Texas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk driving accidents can be devastating, not only for the accident victim but for their entire family as well. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. A skilled Texas drunk driving accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

At DFW Injury Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges of drunk driving accidents, and we’re here to support you in the aftermath. Our compassionate attorneys have extensive experience handling these cases and will work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Why Choose DFW Injury Lawyers for Your Texas Drunk Driving Claim?

When you choose DFW Injury Lawyers for your Texas drunk driving accident claim, you can trust that you have a team of experienced and dedicated advocates on your side.

Our personal injury lawyers are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve. We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather crucial evidence, and work with experts to demonstrate the full extent of your damages.

Our goal is to recover the financial resources you need to cope with medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the accident. You can trust that your case will be a top priority for our firm, and we will keep you informed at every step of the process. With our contingency fee arrangement, you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.

Don’t face the aftermath of a drunk driving accident alone. Choose the skilled, caring attorneys at DFW Injury Lawyers to advocate for your rights and fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us put our experience to work for you.

Criminal DUI Charges vs. Personal Injury Claims

When a drunk driving accident occurs, it can result in both criminal charges and a civil personal injury claim against the intoxicated driver. These are two separate legal processes that can proceed independently of one another.

Criminal DUI Charges

If a driver is found to be operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causes an accident, they may face criminal charges for DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated). The state brings these charges, which can result in penalties such as fines, license suspension, and even jail time. The purpose of criminal proceedings is to hold the drunk driver accountable for their actions and protect public safety.

Personal Injury Claim

Separate from any criminal case, the victims of a drunk driving accident may choose to file a civil personal injury claim against the intoxicated driver. This claim seeks to recover financial compensation for the damages suffered by the victim, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage.

A personal injury claim can recover the resources you need to cope with the consequences of the accident and move forward with your life.

Relationship Between Criminal DUI Charges and Personal Injury Claims

Even if a drunk driver is not ultimately convicted of DUI charges in criminal court, they can still be held liable in a civil personal injury case. This is because the burden of proof is lower in civil court.

While a criminal DUI case requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt, a civil claim only needs to show the defendant was more likely than not responsible for the accident and injuries. Therefore, even if there isn’t enough evidence for a criminal conviction, a drunk driver may still be ordered to pay compensation to the victim through a personal injury claim.

If a drunk driver in Texas has hurt you, we can explain your legal rights and options in both the criminal and civil justice systems. An experienced Texas drunk driving accident attorney can help you navigate these complex processes and fight for the accountability and compensation you deserve.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Texas Drunk Driving Accident?

There may be multiple parties who can be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages of a drunk driving accident. While the intoxicated driver is often the primary focus of legal action, other individuals or entities may also bear responsibility in certain circumstances.

The Drunk Driver

The intoxicated driver is typically the main party held liable in a drunk driving accident. They made the reckless decision to get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, endangering themselves and others on the road. The drunk driver can face both criminal DUI charges and a civil personal injury claim from the victims.

Vehicle Owner

If the drunk driver operated someone else’s vehicle when the crash occurred, you can hold the vehicle’s owner liable under certain circumstances. For example, if the owner knowingly allowed an intoxicated person to drive their car or if they negligently entrusted their vehicle to someone with a history of drunk driving, they could potentially share responsibility for the accident.

Bars, Restaurants, or Similar Establishments

In some cases, the establishment or individual who provided alcohol beverages to the drunk driver may be held liable under Texas’s dram shop laws. If a bar, restaurant, or other alcohol vendor continued to serve a visibly intoxicated patron who then caused an accident, they could be held responsible for the resulting damages.

Employers

If the drunk driver operated a vehicle in the course and scope of their employment at the time of the accident, their employer might be vicariously liable for the damages. This could apply in situations such as a delivery driver causing an accident while intoxicated on the job.

What Compensation Can Drunk Driving Accident Victims Recover?

Drunk driving accident victims in Texas may recover compensation for their damages.

The specific types and amounts of compensation will depend on the unique circumstances of each case, but may include:

• Medical Expenses: Victims can seek compensation for all medical costs related to the accident, including emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and any ongoing or future medical needs resulting from their injuries.
• Lost Income: If the victim cannot work due to their injuries, they can pursue compensation for lost income, including past and future lost wages. This may also include lost earning capacity if the victim’s injuries prevent them from returning to their previous job or career.
• Pain and Suffering: Drunk driving accident victims often experience significant physical pain and emotional distress. They can seek compensation for these non-economic damages, which aim to recognize the suffering endured due to the accident.
• Property Damage: If the victim’s vehicle or personal property was damaged in the drunk driving accident, they can seek compensation to repair or replace those items.

Wrongful Death Claims

If a drunk driving accident tragically results in the death of a victim, their surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim.

This type of claim seeks compensation for the damages suffered by the family, which may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of the deceased’s expected income and financial contributions
• Loss of the deceased’s love, companionship, and support

No amount of money can ever fully compensate for the profound losses suffered in a drunk driving accident. However, pursuing a personal injury or wrongful death claim can help victims and their families secure the financial resources they need to cope with the consequences of the crash and begin to rebuild their lives.

What is the Deadline for Filing a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit in Texas?

In Texas, the state’s statute of limitations governs the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. The statute of limitations sets a time limit within which a victim must initiate their legal claim, or they risk losing the right to pursue compensation through the court system.

For most personal injury cases in Texas, including drunk driving accident lawsuits, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the incident that caused the injury. This means that if you were injured in a drunk driving accident, you typically have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit against the intoxicated driver or other liable parties.

However, some exceptions to this general two-year deadline may extend or shorten the time frame for filing a claim. Consult an attorney and begin the legal process as soon as possible after a drunk driving accident. Prompt action can preserve valuable evidence, locate witnesses, and build a stronger case for compensation.

How Can a Lawyer Help with My Texas Drunk Driving Accident Claim?

A personal injury lawyer from DFW Injury Lawyers can provide invaluable assistance with your Texas drunk driving accident claim, guiding you through the complex legal process and fighting for the maximum compensation in your case.

Here are some key ways our attorneys can help you:

Investigating Your Case

We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident and gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions, to build a strong case on your behalf.

Identifying Liable Parties

Our lawyers will work to identify all persons and parties who may be held liable for your damages, including the drunk driver, vehicle owners, establishments that overserved the driver, or employers if the accident occurred during the course and scope of employment.

Assessing Your Damages

We will comprehensively assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and any long-term costs related to your injuries. This ensures we pursue fair compensation that accounts for all of your losses.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to drunk driving accident victims. Our lawyers will handle all communication and negotiations with insurers, fighting to protect your rights and secure a just settlement.

Representing You in Court

If the insurance company fails to make a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. Our skilled litigators will prepare and present a compelling case before a judge and jury, advocating for your right to full and fair compensation.

Providing Compassionate Support

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a drunk driving accident can take on victims and their families. Our team will provide caring, personalized support throughout the legal process, ensuring you have the guidance and resources you need during this challenging time.

Working on a Contingency Fee Basis

We handle drunk driving accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront costs and no legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. This allows you to pursue justice without added financial strain.

Contact the Texas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers at DFW Injury Lawyers Today

If a drunk driver harmed you or a loved one, don’t wait to seek the legal help you need and deserve. The experienced Texas personal injury attorneys at DFW Injury Lawyers are here to stand up for your rights and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.

We understand the devastating impact a drunk driving crash can have on your life, and we’re committed to providing the compassionate support and skilled advocacy you need during this challenging time. Our team will thoroughly investigate your case, identify all liable parties, and work tirelessly to pursue the financial recovery that can help you rebuild and move forward.

We handle drunk driving accident cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no upfront costs and no legal fees unless we win compensation for you. Choose DFW Injury Lawyers as your trusted advocates, and let us help you pursue the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

Contact us today at (972) 440-2320 or through our online form for your free, no-obligation consultation.