Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Grapevine
Drunk driving is a leading cause of car crashes in the United States. In 2021, there were over 25,000 drunk driving accidents in Texas, 24% of which were fatal. As a result, 2,522 people suffered serious injuries in these crashes, and 1,029 people died. The dangers of driving drunk are obvious, but sadly, far too many people get behind the wheel after drinking.
Drivers that injure other people in drunk driving car accidents in Grapevine can be held liable for their actions. You are entitled to damages if you or a family member suffered harm in a car crash at the hands of an inebriated driver. Contact a skilled motor vehicle accident attorney today to discuss your legal rights.
What are the Penalties for Driving Under the Influence?
Driving while intoxicated is a serious offense. A person is legally intoxicated in Texas when their blood alcohol level reaches .08% or higher. According to Texas Penal Code Sec. 49.04(b), if a drunk driver is of age, they will be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a minimum term of confinement of 72 hours.
Texas law distinguishes drunk driving laws for minors; any level of intoxication in a minor’s system is grounds for a DUI charge and is a Class C misdemeanor, with a maximum fine of $500. In some cases, a store, bar, or restaurant that overserves a driver can also be held liable for injuries after a drunk driving collision.
Fortunately, the Texas Dram Shop Act allows victims to recover compensation for their injuries. If a business served alcohol to an intoxicated person who injured you or a loved one in a crash, speak to a knowledgeable attorney in Grapevine about filing a compensation claim.
Filing a Claim for Compensation
Motor vehicle accidents with drunk drivers can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. While intoxicated drivers usually walk away unscathed after car crashes, the victims and their passengers can suffer serious and life-threatening injuries.
A lawyer in Grapevine could advise you of your legal options if you suffered injuries in a motor vehicle collision with a drunk driver. An experienced legal representative will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of a crash and determine what parties are liable.
Recoverable Damages
The exact compensation amount a plaintiff can receive will depend on the incident’s circumstances and the extent of the victim’s injuries. Typically, claimants seek to recover compensation for:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost income and diminished earning capability
- Permanent disabilities
- Emotional distress or pain and suffering
These damages, known as compensatory damages, compensate victims and aim to return them to financial stability after a drunk driving car accident. Depending on the case, injured drivers may also seek punitive damages, which aim to punish the driver for gross negligence and deter future misconduct.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Car Crash
After a car accident with an intoxicated motorist, there are important steps victims must take to preserve their claim. First, injured people should contact the police to report the accident. If the driver is impaired by alcohol, law enforcement will conduct a field sobriety test. These tests are crucial to proving the inebriated driver’s negligence in a personal injury lawsuit.
Next, victims should seek medical treatment for their injuries immediately, which is necessary to establish that a victim suffered harm and prove the elements of a claim. It is also important to document all evidence. Take photos of the accident and collect the contact information of witnesses. Finally, enlisting the help of a capable attorney in Grapevine is crucial to obtaining the appropriate payments after a drunk driving collision.
Contact a Seasoned Attorney in Grapevine to Discuss Drunk Driving Car Accidents
It is crucial to hold intoxicated drivers responsible for the harm victims suffer. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a car crash with a drunk driver, consider contacting a personal injury attorney.
Our attorneys will work diligently to investigate the circumstances of drunk driving car accidents in Grapevine and fight for the compensation you deserve.