Drunk driving-related accidents have sadly become all too common in Texas, and the impact of these accidents can be life-altering for victims. That’s why it’s important to have sound legal advice about your rights and assistance in getting the compensation you need and are entitled to under Texas law.
The statistics on drunk driving in Texas are sobering. As the Texas Department of Transportation website noted in 2021, “A person in Texas dies every nine hours and six minutes in a DUI-alcohol-related traffic crash.” From 2014 to 2023, “more than 37 percent of traffic fatalities in Texas involved drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs.” The Department of Transportation website cites the sad story of a young man changing a friend’s tire who was killed by a drunk driver in a recent article.
When someone who is drunk or impaired gets behind the wheel, they put other people in grave danger. If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, you know all too well how serious these accidents can be. Drunk drivers may speed, drive erratically, drive on the wrong side of the road, or run red lights, and the impairment from alcohol impairs their judgment and slows reaction time. This illegal behavior can be very dangerous to other unsuspecting drivers. Death or major injuries are common in drunk driving crashes.
Victim of a Drunk Driving Accident? You Need a Lawyer
A victim of a drunk driving accident should obtain legal representation as soon as possible after the accident. Why? First, you need to ensure that you obtain the compensation you deserve. You probably have medical bills, car damage, and other damages like lost wages or emotional distress. Insurance companies are not exactly eager to pay up, even in big cases where the victims have serious injuries.
Another good reason to get a lawyer is that many drunk drivers are repeat offenders. They’re back on the road despite previous citations or arrests for impaired driving. Due to previous offenses, a repeat drunk driver may have minimal car insurance available. As a result, you may need a lawyer’s help to determine how to recover for your losses. Your lawyer can do the research to find out if the driver was a repeat offender and discover evidence that could boost your case.
The last thing you probably want to do while you heal from your injuries is deal with the legal system and insurance companies. A good personal injury lawyer acts as your advocate for legal issues in your case. You can take the time you need to heal while your lawyer navigates the legal process and deals with the insurance company. If you need to file a personal injury lawsuit because of the accident, your lawyer will handle the case every step of the way.
What to Ask Your Personal Injury Lawyer
Many personal injury lawyers offer a consultation before you decide to hire them. At the consultation, you’ll want to ask about the lawyer’s experience with cases like yours and their results. You’ll probably want to know how much your case is worth and how much the lawyer charges. You’ll also need to provide the lawyer with information about your case, such as what happened in the accident and how you were injured. Make sure to share if you received a police report, if you found out that the drunk driver was underinsured or uninsured, and if you know whether the drunk driver was a repeat offender.
As your case moves forward, you’ll probably have more questions for your lawyer. If the insurance company makes a settlement offer, your lawyer will discuss with you whether it is reasonable, and the best strategy for getting you fair compensation for your injuries and damages. If your case needs to go to court, you should ask your lawyer questions about filing a lawsuit. Because you’ll probably have many questions along the way, it’s important to choose a lawyer who is experienced with your type of case, knowledgeable about drunk driving-related personal injury law, and responsive to your questions and concerns.
Our Personal Injury Legal Team Is Here For You
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, you need legal advice about your situation from an experienced personal injury attorney. Our firm represents all kinds of personal injury clients in Texas, including those injured by drunk and impaired drivers. The lawyers at Duke Seth, PLLC, can help you learn more about your options during a free consultation. Contact us online or call us at (214) 466-1740 to set up your appointment today.
Q&A With Duke Seth
Q: The insurance company is making a lowball settlement offer—can I sue them?
A: If an insurance company does not make a reasonable settlement offer, you can certainly file a lawsuit. However, in most cases you actually sue the negligent driver, not the insurance company. Their insurance company would still pay any settlement or judgment, but the party named in the lawsuit would be the other driver rather than the insurance company.