Were you involved in a collision with a drunk driver? At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we recognize how disorienting it can be to find yourself in a car crash with someone who’s operating their vehicle while under the influence, but we’re here to help.
While we can’t go back in time and undo the damage that the other driver caused, we can take on your case and represent you as your Dallas drunk driving accident lawyer. You deserve legal advocacy during such a stressful and overwhelming time.
Together, our attorneys have decades of experience helping personal injury victims recover millions in compensation. With us by your side, you can trust that we will serve as your Dallas car accident lawyer and protect your rights every step of the way.
Factors That Contribute to Drunk Driving Incidents
Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of drunk driving accidents:
- Late-night hours: A high number of alcohol-related crashes take place during late-night hours, which often coincide with bar closings and increased alcohol consumption.
- Young drivers: Drivers with less experience behind the wheel are often more likely to be involved in drunk driving accidents.
- High BAC levels: Many individuals arrested for driving while drunk have BAC levels well above the legal limit, which indicates a high degree of impairment at the time of the accident.
Don’t worry about trying to determine the cause of the crash that left you injured. Instead, reach out to a Dallas personal injury lawyer with experience in determining fault and holding responsible parties accountable for the damage they caused.
How Comparative Fault and Dram Shop Liability Relate to Texas Drunk Driving Accidents
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means a victim’s compensation may be reduced if they are found partially at fault for the accident. However, if you, as the victim of the crash, are determined to be more than 50% at fault, you’ll be barred from recovering damages.
Meanwhile, under the Texas Dram Shop Act, commercial establishments—such as bars and restaurants—can be held liable for serving alcohol to an obviously intoxicated individual who then goes on to cause a motor vehicle accident.
To establish liability, your Dallas drunk driving accident lawyers will need to prove that the establishment served alcohol to a person who was visibly intoxicated. Your lawyer will also need to show that this action directly led to the accident.
(310) 526-8383Insurance Implications Following a Drunk Driving Accident
Victims of drunk driving accidents often face major challenges when it comes to the insurance claims process. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize their payouts, dispute the extent of your injuries, and delay or complicate the claims process.
This can be particularly frustrating for victims who are already dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial hardships. Now, ensuring that the at-fault driver’s insurance policy can adequately cover the damages is often a primary issue in these claims.
In Texas, all drivers are required to carry minimum liability insurance that includes the following:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Unfortunately, these minimum limits may fall far short of the actual costs in serious drunk driving accidents. This is especially common in cases where multiple people are injured, the injuries are severe, or long-term care and rehabilitation are required.
In drunk driving claims, victims might need to explore alternative sources of compensation, such as underinsured motorist coverage, Personal Injury Protection (PIP), or a civil lawsuit against the intoxicated driver.
Wrongful Death Claims in DWI Accidents
When a DWI accident causes a tragic loss of life, surviving family members have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. Under Texas laws, these claims allow eligible relatives of the deceased, such as their spouse, children, and parents, to seek compensation.
This type of financial support is designed to help compensate family members for the emotional and financial toll of losing a loved one. In many cases, they can recover the following damages:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost earning capacity
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
Filing a wrongful death claim serves several important purposes. Not only does it offer financial relief for family members who depended on the deceased, but it also yields civil accountability for the at-fault driver separate from criminal charges.
Families are able to work toward justice and closure for the loss they suffered following their loved one’s death as well. However, wrongful death claims often require the collection of strong evidence, such as the following:
- Police reports
- Toxicology results
- Eyewitness testimony
Although no amount of money can truly replace a lost loved one, a successful wrongful death claim can help alleviate financial burdens and honor the memory of the deceased. For more information about wrongful death claims, contact Dallas drunk driving accident attorneys.
Contact Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Dallas as Soon as Possible for Legal Advice and Advocacy
If you or someone you love was injured in a drunk driving collision, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. This is an experience that can leave you feeling overwhelmed in countless ways, and fortunately, help is available.
Reach out to Omega Law Group today. Our Dallas drunk driving accident attorneys have what it takes to handle your case and advocate for your rights. You deserve compensation, and we can help you go after it.
Don’t wait to reach out to us for help—we’re here for you. The sooner you call our Dallas drunk driving accident law firm, the sooner we can meet with you and take the first step toward holding the at-fault parties accountable.
