It is an unfortunate truth that we cannot fully protect ourselves and our loved ones from the negligent or wrongful conduct of others. Even when we are responsible and use a designated driver or rideshare service, others may drive drunk. Drunk driving is responsible for approximately one-third of traffic fatalities in the U.S. each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident caused by a drunk or drugged driver, The Edwards Law Firm is here to help. We know you are facing an uncertain future, one that includes exorbitant medical expenses and financial difficulties caused by missed work. Our Corpus Christi drunk driving accident attorneys are here to help you pursue a fair settlement or award to cover your losses.
Contact us at 361-320-6752 for a free review of your claim.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Texas and across the country. Drivers may face heavy fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment if they are caught driving drunk, and yet they continue to get behind the wheel while impaired. Drunk driving is illegal because it is dangerous. It significantly increases one's chances of causing or being involved in an accident.
Alcohol and drugs impair:
With any of the above affected by alcohol and/or drugs, a driver is more likely to violate a traffic law, follow too closely, fail to notice an object in the road, or perform any of a number of acts that may cause a collision.
Being involved in any accident can be a traumatic experience. If you suspect that the other driver may be under the influence of alcohol (or drugs), it is incredibly important that you contact police and have them come to the scene of the accident. Law enforcement officers will be able to conduct an investigation and, if necessary, arrest the drunk driver. Having proof that the other person who caused the accident was intoxicated—such as a police report indicating that a driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was over the legal limit—could be critical to your personal injury claim.
It is also required by law that you report any accident that results in bodily injury, death, or property damage in excess of $1,000 to the police or to the Texas Department of Transportation. If police come to the scene of the accident, they will file this report, and you do not need to worry about it. Anytime you suspect that a drunk driver is involved in a crash, call the police.
Immediately after the accident, your top priority should be your own safety, followed by the safety of others in your vehicle or anyone else involved in the accident. If necessary, call 9-1-1 so that anyone who has sustained severe injuries can be transported to the hospital. Do not move anyone with suspected severe injuries but, rather, wait for paramedics to arrive. Even if you believe you have only suffered minor injuries, make sure you seek medical treatment. Sometimes, injuries can take some time to develop; you may not realize right away just how serious your injuries are. Not only is it important for your physical recovery that you see a doctor, but it is also important for your financial recovery that you have a record of seeking prompt medical attention.
If you injured in an accident with a drunk driver who was convicted of DUI, you have a fairly solid case. Insurance companies know that a drunk driving conviction is a pretty surefire sign of fault, and they will likely agree to a settlement in order to avoid going to trial. However, this is not always the case, and if there was no conviction, proving that your injuries were caused by the drunk driver could be more difficult. In any case, we strongly encourage you to contact an experienced attorney for help with your claim. Our Corpus Christi drunk driving accident lawyers can help you navigate this process and advocate for the full recovery you are owed.
You may be entitled to significant financial compensation if a drunk driver caused you harm. Cases of this kind can be difficult to manage, however, particularly if the insurance adjuster tries to lower your settlement or deny the other driver's liability. A Corpus Christi drunk driving accident lawyer can handle your insurance claim for you, pursuing the fair and complete compensation to which you are rightfully entitled. To find out how The Edwards Law Firm can help with your case, contact us online or call 361-320-6752 for a free consult. We serve clients in Corpus Christi, Portland, Robstown, and the surrounding areas.