DUI and Auto Accidents

DUI Lawyer in Birmingham, Alabama defending clients with DUIs.

Charged With a DUI After a Wreck?

A DUI charge becomes more complicated when a car accident is involved. A crash can lead to additional charges, insurance problems, license consequences, and potentially serious penalties.

If you have been accused of DUI after a wreck, it is important to understand that being involved in an accident does not automatically prove you were driving under the influence. The prosecution still has to prove the DUI charge based on the evidence in your case.

DUI Laws in Alabama

Alabama law prohibits drivers 21 and over from operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Underage drivers and commercial vehicle operators must adhere to even stricter BAC limits. Drunk driving accidents frequently result in criminal charges against the at-fault driver, such as DUI, vehicular manslaughter, or assault, depending on the incident’s severity.

A Wreck Does Not Automatically Mean DUI

Being involved in a collision does not, by itself, establish that a driver was impaired. Investigators may consider many different circumstances, including:

• How the accident happened
• Witness statements
• Officer observations
• Field sobriety tests
• Breath, bloos, or other chemical testing
• Dashcan or body-camera footage
• Vehicle damage
• Road and weather conditions
• Statement made by the driver or witnesses

Alabama’s DUI statute covers several forms of impairment, including alcohol, controlled substances, and combination of alcohol and drugs.

Your BAC Is Not the Only Evidence

A DUI case may involve a chemical test, but prosecutors can also rely on other evidence

For example, an officer may testify about alleged signs of impairment, the driver’s behavior, driving patterns, or performance during field sobriety testing.

Likewise, a chemical-test result should not necessarily be viewed in isolation. The circumstances surrounding the test, including how and when it was administered, may be important to the defense.

You May Face More Than One Legal Issue

A DUI-related wreck can involve several separate legal issues.

Depending on the circumstances, a person may also face charges or claims involving:

• Injuries to another person
• Death resulting from a crash
• Property damage
• Leaving the scene
• Reckless driving
• Other traffic offenses
• Driver’s license consequences
• Civil liability and insurance claims

The specific consequences depend on the facts and charges involved.

Civil Liability for Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk drivers also face civil lawsuits in addition to criminal penalties. Those injured in drunk driving accidents seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Alabama follows a contributory negligence rule, which prevents injured parties from recovering damages if they bear any fault for the accident.

Penalties for Drunk Drivers

Alabama enforces harsh penalties for those convicted of DUI, especially when accidents cause injuries or fatalities. Consequences include jail time, fines, license suspension, and mandatory participation in substance abuse programs. Repeat offenders receive harsher punishments, such as longer license suspensions and the installation of ignition interlock devices.

Possible DUI Defenses After a Wreck

Every DUI case is different. However, an attorney may examine several potential defenses or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

1. The Evidence Does Not Establish Impairment

The facts that a person had consumed alcohol does not necessarily establish that the person was impaired while driving.

The defense may examine whether the evidence actually shows that the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle was impaired.

2. The Chemical Testing May Be Challenged

Chemical testing can become an important part of a DUI case. The circumstances surrounding the test may therefore deserve careful examination.

Questions may include:

• Was the test properly administered?
• Was the equipment functioning properly?
• Were proper procedures followed?
• Was the sample properly collected and handled?
• Was there a significant amount of time between driving and testing?

Alabama’s implied-consent law addresses chemical testing following a lawful DUI arrest, so the circumstances surrounding testing and refusal can have legal significance.

3. The Cause of the Wreck May Be Disputed

A collision does not necessarily occur because a driver was impaired.

The defense may investigate whether other factors contributed to the accident, such as:

• Another driver’s actions
• Poor road conditions
• Weather
• Mechanical problems
• Traffic signals
• Visibility
• Unexpected hazards

Determining what actually caused the collision can be important when the prosecution attempts to connect the accident to the DUI allegation.

4. Field Sobriety Testing May Be Questioned

Field sobriety tests are performed under real-world conditions, often after a stressful accident.

An attorney may examine whether the tests were administered correctly and whether outside factors could have affected the results.

For example, injuries from the collision, uneven pavement, weather, footwear, or medical conditions may be relevant when evaluating the results.

5. Statements Made at the Scene May Matter

Statement made after a crash can become part of the evidence.

This is one reason it is important to be careful about discussing the circumstances of the accident or making assumptions about what happened before speaking with an attorney.

What Should You Do After a DUI Wreck?

Do not assume the case is hopeless.

A DUI arrest is not the same thing as a DUI conviction.

Preserve Evidence.

Keep photographs, videos, insurance information, medical records, repair records, and other documents relating to the accident.

Do not discuss the case publicly.

Social-media posts, text messages, and other communications can potentially become relevant to the case.

Follow your court requirements.

Missing a court date or failing to comply with an order can create additional problems.

Speak with an Alabama DUI attorney.

A DUI charge after an auto accident can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate the process alone. Attorney Jason A. Stoves at The Stoves Law Firm, P.C. understands the serious consequences these charges can carry and are prepared to help you understand your legal option.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Drunk driving accidents create complex legal battles in both criminal and civil courts. Securing legal representation proves essential for anyone facing DUI charges or pursuing compensation after an accident.

Understanding Alabama’s laws regarding drunk driving accidents provides clarity and equips individuals to handle these situations more effectively.

Recognizing that each case is unique, we undertake a detailed analysis of each client’s situation, exploring every possible angle in an effort to build the best defense strategy. Our approach at The Stoves Law Firm, P.C. is grounded in a thorough understanding of Alabama’s DUI laws and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients. Our team is ready to guide you through each step of the legal process.

If you or a loved one is facing a felony DUI charge in Alabama, don’t hesitate to contact the dedicated team at The Stoves Law Firm, P.C. at (205) 823-7233 for a consultation, or you can connect with us through our secure online contact form.