Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Southlake
The Texas Department of Transportation estimates that roughly 3 Texans are killed each day in car crashes caused by drunk drivers. This is a staggering number, and many times, these are more prevalent in larger cities and areas with increased out-of-town visitors who are unfamiliar with local roadways. When you add alcohol to the mix, auto accidents are sometimes unavoidable.
When you are injured in a drunk driving accident in Southlake, the intoxicated motorist and their insurance carrier should pay for your losses. Our attorneys could help you hold the responsible driver accountable. After a serious crash, you might be concerned about affording the cost of your medical care and need time off work to recover. A hardworking car accident lawyer can help you file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries and other losses related to the accident.
Steps to Take After Getting Hit by a Drunk Driver
An injured driver should take key steps when involved in a motor vehicle accident. With alcohol-related collisions, there are some extra steps to keep in mind; acting quickly can help preserve a legal claim. The injured person should do each of the following:
- Make sure everyone is safe and the vehicle is not obstructing traffic
- Call 911 right away so that law enforcement can document the crash and secure the scene
- Get medical attention right away or call an ambulance when necessary
- When safe, take pictures of the vehicles, the scene, license plates, vehicle damage, airbags, or any other relevant evidence
- Never admit fault, even when checking on other drivers
- Make sure to obtain information about all drivers involved, including insurance information, names, and contact information. Most of the time, police will assist in the exchange of this information
Anyone involved in an intoxicated driving car wreck should contact an experienced lawyer in Southlake to discuss their options.
Liability After a Southlake Drunk Driving Accident
Like many other states, Texas follows a tort-based, or “fault-based,” insurance model for car accident insurance claims, meaning that every driver on the road is responsible for their own actions. Still, insurance companies sometimes treat claimants unfairly.
Many people in Southlake who get hurt in a drunk driving car crash want to know how to go about making the reckless driver pay for their rising medical bills or lost wages if they are unable to work due to their injuries; however, the injured driver must first prove that the drunk motorist caused the auto accident. In other words, if the drunk driver did not cause the car wreck, they are not liable for damages.
Fortunately, a legal representative could conduct a thorough investigation of the vehicle accident to prove the drunk driver is responsible. An investigation could include gathering data from a vehicle’s electronic crash recorder or searching for traffic cameras and surveillance from local businesses. In limited cases, Texas dram shop laws may provide additional sources of monetary compensation to injured drivers—for example, when the at-fault driver was drinking to excess in a local establishment.
Ask a Southlake Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer
When you are hurt in a drunk driving car accident in Southlake, you will likely face a long physical recovery. With the help of a lawyer, you could collect fair compensation to help you pay for your medical costs and other losses you experienced in the wreck.
Since the law allows no more than two years to file a claim after a drunk driving car crash, you should begin working with an experienced attorney immediately. Call today to learn more about your options for financial recovery.