(956) 276-8819Texas Drunk Driving Accidents Attorneys
Helping Injured Victims Pursue Fair Compensation
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most dangerous behaviors in which any driver could engage. Still, far too many drivers in Edinburg and surrounding Texas cities do it every day, causing serious car accidents that can result in some of the worst possible injuries to victims. If a drunk driver injured you or a family member, you have the right to file a claim for damages that can help you afford the cost of your recovery.
Trusted Texas drunk driving accident lawyers know how to help you claim the full settlement you deserve, so you should reach out to the Law Office of Raul A. Guajardo, P.L.L.C. When you hire our Texas personal injury law firm to handle your case, you’ll have a caring, skilled attorney ready to guide you through the legal process until you get the settlement you deserve. Call today for a free consultation with our team.
What Should You Do After a Texas DUI Accident?
If your vehicle was struck by a drunk driver in Texas, it’s imperative that you take some steps to protect yourself and hold the at-fault party accountable for their dangerous, illegal actions. First, you should assess yourself and any passengers in your car for injuries as you call 911. If anyone is severely injured, tell the dispatcher so they can send an ambulance along with the police.
Once the police arrive, let them know your observations about the motor vehicle accident, including what led to it. If you saw the other driver swerving, reacting slowly, falling asleep at the wheel, or exhibiting any other signs of impaired coordination, tell the police about this. They can administer a breath or blood test to determine if there is alcohol in the driver’s system. If there is, this detail will be noted in the accident report, and your lawyer can use it as evidence in your drunk driving accident case if you pursue compensation.
While at the accident scene, you should take pictures of your injuries and the damage to your vehicle. You should also exchange insurance information with the other driver and talk to any witnesses who can provide details on what they saw. When you leave the scene, getting any necessary medical care should be your priority.
After that, it’s time to contact Texas drunk driving accident lawyers for a free consultation so you can find out if you’re entitled to compensation, including economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Our team works on a contingency fee basis, so accident victims like you or your family won’t owe any legal fees until the settlement check is issued. Contact our Edinburg law office today to start your case.
Who Can Be Held Liable for the Drunk Driving Accident That Injured You?
If you plan to seek compensation, your first thought might be to bring a car accident claim against the drunk driver’s insurance company. This makes sense because the intoxicated driver is typically considered at fault in any car accident they’re part of. You don’t even have to prove that they were negligent or careless, since anyone who breaks the law and causes an accident is considered negligent per se.
Considering that drunk driving is against the law in Texas – just as it is in every other state – you only need to prove the other driver was intoxicated. A skilled drunk driving accident lawyer can help with this step by requesting the accident or toxicology report. If the report shows the driver failed the field sobriety tests and their blood test shows their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.08% or higher, this proves they were driving drunk when they struck your motor vehicle. Note that the legal limit for commercial drivers is 0.04%, which is vital to your case if the drunk driver was driving for their employer when they hit your car.
Although holding drunk drivers accountable for DUI accidents is important, you should also consider holding other at-fault parties accountable. Your Texas personal injury lawyer can assist with this once they review what led to your motor vehicle accident. For example, if the intoxicated driver became drunk at an establishment such as a bar or restaurant, the business may also be partly liable for paying damages. After all, if the business served alcohol to the driver even after they were visibly intoxicated, and they did not try to stop them from driving, the establishment can face severe consequences in a civil lawsuit.
If you want to know who could be held liable for the DUI accident that severely injured you or your family member, it’s time to talk to an experienced attorney. Our team has handled numerous cases for drunk driving accident victims who were able to collect compensation from more than one responsible party. Call us for help proving liability in your Texas drunk driving accident case.
What Financial Damages Can You Recover After a Drunk Driving Accident in Texas?
Drunk driving crashes can cause injured victims to sustain many losses. Fortunately, Texas law offers victims the right to file a claim against the drunk driver and anyone else who was responsible so they can recover those losses. This is why you should seek legal representation to learn what you might be entitled to after you’ve sustained injuries in a DUI accident.
The specific damages available to you will depend on the facts of your case. However, some types of damages are more common than others in drunk driving cases throughout Texas. These include:
- Medical expenses, including physical therapy, hospitalizations, medications, and transportation to and from doctor’s appointments
- Lost wages, including regular income, benefits, bonuses, sick pay, and vacation pay
- Loss of earning capacity, which makes up for future lost wages if you cannot return to the same line of work due to your serious injuries
- Property damage, which ensures you can repair or replace your damaged car or other property
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Wrongful death damages, which can include loss of companionship and consortium
When filing a claim for the damages suffered in the crash, it is essential to claim both present and future losses so the compensation will fully cover the cost of your injuries. Experienced drunk driving accident lawyers are aware of this and will work hard to get you the just compensation you deserve for your personal injury lawsuit. Contact our Texas law firm today for a free initial consultation with our compassionate team.
How Can Texas Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Help You?
If you have been hurt by a drunk driver, it is essential to know your legal options. At the Law Office of Raul A. Guajardo, P.L.L.C., our Edinburg drunk driving accident lawyer can advise you on how to proceed so you’re on your way to claiming the full damages for your case. We’re skilled at determining liability and proving negligence when necessary, as we know what evidence we need to prove that the drunk driver’s BAC was above the legal limit.
Once we’ve attained proof of the driver’s blood alcohol content through a thorough investigation, we can help determine what legal action you should take. In most cases, we help injured accident victims navigate civil court in order to get compensatory or punitive damages, regardless of the criminal charges the drunk driver may or may not face.
This usually means we’ll negotiate a fair settlement with the driver’s insurance company or bring a personal injury lawsuit against the drunk driver. Either way, we can provide the legal representation you need to hold the other party liable. Call our Edinburg, Texas law firm today at 956-276-8819 to schedule a free case review with a lawyer who looks forward to seeking justice on your behalf through a car accident claim.