Hurt by a drunk driver — we hold them accountable.

Drunk-driving accident lawyers in Huntsville, AL

When a drunk driver causes an accident in Huntsville, Alabama, the consequences can be devastating. Victims face serious injuries, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma while the intoxicated driver may face criminal charges. At Johnston, Moore & Weston, our personal-injury attorneys understand the complex legal challenges that arise from drunk-driving accidents and work to help victims recover the compensation they deserve.

Located in the heart of Madison County, our Huntsville law firm has served accident victims throughout North Alabama for years. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk-driving accident, call 256-533-5770 for a free consultation with our legal team.

Understanding drunk-driving accidents

Drunk-driving accidents occur when a driver operates a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impairing their ability to drive safely. In Alabama, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Drivers can still be charged with DUI even at lower BAC levels if their driving is impaired.

Alcohol impairs several critical driving functions:

• Reduced reaction time — drivers cannot respond quickly to changing traffic conditions
• Poor judgment — intoxicated drivers make dangerous decisions behind the wheel
• Impaired vision — alcohol affects depth perception and peripheral vision
• Loss of coordination — the motor skills needed for safe vehicle operation are compromised
• Drowsiness — alcohol can cause drivers to fall asleep at the wheel

These impairments frequently lead to serious accidents on Huntsville roads, including University Drive, Memorial Parkway, and Research Park Boulevard.

How our attorneys help drunk-driving accident victims

When you are injured by a drunk driver, skilled legal representation is crucial for protecting your rights and your recovery. Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to build strong cases, which includes:

• Reviewing police reports and accident-scene evidence
• Obtaining the drunk driver’s BAC test results
• Interviewing witnesses who saw the accident
• Working with accident-reconstruction specialists
• Gathering surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras

Alabama follows a contributory-negligence rule, which means even slight fault on your part could bar recovery. We work diligently to establish that the drunk driver was entirely at fault while documenting the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Types of injuries in drunk-driving accidents

Drunk-driving accidents often result in severe injuries due to the high speeds and reckless behavior involved. Common injuries our clients suffer include:

• Traumatic brain injuries — head trauma can cause lasting cognitive impairment, memory problems, and personality changes, often requiring extensive rehabilitation and long-term care.
• Spinal-cord injuries — damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, dramatically affecting quality of life and requiring lifelong medical care.
• Broken bones and fractures — the force of a collision frequently causes multiple fractures, particularly to the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Complex fractures may require multiple surgeries.
• Internal injuries — blunt-force trauma can damage internal organs, causing internal bleeding and other life-threatening complications requiring immediate medical intervention.

Alabama laws regarding drunk driving

Alabama takes drunk driving seriously, with strict penalties for offenders. Understanding these laws helps accident victims pursue both civil and criminal remedies. Beyond criminal penalties, drunk drivers face civil liability for the damages they cause — Alabama law allows accident victims to recover compensation through personal-injury lawsuits, even while criminal proceedings are ongoing.

Criminal penalties for DUI in Alabama:

• First offense — up to one year in jail, fines up to $2,100, license suspension for 90 days
• Second offense — up to one year in jail, fines up to $5,100, license revocation for one year
• Third offense — up to one year in jail, fines up to $10,100, license revocation for three years

Compensation available to victims

Victims of drunk-driving accidents in Huntsville may be entitled to several forms of compensation:

• Economic damages — medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and property damage.
• Non-economic damages — pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability.
• Punitive damages — Alabama allows punitive damages in drunk-driving cases to punish the intoxicated driver’s reckless behavior and deter similar conduct, which can significantly increase the total compensation awarded.

Why choose Johnston, Moore & Weston

Based on Holmes Avenue in Huntsville, our attorneys have deep knowledge of Alabama traffic laws, local courts, and the Huntsville community. We have handled cases involving accidents throughout Madison County, including crashes near Redstone Arsenal, the University of Alabama in Huntsville campus, and Bridge Street Town Centre.

From the initial investigation through trial, our team provides comprehensive legal support — working with medical professionals, accident-reconstruction specialists, and economic-damages experts to build each case. We handle drunk-driving accident cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we secure compensation for your injuries. This arrangement lets accident victims access quality legal representation without upfront costs.

What to do after a drunk-driving accident

Common questions