If an Alabama parent is killed in a DUI traffic accident, the drinker could be forced to pay child support to raise the dead parent’s children. Payments could continue until the children are 19 years old.

This plan is one more way that families injured by the careless actions of drivers can receive help. It also partially answers where the money the parents would have earned is coming from.

This bill before the Alabama House of Representatives is like one in Missouri where an alleged drunk driver killed both parents of a 5-year-old boy. His grandmother is now raising the youngster.

More than 20 states are considering such a bill. The Tennessee House has already approved one.

According to the federal government, drunk driving deaths are on the increase. The National Highway Safety Administration says around 32 people die in drunk driving crashes every day in the United States, or more than 11,000 people yearly.

If the fear of killing someone or going to prison is not enough to get you to call an Uber, consider the financial cost if this bill passes. Though the court will determine payments based on many factors, the process will probably mirror child support payments. Divorce attorneys I spoke with here in Mobile say the cost could fall between $50,000 to $100,000 or higher.

In what might appear an odd provision, the bill suspends payments if the drunk driver is in jail or prison until 1 year after being released.

No matter the outcome of the legislation, let me strongly suggest you check to ensure you have the insurance needed if something tragic happens. I see the result of too little insurance almost every day.

If a drunk driver injures you or you suffer a personal injury, like an auto/railroad wreck or slip and fall , you can talk to us at the Law Firm of Eiland and Ritchie for free. We want to help you get back on your feet.

Also, join us on  NBC 15 LawCall  here in Mobile every Sunday night at 10:30, right after the news. We will take your calls live. We do like answering your questions. We also have lawyers standing by at our offices on Monday mornings.

Allen Ritchie

Mobile Personal Injury Attorney

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