shows a blood alcohol content of the following levels:

  • Standard driver — BAC of 0.08 percent or higher
  • Commercial driver — BAC of 0.04 percent or higher
  • Driver under age 21 — BAC of 0.02 percent or higher

A conviction for a DUI carries the following penalties:

  • First offense — Up to one year in jail and a fine of $600 to $2,100.
  • Second offense within 10 years — Five days to one year in jail, or a minimum of 30 days community service, and a fine of $1,100 to $5,100.
  • Third offense within 10 years — Jail time of 60 days to one year and a fine of $2,100 to $10,100.
  • Fourth offense or subsequent within 10 years — State prison time of one year and one day to 10 years and a fine of $4,100 to $10,100.

Criminal charges are enhanced when a DUI causes an accident, especially if that accident results in serious injury or death to another person. If the driver who injured you is convicted criminally of DUI, it helps establish civil liability for your injuries.

Insurance issues in DUI cases

It’s not unusual to find out that a DUI driver was uninsured at the time of the accident. Alabama requires drivers to have liability insurance, but if a driver has been convicted of DUI, the insurer may deny future coverage. Drivers who have their licenses suspended for DUI must present proof of insurance or evidence of sufficient financial assets to cover a serious accident. Unfortunately, not every driver complies. When you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you need an experienced injury lawyer who can advise you of your options.

Most auto policies in Alabama contain provisions for uninsured or underinsured motorist benefits. This may allow you to recover even if the other driver did not have insurance or did not have enough coverage. We have seen several instances where injured parties reported claims to their insurers and were not told this was an option. At Carey & Hamner, P. C., we will investigate to find out any available coverages you may be entitled to.

Alabama dram shop and social host laws

Alabama law allows you to sue other parties for DUI-related injuries under certain circumstances. An owner of a restaurant or tavern can be liable for a DUI accident if an employee served a visibly intoxicated person who later caused an accident. This liability does not extend to social hosts, who do not sell alcohol. However, if the DUI driver was under age 21, and the social host served alcohol in violation of state law, liability could attach. Our Dothan auto accident law firm is prepared to pursue all avenues to your recovery of fair compensation.

Contact a respected personal injury attorney in Dothan for your DUI accident

The legal team at Carey & Hamner, P.C. in Dothan represents people injured DUI auto accidents throughout Alabama. Our office is conveniently located at 102 South Orange Avenue in Dothan, just off of West Main Street. Call 855-435-4797 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.