Suing Drunk Drivers in Texas

Posted in Car Accidents,Distracted Driving,Driving Safety,Drunk Driving Accident Victims on March 22, 2016

Drunk driving is a very serious crime that can result in D.U.I., accidents and even death. If you have been injured or if someone your love has died as a result of a drunk driving accident, you have the right to seek damages for your losses.

Under Texas law, drunk drivers can be criminally prosecuted. Drivers caught operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol can face jail time, fines and have their driving privileges suspended. The state will chose to prosecute drunk drivers who cause an accident. The severity of their punishment is determined by whether or not injury or death were a result of the crash.

If a drunk driver injures a pedestrian or motorist they could face intoxication assault which can boast a lengthy 10 year prison sentence. Drunk drivers who cause an accident in which the victim dies could spend up to 20 years in prison for vehicular manslaughter or other charges.

Suing A Drunk Driver

However, these criminal charges will do little to help the victim, other than ensuring that a drunk driver has been taken off the road. Victims of a drunk driving accident can pursue civil action; whether you have been injured or had your property damaged as a result. Victims have the right to be compensated for their losses.

Losses can include hospital bills, expense of ongoing medical care, repair or replacement of damaged property, physical therapy, mental therapy, lost wages and loss of life.

As the victim of drunk driving accident or the family member of someone killed in a car crash, you can sue the drunk driver to recover these losses. Texas has the Dram Shop Act, which states that victims of drunk driving accidents can even sue the bar or restaurant who served the drunk driver for partial compensation.

There is no way to get back a lost loved one but is important that the victim’s family does not have to bear the financial burden of funeral and medical costs in the midst of a tragedy.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a drunk driving accident, give us a call and our team of experts will help in anyway we can.