Drunk drivers are a major public health hazard in Texas, and Galena Park is no exception. Many drunk drivers overestimate their sobriety and end up causing devastating accidents that leave victims scarred and in financial straits.
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, you should speak to a Galena Park car accident lawyer about your options. Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers has over 20 years of experience representing victims harmed by drunk drivers. We can fight to recover your losses and hold responsible parties accountable.
Get Brian. Call our offices today or fill out our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation with a DUI accident lawyer in Galena Park.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer After a Drunk Driving Accident
Working with a Galena Park personal injury lawyer after a car accident is always a good idea, especially after a drunk driving crash. Drunk driving accidents tend to be particularly destructive, and there is always a risk that a drunk driver may flee the scene of the accident to avoid responsibility.
In addition, the liable party’s insurance company may be more motivated to dispute a claim involving a large sum of money.
A drunk driving accident lawyer in Galena Park can meet these challenges and be your legal advocate through the accident claims process.
We can handle initial investigations and filings all the way to settlement negotiation and litigation, if necessary. We will use every resource and strategy available to get you the money you need for healing and recovery.
For a legal consultation call (713) 500-5000
DWI Laws in Texas
In Texas, the term “DUI” is reserved for underage drinking and driving. For adult drivers, DWI (driving while intoxicated) involves driving a motor vehicle with a BAC greater than 0.08%. A first-time DWI in Texas is usually charged as a Class B Misdemeanor, though aggravating factors may result in higher criminal charges.
In addition to criminal penalties, individuals convicted of DWIs can be legally liable for any injuries or deaths they cause. In other words, if a drunk driver hurts someone, they can go to jail and be required to pay monetary restitution to the victim.
While the criminal and civil cases will proceed separately, a DWI criminal conviction can be used in a civil lawsuit to prove fault and legal liability.
Galena Park DUI Accident Lawyer Near Me (713) 500-5000
Businesses May Be Liable for Overserving Customers
Liability for drunk driving accidents may not fall solely on the driver. In Texas, businesses like bars and clubs can share liability under the state’s dram shop law if they serve a patron who is obviously intoxicated to the point of presenting a clear danger to themselves and others. Providing alcohol to a minor under 18 can also create liability.
Galena Park itself is a dry city that allows no alcohol sales. But businesses outside of Galena Park can serve patrons, who then go on to drive and cause accidents inside the municipality.
We can investigate your case to identify if the drunk driver was overserved by a local bar or organization. If so, you may be able to file another personal injury claim against the business for negligence.
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Compensation You Can Recover After a DUI Accident
A lawsuit can primarily compensate you for any economic losses you suffered directly due to your injuries. These economic losses may include your medical bills, lost work income, and miscellaneous injury-related expenses, like housekeeping or childcare costs.
You may also claim non-economic losses. These are non-material, psychological losses related to your injuries, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish. You may also recover money for any quality-of-life reductions due to disability.
An attorney can also push for punitive damages to punish the offender for egregious behavior. Drunk driving, especially for repeat offenders, is a serious crime and may meet the standard for malice or gross negligence required to award punitive damages.
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Time Limits for Filing a DUI Accident Lawsuit in Galena Park
In Texas, the statute of limitations says that you usually have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to recover any damages at all.
The two–year timer can pass quickly if you delay, so it’s best to get started immediately. A DUI accident lawyer in Galena Park can initiate the process promptly and reduce the risk of payment delays or denials. The sooner you start, the sooner you can access your money.
Contact a Galena Park DUI Accident Lawyer
A drunk driving accident can leave you reeling and struggling to make ends meet. You deserve a chance to recover the losses you’ve suffered and seek justice and accountability. The team at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers is here to stand at your side and keep insurance companies from taking advantage of you.
Let us show you why thousands of clients have chosen us for legal representation. Fill out our contact form online or call us today to discuss your case with a DUI accident lawyer in Galena Park.
Call or Text (713) 500-5000 or Complete a Case Evaluation Form