Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is one of the most dangerous decisions a motorist can make. At a .08% BAC, impaired driving increases the risk of a crash by four times and puts everyone on the road in harm’s way.
In Alabama, the consequences of DUI are severe, ranging from fines and license suspension to jail time and civil liability. For both the offender and the victims, the repercussions can be life-altering.
As Huntsville car accident lawyers, we know all too well that DUI accidents often result in serious injury or death, causing pain for families and communities. If you’re hurt in a crash with a drunk driver, we can help you pursue compensation.
The Dangers of Impaired Driving
When a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, their ability to make sound decisions, react quickly, and operate a vehicle safely is diminished. Alcohol, even in small amounts, can slow reaction times, impair judgment, and reduce coordination. Drugs, including both illegal substances and certain prescription medications, can have similar or even more unpredictable effects.
Drivers over 21 in Alabama are considered legally intoxicated with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, the threshold drops to 0.02%.
However, impairment can begin well before reaching these limits, and even a BAC below 0.08% can make driving dangerous.
Increased Risk of a Crash
Impaired driving increases the likelihood of being involved in a car accident. Every day, approximately 37 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes. These accidents are more severe due to the lack of control impaired drivers have over their vehicles, leading to higher rates of high-speed collisions, failure to obey traffic signals, and poor judgment of road conditions.
When a driver is under the influence, they may:
- drift into other lanes, increasing the chance of a head-on collision
- fail to notice stop signs or red lights, leading to T-bone crashes
- have slower reaction times, making avoiding obstacles or other vehicles harder
The consequences of these accidents are devastating for all involved, particularly innocent motorists and their passengers, who may be injured or killed due to someone else’s poor decision to drive impaired.
Legal Consequences in Alabama
In Alabama, the penalties for driving under the influence are strict and can escalate quickly for repeat offenders. If a driver is caught with a BAC above the legal limit or is found to be under the influence of drugs, they can face a variety of consequences, including:
- Fines: Fines range from $600 to $2,100 for a first-time DUI offense. The amount increases for subsequent offenses, with a second offense carrying penalties of $1,100 to $5,100 and up to $10,100 for third and subsequent convictions.
- License Suspension: In Alabama, a first DUI conviction can result in a 90-day suspension of the offender’s driver’s license. For a second offense, the suspension can last up to one year.
- Jail Time: A first-time offender can be sentenced to jail for up to one year. For a second offense, mandatory jail time is at least 5 days or 30 days of community service, with harsher sentences, including a minimum of 60 days for a third conviction and at least one year and one day for a fourth or subsequent offense.
- Ignition Interlock Device: Offenders may be required to install an ignition interlock device, particularly if aggravating factors are present, such as a high BAC or causing injury.
Civil Liability for Impaired Drivers
In addition to the criminal consequences of impaired driving, offenders may also face civil liability. If a driver under the influence causes a car accident that injures or kills another person, they may be held financially responsible for damages. Victims of impaired driving accidents can pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Working with a qualified Huntsville car accident lawyer can help victims protect their rights and receive the compensation they deserve. In cases involving fatalities, families may pursue wrongful death claims to seek justice for their loved ones.
The Broader Impact on the Community
Impaired driving doesn’t just affect the individuals involved in the crash; it has a ripple effect throughout the community. Families of victims are left grieving and may face financial hardship due to medical bills or loss of income.
Emergency responders and healthcare workers are put under strain, and law enforcement must allocate resources to enforce DUI laws and respond to accidents. Impaired driving accidents can also increase insurance premiums for all drivers, as insurance companies account for the higher risk.
Preventing Impaired Driving
The best way to prevent impaired driving is to avoid getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs. Using a designated driver, calling a rideshare service, or staying where you are until you are sober can save lives.
Alabama law enforcement agencies frequently set up DUI checkpoints and increase patrols during holidays and other high-risk times to deter impaired driving and keep the roads safer.
Seek Justice After an Impaired Driving Accident
Impaired driving is a serious issue in Alabama, with dangerous consequences for everyone on the road. The legal penalties for DUI are harsh, but they pale in comparison to the lasting impact on the lives of victims and their families.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by an impaired driver, consult our experienced attorneys at Tyler Mann Injury Law. We understand Alabama’s drunk driving laws and can help maximize your compensation with strong evidence and expert testimony.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We can review your case, explain your rights, and help you take the next step forward.