Texas has consistently ranked among the highest states in the country for drunk driving accidents and fatalities. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, a person in Texas dies every nine hours and six minutes in a DUI-alcohol-related traffic crash. Last year, 963 people in Texas were killed and 2,114 seriously injured because someone chose to get behind the wheel while impaired.
At the Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Houston drunk driving accident and injury attorneys represent injured individuals and families who have lost their loved ones in these entirely preventable crashes so that they can seek more than compensation for their damages but justice.
Here, our Harris County personal injury attorneys explain the dangers of drunk driving and how we can help when Texas residents’ lives are catastrophically impacted during these crashes.
Understanding the Dangers of Drunk Driving in Texas Can Help Bring Awareness to the Crucial Issue
Drunk driving in Texas is a significant danger that poses a severe risk to everyone on the road. When a driver is under the influence of alcohol, their ability to operate a vehicle safely is drastically impaired. Alcohol affects critical functions like reaction time, judgment, coordination, and vision, making it much harder for a driver to respond to traffic signals, pedestrians, and other vehicles. This impairment leads to an increased likelihood of accidents, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.
The large number of highways and rural roads in Texas adds to the danger, as drunk drivers may travel long distances at high speeds, increasing the potential for catastrophic accidents. Drunk driving is particularly hazardous at night when visibility is already reduced, and the effects of alcohol further diminish a driver’s ability to make safe decisions.
The consequences of these accidents are devastating. Victims of drunk driving crashes often suffer from life-altering injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. In many cases, these accidents are fatal, leaving families to deal with the immense loss of a loved one. Beyond the physical harm, there are also significant emotional and financial impacts, including the costs of medical treatment, loss of income, and the long-term psychological effects of trauma.
What Legal Recourse Do Texas Drunk Driving Accident Victims Have?
Victims of drunk driving accidents in Texas have several legal recourses available to seek compensation and hold the responsible parties accountable.
They include:
- Personal Injury Claims
Victims can file a personal injury claim against the drunk driver to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.
In these cases, the victim must prove that the driver’s intoxication directly caused the accident and their injuries. Police reports, witness statements, and medical records are crucial in building a solid case.
- Dram Shop Claims
Texas law allows victims to pursue a dram shop claim against establishments that overserved alcohol to an intoxicated person who then caused an accident. Bars, restaurants, and other alcohol-serving venues can be held liable if it can be proven that they continued to serve the driver despite visible signs of intoxication.
- Wrongful Death Claims
If a drunk driving accident results in the death of a loved one, the victim’s family can file a wrongful death claim. This type of lawsuit seeks compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, emotional distress, and the financial support the deceased would have provided.
Holding drunk drivers accountable is essential for ensuring justice for victims, deterring future offenses, and promoting overall road safety. When drunk drivers are held legally and financially responsible for the harm they cause, it sends a strong message that such reckless behavior will not be tolerated. This accountability not only provides victims and their families with the compensation they need to recover from physical, emotional, and financial damages but also serves as a powerful deterrent to others who might consider driving under the influence.
Contact Our Lawyer at Hollingsworth Law Firm Today
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident in Texas, contact our dedicated Houston auto accident attorneys at the Hollingsworth Law Firm today for a free case evaluation. Call 713-637-4560 or contact us online.
Our skilled bilingual personal injury lawyers and support staff represent clients throughout Texas on a contingency basis, so you never pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
If you are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve, so are we. Let us take the lead.
