If you’ve suffered an injury due to a drunk driving accident in Houston, you’re not alone in this fight. We are here to stand by your side and provide the legal support you need. Drunk driving accidents can be physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming. We believe in integrity, family values, and working tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. Our team is here to guide you through the legal process and ensure your rights are protected. With decades of experience, we’ve helped numerous victims of drunk driving accidents in Houston, and we’ll do everything in our power to help you. You don’t have to navigate this challenging time on your own – we are here for you.
Many individuals underestimate their level of intoxication, with some even believing they are “good” at driving while impaired. However, there’s no such thing as a good drunk driver, and every person who drives under the influence poses a significant risk to others on Houston’s roads.
While Houston law enforcement officers actively look for drunk drivers, they cannot catch all of them. Many impaired drivers display various erratic behaviors, including unnecessary braking, swerving out of designated lanes and speeding excessively or driving below the speed limit, failing to use turn signals or turn on lights, driving the wrong way on one-way roads or highways, and ignoring traffic signals or stop signs.
Alcohol significantly impairs a driver’s reflexes, attention, and reaction times, leading to various types of crashes. No matter how these crashes occur, the resulting injuries can be life-altering.
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a drunk driver in Houston, it’s essential to have a law firm that comprehends the challenges you and your family may encounter. We are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Drunk driving accidents are a tragic, yet all too common, occurrence in Houston. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, including but not limited to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, burns, and even wrongful death. Victims and their families face not only the physical and emotional toll of these accidents but also the financial burdens of medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care.
As Houston drunk driving accident lawyers, we have seen firsthand the pain and suffering these accidents cause. Our mission is to provide unwavering support to victims and their families during these trying times. We are dedicated to holding the responsible parties accountable, whether they are impaired drivers, establishments that over serve alcohol, or other liable parties.
When the police determine a driver is drunk, they typically place the driver under arrest, leading to DUI charges. Many accident victims mistakenly believe that once a criminal case commences, they do not need to take any additional action. However, it’s essential to recognize that criminal and civil drunk driving cases are separate matters.
In a criminal case, the prosecutor’s aim is to impose penalties on the drunk driver, such as driver’s license suspension, fines, or jail time. Unfortunately, providing reimbursement to accident victims often ranks low in terms of priority in a criminal case. Even if a driver is convicted, it’s unlikely that the criminal court will award substantial compensation for injury-related losses.
It’s important to note that if you’ve been involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you’ll need to file your own compensation claim. This can be done through insurance companies or civil courts, depending on the extent of your injuries and losses. Even though this may seem like a separate process from the criminal case, it’s still important to pursue a DUI conviction against the driver. A conviction can be used to establish that the driver was at fault for the accident, which can relieve you of the burden of proving negligence and liability. This will allow you to focus on determining the compensation you’re entitled to.
When someone chooses to get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they are not only breaking the law but also endangering the lives of others. As your advocates, we will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, gather evidence, and work with law enforcement to ensure the impaired driver faces the appropriate legal consequences.
We will pursue civil action against the negligent driver to secure compensation for your injuries, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses. Our goal is to make sure they are held accountable not only in criminal court but also in civil court, where we can seek damages on your behalf.
Texas law grants certain rights to individuals who suffer injuries due to the negligence or wrongful actions of others. Every driver has a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely, and driving under the influence represents a clear breach of that duty. Such breaches that result in injuries to others render the driver negligent and liable for all subsequent damages and injuries to others render the driver negligent and liable for all subsequent damages and injuries.
While financial recovery is not automatic for drunk driving victims, they must take proactive measures to seek compensation for their injuries. The legal process can be complex, further complicating matters for individuals already dealing with the stress of recovery. This is where an experienced Houston drunk driving attorney comes into play.
As an injury victim, it’s crucial to understand your rights. An attorney can help you with this and typically, your rights would include:
In both instances, you can seek compensation for losses directly resulting from your injury-related injuries. This includes medical expenses, such as emergency room costs, hospitalizations, surgeries, doctor appointments, physical therapy, and estimated future treatment expenses. Compensation can also extend to lost income, covering both wages missed due to time off work and future lost earnings if your injuries affect your ability to work and earn as you once did. Additionally, you have the right to recover damages for pain and suffering, permanent disabilities, and other intangible losses.
Failure to understand your rights might lead you to accept a significantly lower settlement offer than you deserve. Seeking the counsel and assistance of an experienced attorney can ensure that you fully exercise your rights, maximizing your compensation based on the extent of your injuries and losses.
The unpredictable behavior of drunk drivers often leads to specific types of collisions. These include:
In any collision type, a drunk driver in Houston can cause significant harm to unsuspecting motorists. In certain cases, third parties beyond the drunk driver can also be held liable for crash-related injuries.
Texas law allows for the potential liability of alcohol providers who serve alcohol to the impaired individual. Such liable parties may encompass:
In such instances, the injuries must have been foreseeable consequences of the individual’s intoxication. These “dram shop” claims may not always be applicable, but an attorney can identify situations where additional parties may be held accountable for your losses.
As your Houston drunk driving accident lawyers, we will aggressively pursue compensation to help you recover and rebuild your life after the accident. This compensation may cover:
We will meticulously assess your case to determine the full extent of your damages, ensuring that all losses are accounted for in the compensation we seek. Our goal is to provide you with the resources and support you need to move forward with your life.
It’s natural for an accident to be a distressing experience, causing many victims to be in shock and unable to take steps to protect their legal rights. However, if you believe that the driver responsible for your accident was impaired, you can follow these steps:
Choosing us as your dedicated Houston drunk driving accident lawyers comes with several compelling reasons:
If you’re injured in a drunk driving accident, your first priority should be seeking medical attention. Call the police to the accident scene to report the incident and ensure proper documentation. While at the scene, gather as much information as you can, including the drunk driver’s information, any witness details, and take photos if possible. Once your immediate medical needs are addressed, it’s crucial to contact an experienced Houston drunk driving accident lawyer to discuss your rights and legal options.
If a drunk driver caused your injuries, you likely have a case for a personal injury claim. To establish a case, you’ll need to prove that the drunk driver’s negligence led to the accident and your injuries. Your attorney will help you gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records, to demonstrate the driver’s liability.
Yes, in some cases, there may be additional parties you can hold responsible. Texas laws sometimes allow for claims against those who served alcohol to the drunk person, such as bars or restaurants. These “dram shop” claims are not always available but can be identified and pursued by an experienced attorney.
In a drunk driving accident case, you can seek various forms of compensation, including medical expenses (current and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Your attorney will work to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve based on your injuries and losses.
No, you don’t need to wait for the criminal case to conclude. In fact, it’s often better to initiate the civil case as soon as possible to secure evidence and protect your rights. A criminal case focuses on penalties for the drunk driver, while a civil case aims to compensate the victim for their losses.
Our legal team offers extensive experience, a proven track record of success, and a commitment to our clients’ well-being. We provide comprehensive services, including a free consultation to assess your case and a results-driven approach to secure the maximum compensation possible. Our trusted reputation in the Houston legal community demonstrates our dedication to achieving favorable outcomes in drunk driving accident cases.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. Our priority is to help you obtain the compensation you deserve, and we’ll handle your case with no upfront costs, making quality legal representation accessible to you.
When searching for a Houston drunk driving accident lawyer, consider their experience, track record, commitment to your well-being, the range of services they offer, and their willingness to provide a free consultation. It’s also essential to choose a lawyer with a results-driven approach who has earned a trusted name in the local legal community.
After a drunk driving accident, ensure you are safe and receive any necessary medical care. If possible, document the scene, exchange information with the drunk driver and witnesses, and contact the police. Report the accident and contact a qualified Houston drunk driving accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is generally two years. This means you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. It’s essential to act promptly to preserve evidence and meet legal deadlines, so it’s advisable to contact an attorney as soon as possible after the accident.
For dedicated legal representation in Houston, trust Crystal Henry Personal Injury and Accident Lawyer.