Injured by a drunk or impaired driver in Alabama?

A crash involving an impaired driver can involve both a criminal case and a separate civil injury claim. The criminal case focuses on whether the driver violated Alabama law and what penalties may apply. A civil claim focuses on how the crash affected the injured person financially, physically, and emotionally.

These are two separate processes, and they often move at different speeds. Even if criminal charges are reduced, delayed, or dismissed, an injured person may still have the right to pursue compensation through a civil injury claim.

Because DUI-related crashes often involve serious injuries, significant medical expenses, and complex insurance issues, these cases may require additional investigation, evidence gathering, and coordination between multiple parties.

Possibly. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil injury claim in Alabama.

Civil cases and criminal cases use different legal standards and different burdens of proof. Even if a criminal case does not result in a conviction, evidence such as police reports, witness statements, toxicology results, dash camera footage, surveillance video, or observations from responding officers may still be important in evaluating a potential injury claim.

Every situation is different, which is why it can be helpful to have the circumstances reviewed carefully from both a legal and practical perspective.

Depending on the circumstances, compensation in an Alabama DUI accident case may include:

• Medical expenses and future medical treatment

• Lost wages and reduced earning ability

• Physical pain and emotional suffering

• Rehabilitation or long-term care needs

• Property damage

• Permanent injury or disability

• Loss of quality of life

In some cases, additional damages related to the impaired driver’s conduct may also be considered. What may ultimately be available depends on the facts of the case, the available insurance coverage, and the extent of the injuries involved.

Not necessarily. In many situations, the civil injury process can begin before the criminal case is resolved.

There may be important evidence that needs to be preserved early, including crash reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, black box data, toxicology information, or documentation related to injuries and treatment. Waiting too long can sometimes make gathering that information more difficult.

At the same time, strategic timing considerations can vary depending on the facts of the case. Reviewing the situation early can help provide a clearer understanding of what steps may make sense moving forward.

This can happen more often than many people realize. If the at-fault driver does not carry enough insurance coverage, there may still be other options available depending on the situation.

In some cases, uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage through your own auto policy may apply. Other potentially applicable policies or sources of recovery may also need to be reviewed.

Because insurance coverage issues can become complicated quickly, it is often important to review all available policies carefully before making decisions about settlement or coverage limits.

After a DUI-related crash, your first priority should always be safety and medical attention.

If possible:

• Call 911 and request law enforcement

• Seek medical care as soon as possible, even if injuries seem minor initially

• Take photographs of the vehicles, scene, injuries, and road conditions

• Gather contact information for witnesses

• Avoid discussing fault at the scene

• Keep records of medical treatment, missed work, and expenses related to the crash

In the days that follow, continuing recommended treatment and documenting how the injuries affect daily life can also become important parts of an injury claim.

Under Alabama law, injury claims are generally subject to legal deadlines known as statutes of limitations. In many situations, the time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit may be around two years from the date of the accident, though exceptions and shorter deadlines can sometimes apply depending on the circumstances.

Wrongful death claims, claims involving government entities, and cases involving minors can involve different timing considerations.

Because important evidence can disappear over time, reviewing your options sooner rather than later can help preserve information and provide a clearer understanding of your potential next steps.

Under the direction of Alabama attorney William “Trey” Traylor, Meeks Impact Law helps injured individuals and families pursue the compensation they may be entitled to after a serious accident or loss throughout Birmingham and across Alabama.

We offer free and confidential case evaluations daily, and because we work on a contingency fee basis, you do not pay us anything out of pocket for attorney’s fees unless a recovery is made in your case. Our interests are aligned with yours. We only succeed when our clients do.

With more than 44 years of legal experience and a long history of serving clients throughout Alabama and Georgia, Trey has helped secure significant results in complex injury and wrongful death matters, including multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements. Our team supports that experience with compassionate service, clear communication, and modern technology designed to help clients feel informed, supported, and connected throughout the legal process.

Clients often tell us they appreciated having a team that kept them updated, answered their questions, and treated them with genuine care during a difficult time. You can learn more through our case results and client stories or check out our 64+ 5 Star Google Reviews listed below.

Every case is different, and all results depend on the unique facts and circumstances involved. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. What remains consistent is how seriously we take the responsibility of helping the people who trust us with their case. To us, no one is just another file or case number. We understand how much is at stake, and we are committed to treating every client and family with the attention, respect, and care they deserve.