DUI ACCIDENTS - DUI ACCIDENTS GALVESTON ISLAND

Galveston Island Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Drunk driving in the United States comes with severe consequences. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that drunk driving crashes cause more than 10,000 fatalities per year. Drunk driving harms the lives of everyone involved far beyond the initial results of some fatal car accidents. When people drive drunk, they are subject to legal consequences, as well as legal action from anyone who suffered injuries because of their negligence.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an accident with a drunk driver, a Galveston Island drunk driving accident lawyer from West & West, can help you fight for justice and compensation. Work with our team to support your recovery during this time of stress and uncertainty. Call us now at 713-222-9378 for a free consultation about your case.

About Drunk Driving Accidents

In the United States, fatal drunk driving accidents have declined overall, but they still happen at alarming rates. According to the NHTSA, one person dies every 52 minutes from drunk-driving crashes, and 10,142 people died from drunk driving accidents in 2019, and over 1,000 died in Texas alone. The cost of drunk driving accidents is more than just economic. Lost lives, permanent injuries, and long-term emotional trauma are all realistic consequences from a drunk driving accident.

Galveston Island Drunk Driving Legal Procedures

Law enforcement receives training to recognize and mediate situations with drunk drivers. Victims who can recall the details of the accident will help build a solid case against the drunk driver in both criminal and civil court. A thorough police report that supports the victim’s recollection of the accident will go a long way toward holding negligent drunk drivers accountable for their actions.

A blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more is a definitive standard for legal intoxication and the criminal charges that come with it. Police officers can investigate anyone operating a vehicle with a drive train, motorized or not, meaning that intoxicated people operating boats, riding lawn mowers, mopeds, scooters, and bicycles are subject to field sobriety tests.

To stop a driver and perform a field sobriety or breathalyzer test, officers only need to have reasonable suspicion of intoxicated driving. They can make this determination from negligent driving behaviors such as swerving between lanes, failure to yield, or failure to signal a turn.

After an accident, an officer can only confirm the level of intoxication through chemical analysis of the driver’s BAC through a breathalyzer, urine analysis, or blood test.

Consequences and Liability in Galveston Island Drunk Driving Accidents

Law enforcement can file criminal charges against people caught driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances, such as prescription drugs or marijuana. The charges will vary depending on the severity of the accident and the unique circumstances. If the drunk driver killed someone or caused significant injuries, the criminal charges will likely be more severe.

First-time offenders may face expensive fines and legal fees, while repeat offenders may have their driver’s licenses revoked, receive jail time, and much more. It is important to remember that despite the charges from state attorneys, you could still sue for compensation after the accident. A drunk driving accident lawyer can help you decide the best course of action as you determine your best recovery options.

When it comes to drunk driving accidents, liability nearly always rests entirely on the driver who chose to get behind the wheel with an unsafe amount of alcohol in their system. However, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III), bartenders and other servers (both commercial and private) also could have liability for your injuries.

Forty-two states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws or established case law to make commercial sellers (e.g., bars and restaurants) liable for the damages caused by drunk drivers they served, while 38 states make social hosts legally responsible if they overserve their guests.

While liability for drunk driving accident damages usually falls on the irresponsible driver, vendors, or hosts responsible for serving liquor can face fines and consequences when a patron causes an accident.

Texas enacted the Dram Shop Act on June 1, 1987. The Dram Shop Act refers to the law governing the civil liability of a provider who sells/serves/provides alcohol beverages; including, but not limited to licensees or permitees. Civil liability allows a person(s) who is injured or suffers property damage to sue the provider in civil court.

This means that Galveston Island providers are liable for action of their employees, customers, members or guests who are or become intoxicated and cause injury to themselves or a third party. 

Galveston Island establishments can be held liable in civil court when an employee sells/serves/provides alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person, who presents a clear danger to him/herself or others, and who subsequently causes injury or damage.

Each state’s laws and procedures vary, so speaking with a drunk driving accident lawyer might make sense as you consider your recovery options. Call West & West, today to discuss your case for free with a team member.

Legal Options for Galveston Island Drunk Driving Victims

As a victim of a drunk driving accident, you can seek legal representation to help recover compensation for your medical expenses, repair bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you experienced. A Galveston Island drunk driving accident lawyer can handle your case every step of the way, making sure of the following:

• Your case gets a complete investigation.
• Your needs for a full recovery get calculated.
• Your perspective as an accident victim gets conveyed to the liable parties.
• Consideration of all recovery options occurs. For example, commercial drivers on the job could open avenues of compensation not available from private citizens.
• All necessary documentation gets filed on time in the civil court system.

The team at West & West, prioritizes the previous steps when they take on your case. Our Galveston Island DUI accident lawyers understand that the statutes of limitations in Texas are only two years, and that time is of the essence. The sooner our DWI accident lawyers begin working on your case, the faster they can get started with their investigation. Together, you can formulate a legal strategy to pursue your fight for justice and compensation.

Hold Irresponsible Galveston Island Drunk Drivers Accountable for Their Actions

Galveston Island drunk driving is reckless behavior that continues to happen despite the legal consequences for such conduct. You do not have to handle the aftermath of a drunk driving accident alone. If you or a loved one suffered injuries because an intoxicated driver collided with you, the drunk driving accident lawyers at West & West, can work with you to determine whether a personal injury lawsuit fits your recovery needs.

Working with an attorney cannot undo the harm you suffered, but it can help you avoid becoming yet another tragic statistic from a drunk driving accident.

Call West & West, today at 713-222-9378 for a free case review with a team member.