DUI ACCIDENTS - DUI ACCIDENTS FRESNO
Fresno Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Intoxicated driving needlessly claims thousands of lives every year and is an utmost marker of driver negligence. While many states have passed stringent measures to reduce the number of drunk drivers on the road, accidents caused by inebriated drivers still occur frequently. Most states—including Texas—have an “implied consent” law in place, which means that refusal of a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test if prompted by an officer automatically subjects you to a fine and license suspension. Despite this measure, meant to discourage the public from drinking and driving, the number of drivers that are buzzed or intoxicated on the road is still substantial.
Unfortunately, victims of drunken driving often suffer very serious injuries and—in the worst cases—are killed. Drunk driving is a major catalyst for debilitating injuries and has the capacity to result in long-term emotional and physical damages for innocent victims and their families, who must now pay the price of another person’s negligence. At West & West, our impassioned Fresno drunk driving accident attorneys believe that there is no reasonable excuse to drive intoxicated and are dedicated to holding reckless drivers responsible for their actions. While the damage done by a drunken driver may seem irreparable, we aim to provide as much compensation and justice to victims and their loved ones as possible.
Why You Need a Fresno DUI accident Lawyer
If you were hurt or someone you love was injured or killed in a drunk driving accident, you are likely eligible for compensation. When a driver gets behind the wheel of a car, there is an unspoken agreement between them and every other driver on the road that they will all do their best to keep each other safe. When someone knowingly drinks and then drives, they are breaking this agreement and are responsible for any damages caused by their actions. They need to take responsibility for their mistakes, and one way to make sure this happens is through litigation.
You deserve to be compensated for your ordeal and your injuries, but you shouldn’t have to fight for this compensation alone. Hiring a Fresno drunk driving accident lawyer will allow you to focus on your recovery rather than spending all your time thinking about litigation and legal fees. Additionally, having a Fresno DUI accident lawyer represent you and help gather useful evidence to build your case will increase your chances of receiving the maximum compensation possible. Let us take on the responsibility of dealing with everything from insurance companies to the arguments we will make in court. We’ll take the weight off your shoulders, handling your case with care and attention to detail, so that you can concentrate on the healing process instead of your legal battle.
Why Choose West & West?
If you live in the Houston area, there are hundreds of personal injury attorneys to choose from. How do you know which one is right for you? You should evaluate your options based on their experience, track record, honors received, and dedication to their clients. The lawyers at West & West have been fiercely advocating for their client’s rights since 1992 in Houston and the surrounding areas.
Partner Michael West has been practicing law since he received his Juris Doctor degree in 1992 and is renowned for his successes. As a firm, we have achieved several million-dollar outcomes, and we will help you fight for every dollar you deserve to compensate for your pain and suffering, medical bills, legal fees, rehabilitation, physical therapy, lost wages, and anything else a drunk driver took from you. We know how much you have riding on your case, and we will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. We are dedicated to helping the citizens of Fresno right the wrongs that caused them harm, and we have the client satisfaction testimonials to prove it. For the attorneys at West & West, showing compassion to clients as they deal with the tragedy of injury or loss is just as important as getting them the compensation they deserve. Read what our past clients have to say about the care with which we handled their cases, as well as the successes we brought them in the courtroom.
Penalties for Drunk Driving
The criminal consequences for drunken driving depend on factors such as the offender’s past history, the presence of minors in the vehicle, BAC level, and the amount of injury caused. If an intoxicated driver ends up causing serious bodily injury to another, they can face additional felony charges for vehicular manslaughter. Penalties for drunken driving include:
- First offense: Up to a $2,000 fine; Up to 180 days in jail upon conviction with three mandatory days; Loss of driver license up to a year.
- Second offense: Up to a $4,000 fine; One month to a year in jail upon conviction; Loss of driver license up to two years.
- Third offense: A $10,000 fine; Two to 10 years in prison; Loss of driver license up to two years
In Texas, the period in which past DUI offenses are relevant stretch back from the time you become licensed to drive in the state; in other words, all prior DUIs are applicable in determining penalties for intoxicated driving.
On top of these criminal penalties, drunk drivers who hurt people can be subjected to civil lawsuits. In a civil suit, the drunk driver can be held accountable for the injuries caused by their reckless actions. As the victim of a drunk driver, it should not fall on you to pay the medical bills you were forced to accumulate throughout the course of your recovery from an accident you did not cause.
Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Fresno
Being involved in a drunk driving accident can be a traumatic and infuriating experience, especially since the accident could have been prevented. If you or a loved one was the victim of an intoxicated driver’s carelessness, the dedicated drunk driving accident lawyers at West & West can help you achieve justice by holding negligent parties responsible. While we regret that you must endure this experience, there are laws that exist to allow you to obtain restitution. Don’t hesitate to contact us at (713) 222-9378 for support in your case.
ExcellentBased on 23 reviewsJoseph James2024-03-18I just used West and West to have a will done. I was extremely impressed with the quality of service they provided. I highly recommend them, and will return for any legal issues in the future.Hea Lea2024-01-27Attorney Michael West is outstanding. He fights hard for his clients and he gets the job done. If you have a personal injury claim you can count on him to get you the money you deserve.Laura A2024-01-19I used West & West for my personal injury claim - a slip and fall that involved a trip to the emergency room. Michael West was able to successfully get my medical bills paid and I walked away with money in my pocket. Both Michael and his paralegal were very helpful throughout the whole process.Teresa Dupuis2024-01-11West and West did an excellent job representing our family's estate settlement during the probate process. They are skilled, up to date, and were patient with us and the beneficiaries and helped us keep everything on track during our extended process. Laura and the others were always amazing with us too.Audy Trammel2024-01-10The employees here are all extremely kind and friendly, and they explain everything in a way that's easy to understand. Mr. & Mrs. West are some of the kindest people I've ever met. If I ever need a lawyer again, I have them on speed dial.Alison Thomas2024-01-07Catherine Davis, SLP2023-12-31Nicolas Rutledge2023-12-27I hired West & West back in June when I was T-boned by another driver. Hiring West & West was the best thing I could have done. They treated me like family and not just another case in the books. Michael West is an excellent attorney. I highly recommend this law firm to anyone who has been in a car accident, or anyone seeking legal help. Amazing law firm and staff!!!Sonia Emmons2023-08-12I enjoyed dealing with a local law firm with strong roots in the community. Probating my Uncle's Will was emotional and personal, but the staff made the process easier than I ever imagined. The process was smooth and easy. The care shown by the staff is knowledgeable and caring.