The holidays bring parties, travel and crowded Alabama roads. Unfortunately, they also bring more impaired drivers. If one of them hurt you or someone you love, you may be facing medical bills, missed work and plenty of questions.
What should you do right after the crash?
Your health comes first. You may want to call 911 so police and medical teams can respond. Some injuries take hours or days to show up, so a checkup could be worthwhile if you feel fine.
When you are able, you may want to collect a few important items:
- Photographing the vehicles, road conditions and your injuries
- Recording the driver’s and witnesses’ names and contact details
- Obtaining the police report number and the responding officer’s name
- Keeping records of all medical appointments and expenses
These details can help show what happened and how the crash affected you.
Who may be responsible for your injuries?
The driver is usually the first person who comes to mind. In some cases, though, others may share responsibility. A bar, restaurant or store may face liability if it served alcohol to someone it knew or should have known was intoxicated.
Under Alabama law, revised in 2023, a bar, restaurant or store may face liability only if it knowingly serves alcohol to an underage person or to someone who is visibly intoxicated at the time of service and that service directly causes the injury. An attorney may be able to explain how the current version applies to your situation.
What losses may you recover?
A civil claim is separate from any criminal charges the driver may face. Through a civil claim, you may be able to seek payment for several types of losses. These may include:
- Paying current and future medical bills
- Recovering lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Seeking compensation for physical discomfort and emotional distress
- Covering vehicle repair or replacement costs
Punitive damages may also be available in some drunk driving cases. Courts sometimes use them to punish especially reckless behavior. Every case differs, so no one can promise a particular outcome.
What deadlines and insurance calls should you expect?
In most cases, Alabama law requires plaintiffs to file injury-related legal claims within two years from the date of injury. Some situations may follow different timelines and waiting too long could cost you the chance to seek compensation.
Insurance adjusters may also call you soon after the crash. They might ask for a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement. You may feel more comfortable speaking with an attorney before you agree to anything, since early offers sometimes fall short of covering your future costs.
Take the next step toward recovery
A crash during the holidays can leave you hurting in more ways than one. Still, you do not have to sort through it alone. Talking with a local Alabama personal injury attorney may help you learn your rights and weigh your options.