Roughly 36.8 percent of all deadly accidents stem from drunk driving in Texas. That is more than 10,000 fatalities every year. While it is no secret that drinking and driving is dangerous, citizens in Austin understand the risks, and every student is told never to drink and drive, the unfortunate truth is that people still make the mistake of getting behind the wheel while they are intoxicated. If you have been harmed in a drunk driving accident, you have the right to pursue justice for the injuries and losses you have suffered. To ensure you are able to build a strong case, contact our team of Texas drunk driving accident lawyers to learn more about how our legal team can help.
Our Austin drunk driving accident lawyers at Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP see firsthand just how destructive drunk driving accidents can be for victims and their loved ones. The days and weeks following the accident can be overwhelming as you recover and try to understand what your legal options are. However, when you work with our team of trusted attorneys, we will ensure you are able to get through the process of filing your claim with as little stress as possible as we guide you through each step. Contact us today to begin the process of pursuing the fair compensation you are owed for your Texas drunk driving accident.
Common Excuses for Drunk Driving
Drivers give a lot of excuses for why they may have made the negligent choice to get behind the wheel of their motor vehicle while they were drunk. While some may say they did not realize they were over the legal limit, others may say they did not think it was a big deal since they only had a short distance to drive. Some of the most common excuses that police hear for why a negligent driver chooses to drive drunk include the following:
- Those under the influence could not find their way home without the in-car GPS, so they decided to drive.
- Drivers had to get to work and claimed they would be fired if they did not show up or were late, so they went even though they were intoxicated.
- Some drivers claimed that they drank beer rather than liquor, specifically so they would be safe to drive. Any alcohol can put someone far over the legal limit, but people often make unsafe assumptions.
- Drivers wanted to avoid parking tickets. They drove to the bar while sober, realized they would get a ticket or get towed if they took a cab home, and decided to take the risk.
These are just a few examples, but they demonstrate how this mindset contributes to the continuation of such a dangerous activity. If you were involved in an accident due to a drunk driver, contact our experienced drunk driving accident lawyers in Austin for legal representation.
Understanding the Legal Consequences of Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is illegal, and drivers can face criminal charges, fines, and jail time if they commit this crime. Even a first-time offense could lead to $2,000 in fines, 180 days behind bars, and a year-long license suspension. Whether a criminal conviction is made or not, the alleged drunk driver may still be held liable in civil court for causing injuries or death to victims in cases where a serious accident occurred. Remember, even drivers who do not do something illegal are liable if they were negligent.
Though a criminal conviction can help establish fault and liability, they may still be found liable without a conviction. Either way, victims may seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. It is also important to remember that the bar that over-served the driver may have a degree of liability. This can also apply to social hosts, such as homeowners, and restaurants. Those who are clearly intoxicated should not be served to the point that they represent a clear danger to the general public.
How to Prove Liability in a Texas Drunk Driving Accident
Whether or not the drunk driver in your case is convicted of a crime, you can still hold them liable for their negligent actions that led to the losses you have suffered. To prove liability in a drunk driving accident claim, your lawyer will collect evidence of the four elements of negligence.
These elements are as follows:
- The drunk driver owed you a duty of care
- The duty of care was breached by the drunk driver
- The breach of duty led to the drunk driving accident and your subsequent injuries
- You suffered losses as a result of their negligent actions
Your lawyer will help you collect this evidence by launching a full investigation into the details of what occurred.
Defending Your Rights After An Accident With A Drunk Driver
You have the right to be safe on Austin’s roads, and drunk drivers infringe on that right. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one due to a drunk driving accident, we bring nearly 60 years of experience to your side, along with a commitment to honesty, integrity, and excellence.
When you work with our team of trusted drunk driving accident lawyers, we will help you recover the fair compensation you are owed. The damages you may be eligible to recover include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earring potential
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
When filing your claim, the insurance adjuster may try to get you to accept a lowball offer. However, when you work with our team of experienced Texas attorneys, we will negotiate for the fair compensation you are owed for the losses you have suffered. Contact our law firm today to begin the process of filing your drunk driving accident claim.
Hit By A Drunk Driver? Call Our Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys in Austin Today
Being harmed in a drunk driving accident can leave victims feeling unsure of what their next steps should be when it comes to their legal options. When you work with our team of Texas attorneys, we will ensure you are able to focus on your recovery while we work to build a strong drunk driving accident case and help you get the justice you are owed.
To learn more about your rights after a drunk driving accident or to set up a free consultation with an experienced Austin car accident attorney at Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP, please call us at (512) 866-6734 or contact us online.
