If you’re involved in an accident with a drunk driver in Texas, it’s crucial to prioritize safety, document the incident thoroughly, and seek professional legal assistance to protect your rights and pursue appropriate compensation.
Immediate Steps to Take After the Accident
- Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention:
- Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and passengers for any injuries. Even minor discomfort should be taken seriously.
- Call 911: Report the accident immediately, especially if injuries are present or if the other driver appears intoxicated.
- Move to a Safe Location: If possible, relocate vehicles out of traffic to prevent further incidents.
- Accept Medical Evaluation: Allow paramedics to examine you on-site and consider a follow-up with a healthcare provider to identify any latent injuries.
- Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and passengers for any injuries. Even minor discomfort should be taken seriously.
- Document the Scene and Gather Evidence:
- Photograph Everything: Capture images of vehicle damages, license plates, the overall accident scene, any visible injuries, and environmental conditions.
- Collect Driver Information: Obtain the other driver’s name, contact details, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information.
- Identify Witnesses: Secure names and contact information of any bystanders who witnessed the accident.
- Note Signs of Intoxication: Record observations such as slurred speech, unsteady movements, or the smell of alcohol, which may indicate the driver’s impairment.
- Photograph Everything: Capture images of vehicle damages, license plates, the overall accident scene, any visible injuries, and environmental conditions.
- Cooperate with Law Enforcement:
- Provide an Accurate Statement: Share factual information with the responding officers without speculating or admitting fault.
- Observe Sobriety Testing: If the officer conducts field sobriety tests on the other driver, ensure these are documented, as they are critical for any legal proceedings.
- Provide an Accurate Statement: Share factual information with the responding officers without speculating or admitting fault.
Reporting the Accident
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurer about the accident promptly. Provide them with all collected information and adhere to their guidance on claim procedures.
- Understand Texas Insurance Protocols: Texas law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may be utilized.
Legal Considerations and Seeking Compensation
- Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Engage with a lawyer experienced in Texas drunk driving cases to navigate the complexities of your claim and to advocate on your behalf.
- Explore Dram Shop Liability: In Texas, establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals can be held liable for subsequent damages caused by those individuals. Your attorney can assess if this applies to your case.
- Pursue Comprehensive Damages: Beyond medical expenses and vehicle repairs, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages aimed at penalizing the drunk driver for their reckless behavior.
How Carew Garcia Bohuslav Law Can Assist
At Carew Garcia Bohuslav Law, we specialize in representing victims of drunk driving accidents in Texas. Our dedicated team offers:
- Transparent Communication: Keeping you informed at every stage of the legal process.
- Comprehensive Case Management: Handling all aspects of your claim, from evidence collection to negotiations with insurance companies.
- Aggressive Representation: Advocating fervently to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Take the Next Step
If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving accident, don’t navigate this challenging time alone. Contact us today for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys are here to answer your questions, evaluate your case, and guide you toward the justice and compensation you deserve.