Rowlett Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
There are always dangers present when driving on any road, but that inherent danger is greatly enhanced when a driver is intoxicated. Injuries resulting from a drunk driving accident can be life-threatening, life-changing, and lifelong. At our firm, a Dallas car accident law firm, our Rowlett drunk driving accident attorneys are here to help clients who have been harmed by a reckless driver using their vehicle under the influence. We work to secure compensation from the at-fault driver to assist clients in getting their lives back together after these tragic events.
As with any personal injury claim in Rowlett, it is important to contact our experienced lawyers as soon as possible after the crash. Vital evidence may disappear within a short timeframe, such as witness’ memories, evidence left at the accident site, and other important items that may help win your case. Get in touch with our Rowlett drunk driving accident lawyers today to start building a claim toward significant compensation.
Important Aspects of a Drunk Driving Accident Claim
There are several crucial factors to keep in mind when pursuing compensation after a drunk driving accident. While some aspects of the case will be similar to other personal injury claims like rear-end car accidents, others are relatively unique to situations involving intoxicated drivers.
Statute of Limitations
Throughout Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is defined as two years by Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003. This does not mean that your claim must be settled within two years of your accident, or even that a trial must begin by that date. However, it does mean that you must file the claim in court and give notice that you are seeking compensation for your damages within two years of your accident or else risk losing that legal right.
At our firm, a Dallas car accident law firm, , our skilled drunk driving car crash attorneys can work to ensure that your claim is filed on time and your right to the compensation you deserve is protected.
Dram Shop Law
Most car accident claims will involve the driver of the opposing vehicle or their insurance company as the two main defendants. Some, such as accidents involving rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft, may include companies for which the driver works as well. In drunk driving accident claims, an additional defendant is possible and may owe compensation to the injured person: the establishment that served the drunk driver alcohol.
Known as a “dram shop law,” Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code §2.02 allows an injured person to sue the establishment under certain conditions.
- It was obvious that the person was already very intoxicated.
- The person’s intoxication was an immediate cause of the injured person’s harm.
By speaking with our knowledgeable Rowlett drunk driving accident lawyers, you can discover whether or not it is worthwhile to pursue damage compensation from the bar that served alcohol to the drunk driver in your claim.
Damages for Which I Can Seek Compensation
Most of the damages that are compensable in a Rowlett drunk driving accident claim fall into the same two categories as all other personal injury claims, including everything from accidents with pedestrians to slip and fall accidents to bicycle crashes. These two main categories are known as “economic damages” and “non-economic damages.”
Economic Harms
The first category consists of all of the financial problems suffered by you as a direct result of your injury. Though they can be hotly contested, the value of these items is often clear due to having a monetary amount on receipts or invoices. Damages like these include medical bills, the cost of repairing your vehicle, and even the wages you lose as a result of becoming injured.
Non-economic Harms
On the other hand, non-economic damages are not as clear-cut. They consist of the myriad ways that your injury has affected the quality of your life and therefore often do not have an agreed-upon monetary value attached to them. Examples of this kind of harm include pain and suffering, mental anguish, and similar damages.
Exemplary Damages
The major difference in drunk driving accident claims, and in some other situations such as texting and driving accidents, is that rare cases involve extra damages called “exemplary” or “punitive” damages. This additional compensation is not sought by you or your lawyer, though your legal team can present evidence that may sway the court to award such damages. Instead, the jury decides to order this extra compensation when it believes that the drunk driver acted especially recklessly and with no regard for human safety.
At our firm, a Dallas car accident law firm, , we are dedicated to pursuing all avenues of compensation to get you the award that you need to heal from this devastating accident.
Find Your Rowlett Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today
If you are injured in a drunk driving accident, get in touch with our Rowlett attorneys as soon as possible. We offer a FREE consultation to better understand the viability of your claim and do not collect a fee unless we win you the compensation you deserve.
Call us at 469-998-4069, or fill out the form on our contact page to start the process.
