DUI Accident Lawyer in Georgetown, TX

Understanding DWI Crashes:

Your Legal Guide After a Crash with a Drunk Driver

Drunk driving remains a leading cause of serious accidents on Texas roads. When a driver operates a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, their reaction time, judgment, and coordination are significantly impaired. This increases the risk of devastating vehicle crashes that can leave victims with life-altering injuries.

These crashes often result in severe injuries or fatalities, affecting not only those directly involved but also their families and communities. In fact, the high rate of traffic fatalities associated with drunk driving in Texas underscores the deadly consequences of these vehicle crashes, as many of them tragically result in loss of life.

When multiple vehicles or pedestrians are involved, the consequences can be even more severe. These incidents are officially classified as motor vehicle accidents in state and national statistics, highlighting the widespread impact and the importance of addressing impaired driving.

THE DANGERS OF DWI CRASHES

Involvement in a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) crash can have devastating consequences due to several key factors. First, impaired drivers are often unable to react quickly or make sound decisions while behind the wheel.

Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of higher speed impacts. For the accident victim, the aftermath of a DWI crash can bring overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

Consequently, DWI crashes tend to result in more severe injuries or fatalities compared to other types of automobile crashes. The force of impact in these collisions can be significant, especially if the impaired driver is traveling at high speeds, leading to catastrophic outcomes for those involved. Injured victims of these crashes often face long-term recovery and deserve justice for the harm caused by reckless drivers.

Moreover, DWI crashes often involve multiple vehicles or even pedestrians, further escalating the potential for harm. Overall, the combination of impaired driving and the inherent risks associated with operating a motor vehicle make DWI crashes exceptionally dangerous for everyone on the road. Drunk driving accident victims have important legal rights and options to seek compensation and support in the aftermath of such incidents.

Types of Accidents Involving Drunk Drivers

When you’re dealing with drunk driving accidents, you’ll find they can take many different forms, each presenting its own unique set of legal challenges and serious risks. The most common type you’ll encounter involves motor vehicle accidents, which typically include cars, trucks, or SUVs and can result in devastating consequences for everyone involved in the collision.

In Texas, motor vehicle accidents caused by drunk drivers represent a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities, making them a major public safety concern that affects communities statewide.

You should understand that drunk driving accidents aren’t limited to just passenger vehicles—motorcycle accidents and pedestrian accidents involving drunk drivers are also alarmingly frequent occurrences. Motorcyclists and pedestrians face especially vulnerable situations, as they have little to no protection against the tremendous force of a collision with an impaired driver.

Additionally, when commercial vehicles like trucks or buses become involved in a drunk driving crash, the potential for catastrophic damage and life-altering injuries increases significantly due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles.

You’ll find that these types of drunk driving accidents can happen anywhere—whether on busy highways, quiet rural roads, or in urban neighborhoods—underscoring the critical importance of maintaining vigilance and practicing responsible driving at all times. No matter what the setting may be, the presence of drunk drivers on the road puts everyone at serious risk of substantial harm that can change lives forever.

Drunk Driving Accident Injuries

When you’re involved in a drunk driving accident, the injuries you sustain are often devastating and can completely alter the course of your life. We’re talking about traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal injuries, and deep lacerations – these are the harsh realities that victims face after these preventable crashes.

The medical treatment required for these types of injuries is extensive, often involving months or even years of rehabilitation and ongoing care that places an enormous burden on you and your family both emotionally and financially.

What many people don’t realize is that the physical pain is just the beginning of what you’ll face after a drunk driving accident. The emotional trauma that follows these crashes is significant – you may find yourself dealing with anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as you work through the aftermath of what happened to you.

On top of that, the financial impact can be absolutely overwhelming when you’re looking at mounting medical bills, lost wages from time you can’t work, and a whole host of unexpected costs that keep piling up.

If you or someone you love has suffered life-altering injuries because of a drunk driver’s reckless decision, you need to understand that pursuing fair compensation through a personal injury lawsuit isn’t just an option – it’s often essential for your recovery.

Working with an experienced personal injury attorney who knows how to handle these complex cases can make all the difference in navigating the legal process, fighting for your rights, and securing the compensation you need to cover those medical expenses, replace lost income, and address the emotional trauma you’ve been forced to endure.

Determining the At-Fault Party in DWI Accidents

When you’re dealing with a DWI accident, figuring out who’s at fault is absolutely crucial if you want to pursue justice and get the compensation you deserve. In most situations, you can bet that the drunk driver will be considered the at-fault party – and for good reason. Their reckless and negligent actions behind the wheel put everyone at risk.

However, liability in these drunk driving cases isn’t always cut and dried, and it can sometimes extend way beyond just the intoxicated driver. For example, let’s say a bar or restaurant kept serving alcohol to someone who was obviously already intoxicated, and that person then went out and caused a crash. Well, that establishment might also find itself on the hook under Texas law.

You should also know that if there was a vehicle defect that contributed to your accident, the manufacturer could end up sharing in the liability too. Texas follows what’s called a comparative negligence system, which basically means that if you’re found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation might get reduced based on your share of responsibility. It’s not always black and white, and these cases can get pretty complicated.

This is exactly why you need a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who knows what they’re doing. They can help you identify all the parties who might be liable, explain how comparative negligence could affect your specific case, and fight tooth and nail to make sure you get fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Don’t try to navigate this complex legal landscape on your own – having an experienced attorney in your corner can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

What To Do if You Are Involved in a Crash with an Impaired Driver

When you find yourself involved in a drunk driving accident, the experience can feel overwhelming and confusing, but understanding the right steps to take immediately after the crash can make all the difference in protecting both your health and your legal rights down the road.

The very first thing you need to do is seek medical attention for any injuries you may have sustained, regardless of how minor they might appear at the scene. You might think you’re fine, but many injuries from motor vehicle accidents don’t show symptoms immediately, and prompt medical care not only safeguards your wellbeing but also establishes crucial medical documentation that will be invaluable for your personal injury claim later on.

Your next priority should be contacting law enforcement to ensure that a proper accident report gets filed with the appropriate authorities. Police officers who respond to the scene will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, collect important evidence, and if they suspect the other driver was operating while intoxicated, they may administer field sobriety tests or arrange for blood alcohol content testing.

While you’re at the scene, you’ll want to gather as much information as you possibly can – this includes obtaining witness statements from anyone who saw what happened, taking photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage, and collecting the impaired driver’s contact information and insurance details. These pieces of evidence can prove critical when building your case.

You’ll also need to notify your insurance company about the accident, but it’s important to be cautious about what details you share during those initial conversations with insurance representatives. Before you make any formal statements to insurance companies or even consider accepting any settlement offers they might present, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who has a proven track record of successfully handling drunk driving accident cases.

A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the complex legal process that lies ahead, help you navigate discussions with insurance companies who may try to minimize your claim, and work diligently to secure fair and comprehensive compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages you’ve suffered as a result of someone else’s decision to drive while intoxicated.

Financial Recovery After a Drunk Driving Accident

Following a drunk driving accident, the financial devastation can prove every bit as overwhelming as the physical trauma and emotional upheaval you’re facing. Under Texas law, medical expenses, lost wages, and related costs can rapidly accumulate into staggering amounts, leaving accident victims and their families grappling with serious financial hardship.

A personal injury attorney with experience in drunk driving cases can help you pursue compensation for both economic damages (such as medical bills and lost income) and non-economic damages (including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life).

In certain cases, Texas courts may award punitive damages specifically designed to punish the drunk driver for their particularly reckless and egregious conduct while simultaneously deterring others from making similar dangerous decisions behind the wheel.

An experienced Texas personal injury lawyer will thoroughly evaluate the specifics of your drunk driving accident case, explain all available legal options under state statutes, and aggressively fight for the maximum financial recovery permitted under Texas personal injury law.

What To Do if You are involved in a Crash with an Impaired Driver:

If you find yourself involved in a collision with an impaired driver, it’s crucial to take certain steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. Here’s what to do:

• Ensure Safety: First, make sure everyone is safe and move to a secure location if possible.
• Call Emergency Services: Contact law enforcement and emergency medical services if necessary. Police reports are critical evidence for your case, as they document accident details, BAC results, and law enforcement observations.
• Avoid Confrontation: If the other driver is behaving aggressively, maintain a safe distance and avoid confrontation.
• Exchange Information: Exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle information with the other driver involved in the accident.
• Document the Scene: Take photographs or video of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and any relevant road conditions. If available, collect information about the driver’s blood alcohol content, as this can be important evidence.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional. Obtaining medical records is essential to support your claim and document your injuries and treatment.
• Contact Legal Representation: Being involved in a DWI accident is not like being in a “normal” car crash. From your injuries to dealing with insurance, having the right legal team on your side can help make you whole again.

Starting an accident claim promptly is essential for protecting your rights and pursuing compensation.

Once you’ve taken these initial steps, it’s essential to seek medical attention for any injuries you may have sustained, even if they seem minor at first. Contact Lone Star Legal because we have experience handling the aftermath of crashes involving intoxicated or impaired drivers. We can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and pursue fair compensation for your damages.

Why Choose Lone Star Legal?

If you’re involved in a crash with an impaired driver, choosing Lone Star Legal means having a trusted ally by your side during a challenging time. It is crucial to hire an experienced lawyer for drunk driving accident cases to ensure your rights are protected and to maximize your compensation.

We understand the stress and uncertainty that follow such incidents and are committed to providing unwavering support and expert legal guidance. You focus on the healing process.

With our extensive experience as a personal injury law firm in handling impaired crash cases, our law firm knows how to navigate the complexities of the legal system and fight tirelessly on your behalf.

Todd Kelly served for a number of years as the Chair of the Advisory Board to the Central Texas branch of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court, our experienced legal team will work diligently to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

With Lonestar Legal, you can trust that you’re not alone in this fight for justice. If you or a loved one has been affected, consult a personal injury lawyer or drunk driving accident lawyer to discuss your case and protect your interests.