Alabama DUI Accident Lawyer Fighting for Victims of Drunk and Impaired Drivers
I was involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle in September of 2023, which was deemed to be caused by the CDL driver almost immediately. The accident caused $13k of property damage to my car and came very close to totaling it due to the cost of repairs! Thankfully, no one was injured! The third-party company that handled the claim for the trucking and insurance company was very shady and unprofessional! I could go on all day about how stressful the situation was!
After several months, I spoke with the third party handling the claim about the possibility of a diminished value claim. I was advised I would need to purchase a damage estimate and submit it to them. I got the estimate; I attempted to submit the lost value claim to the third-party insurance representative with the trucking company, and I was advised I was owed nothing. It is well known that the value decreases when a car requires significant repairs after a collision, so I knew this was wrong! I knew I had to find an attorney.
I called at least four local attorneys in the Huntsville-Decatur area before I called Hunter's office. The first three said it basically wasn't worth their time, that with a 33% attorney fee, it was too small to take. I called a man in Birmingham who told me to call Garnett Patterson. Hunter without hesitation agreed to help me! He barely made anything taking this case; the monetary value was small. Hunter accepted my case because it was the right thing to do! I’ve also seen the things Hunter is doing for the Hispanic community, which without saying are a great act of selflessness! Hunter took it upon himself to help a fundraiser I had undertaken to pay for a memorial of a co-worker as well! I’ve even seen him help ppl add coolant to their cars outside the front of his office! He’s really one of a kind and a very genuine and down to earth guy!! If we had more people like Hunter, whose actions are driven by a genuine desire to help without expectation of a reward, this world would be a much better place!
Mr. Garnett took a personal interest in the case due to the situation and worked diligently to achieve the best possible outcome. Mr. Garnett and his staff kept me, and my husband informed during the entire process and addressed any concerns promptly, even when he was on vacation! Any time we had a concern regarding the case and the interaction between our insurance company, Mr. Garnett and his team reassured us, and did an amazing job! I am incredibly grateful for their dedication and would not hesitate to highly recommend them to anyone seeking legal counsel for injury claims/vehicle accidents.
When the case was completed Mr. Garnett asked my husband to come to his office. My husband was blown away by Mr. Garnett’s down to earth, personable and honest persona, and I can say without a doubt that anyone who hires Mr. Garnett will be dealing with a person of very good moral character, integrity, and dedication!!
Throughout the process, the team maintained clear and consistent communication, ensuring I was informed and comfortable at every stage. Their attention to detail, dedication to my case, and genuine care for my well-being exceeded my expectations. I felt fully supported and confident that my best interests were always their top priority.
For anyone in need of seasoned legal professionals who deliver results with integrity and skill, I highly recommend this team. They have my deepest appreciation for their tireless efforts and exceptional service.
The Real Struggles After a DUI Accident
Physically. Emotionally. Financially. You didn’t choose this, but we’re here to help you through it and hold them accountable.
Why DUI Accident Cases Require an Experienced Lawyer
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Drunk drivers may deny responsibility or claim you were partly at fault.
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Insurance companies still try to minimize payouts even when liability seems obvious.
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DUI evidence (breathalyzer results, police reports) can strengthen your case — but must be preserved & presented correctly.
Your Legal Options After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
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File a civil lawsuit for damages separate from criminal DUI charges.
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Pursue a dram shop claim if alcohol was negligently served.
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In fatal cases, pursue a wrongful death claim through the victim’s estate.
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Possibility of punitive damages in addition to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain & suffering.
What to Do Right After a DUI Accident
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Call the Police — Insist on a Report
(Don’t let the driver “work it out” privately.) -
Get Medical Attention Immediately
(Even if you feel okay, document your condition.) -
Document the Scene
(Take photos of vehicles, damage, injuries, the other driver if possible.) -
Contact an Attorney Before Speaking to Insurance
(They’ll try to get you to settle before you know the full cost.)
How We Build a Strong DUI Case for You
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Gather & analyze police reports, BAC test results, and witness statements.
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Investigate bar/restaurant/service liability if applicable.
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Work with medical & financial experts to calculate full damages — including future care.
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Prepare your case for trial from day one to put maximum pressure on insurers.
Alabama DUI Accident Lawyers Explain the Law and Your Rights
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Alabama, with serious criminal penalties, but for you and other victims, the real concern is recovering from the harm caused by the impaired driver.
If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, they may face:
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First offense DUI: Up to 1 year in jail, fines of $600–$2,100, and license suspension.
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Second offense: Up to 1 year in jail (with minimum mandatory time), higher fines, and longer suspension.
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Third offense or more: Felony charges, significant prison time, and permanent license revocation.
But even if they are convicted criminally, you still have to file a separate civil claim to recover compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
Proving impairment and that it caused the crash is key to winning your case. Our team moves fast to gather critical evidence, including:
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Police reports documenting field sobriety or breathalyzer test results.
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Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results obtained through subpoena or court order.
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Witness statements describing the driver’s behavior (slurred speech, stumbling, smell of alcohol).
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Surveillance, dashcam, or traffic camera footage showing erratic driving or open containers.
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Bar or restaurant records (if pursuing a dram shop claim) showing overservice.
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Social media posts or photos from the driver showing alcohol use prior to the crash.
Alabama DUI Accident Attorneys Who Answer Questions
From understanding your rights to knowing what evidence you need, we’re here to guide you every step of the way and to fight for the justice you deserve.
Why You Need a Lawyer After a DUI Accident
When a drunk or impaired driver crashes into you, it can feel like an open-and-shut case but the reality is more complicated. Even when the other driver is arrested, insurance companies still work hard to avoid paying what you deserve.
They may question your injuries, downplay your expenses, or even try to shift blame. Meanwhile, critical evidence like BAC test results, bar receipts, and witness statements can get lost if you don’t act quickly.
At Garnett Patterson Injury Lawyers, we know the playbook insurance companies use, and we know how to shut it down. We move fast to gather the proof, build a strong case, and hold the drunk driver (and anyone else responsible) fully accountable so you can focus on healing while we handle the fight.
Contact an Alabama DUI Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love was hurt by a drunk driver, don’t wait to get legal help. Every moment counts when it comes to preserving evidence and protecting your rights.
We’re here to make sure you’re not left paying the price for someone else’s reckless choices. Whether you’re facing hospital bills, missed work, or a long recovery, we’ll fight to get you the compensation you need to move forward.
Call (256) 804-0853 or schedule your free consultation with Hunter Garnett — The Cowboy Lawyer — today.
You don’t pay us a dime unless we win your case. At Garnett Patterson Injury Lawyers, you get a local team who stands by your side, fights for what’s right, and never backs down from a challenge.
Do I still have a case if the drunk driver wasn’t convicted of DUI in Alabama?
Yes. In Alabama, the criminal case and your civil injury claim are separate. Even if the driver avoids a DUI conviction or pleads to a lesser offense, you can still file a lawsuit for the injuries and damages they caused. Civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases.
Can I sue a bar or restaurant in Alabama if they served the drunk driver?
Possibly. Under Alabama’s dram shop law, you may have a claim if an establishment served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or to a minor under 21, and that person went on to cause your injuries. Our Alabama DUI accident attorneys can investigate whether a business or social host may also be legally responsible.
What compensation can I recover after a DUI accident in Alabama?
In Alabama, you may be entitled to recover damages for:
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Medical bills (current and future)
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Lost income and diminished earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Property damage
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In some cases, punitive damages to punish the drunk driver for reckless conduct.
What if the drunk driver in Alabama didn’t have insurance or left the scene?
If the at-fault driver was uninsured, underinsured, or fled the scene (hit-and-run), you still have options in Alabama. We can help you file a claim through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which many Alabama policies include.
How long do I have to file a DUI accident claim in Alabama?
In Alabama, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to preserve key evidence and strengthen your case.
Do I need a lawyer for a DUI accident case in Alabama if the other driver was clearly at fault?
Absolutely. Even in Alabama DUI cases where the drunk driver’s fault seems obvious, their insurance company may still dispute your injuries, blame you, or offer a lowball settlement. An experienced Alabama DUI accident lawyer ensures your rights are protected and that you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Get In Touch!
At Garnett Patterson Injury Lawyers, we understand the seriousness of these situations. When someone’s negligence causes a traumatic brain injury, we work relentlessly to hold them accountable — and to protect your right to recover physically, financially, and emotionally.