Drunk driving accidents continue to be a threat on Texas highways despite increased awareness about the danger of drinking and driving, as well as stricter laws and criminal penalties for DUI and DWI.
According to Texas Department of Transportation statistics for 2011, more than 1,000 fatal car accidents on Texas roads involved at least one driver under the influence of alcohol. This represents more than 34% of all people killed in motor vehicle accidents in Texas over the course of the year. Causing the death of a person while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a crime known as Intoxication Manslaughter and is punishable by jail time in the State of Texas.Serious injuries due to drunk driving accidents can cause permanent injuries and tremendous suffering. If you’ve suffered serious,life-changing injuries due to the reckless actions of a drunk driver you are entitled to be compensated.
Although a drunk driving accident case may seem cut and dry, the reality is that these types of personal injury cases require specialized investigation. Brent Cordell leads has the experience, tools and resources to undertake the full and complete investigation necessary to pursue your interests effectively.
Texas personal injury law permits the injured or the families of those killed by a drunk driver to file lawsuits to recover monetary compensation and damages. Brent Cordell helps victims obtain reimbursement for their injuries, medical expenses and lost income after a drunk driver collision.
Compensation for a drunk driving accident can include monetary damages for medical bills, earnings lost as a result of not being able to work, pain and suffering and other expenses related to your accident.
One problem in many drunk driving accident cases is a lack of proper insurance – the irresponsible driver either lacks enough coverage or has no automobile insurance whatsoever. This means that your attorney must pursue other avenues of recovery on your behalf, including negligent employers who over serve employees at work functions or bars and restaurants that serve alcoholic beverages to already intoxicated patrons. The Dram Shop Act refers to a Texas state law that outlines the responsibility that servers of alcohol for serving alcohol to an already intoxicated patron. Businesses that serve alcohol can avoid some responsibility by requiring all of their employees to receive a two-hour training course from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission on alcohol serving and awareness, known as the “Safe Harbor”provision. If the serving establishment has complied with the requirements of the “Safe Harbor” provision, then the bar or club may only be held liable of it is shown that the establishment directly or indirectly encouraged violation of the Dram Shop Act.
As you can imagine, evidence that proves a serving establishment encouraged a violation of the act can be difficult to come by. The more time that passes, the harder it may be to find this information.
While you focus on getting better, we will do everything possible to help make you whole again. In drunk driving cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the driver and deter them from repeating the behavior.
