Plano Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Compensation for Damages in Drunk Driving Accident Claims

In Texas, a lawsuit for drunk driving seeks to secure fair compensation for your immediate and future expenses, lost income, trauma, and emotional distress. Our specialized drunk driving accident attorney in Plano, TX, can guide you toward obtaining reparations for various kinds of damages, including:

Medical Expenses

These encompass a wide range of costs from doctor consultations, emergency transport services, medication, medical devices, to physical rehabilitation. Should you need ongoing care for injuries caused by a drunk driving incident, you are entitled to claim for expected future medical costs.

Lost Wages

In instances where a drunk driving accident has rendered you unable to work, you’re entitled to compensation for the earnings you’ve missed out on. Furthermore, if your absence from work leads to adverse outcomes like job termination, missed promotions, or reduced working hours, you may pursue legal action for these losses as well.

Pain and Suffering

Experiencing an auto accident at the hands of a drunk driver can lead to profound emotional and mental anguish, with lasting effects on you and your loved ones. It’s crucial to understand that compensation for the emotional turmoil suffered, and the impact on your life’s quality is something you’re entitled to. This includes damages for loss of companionship and the challenges that come with living with permanent scars or disfigurement.

Exemplary or Punitive Damages

We may also advocate for punitive damages on your behalf. Such damages serve to penalize the responsible party for their careless or irresponsible act of driving under the influence.

Steps to Take Following an Incident with a Drunk Driver

1. Prioritize Your Safety

If you find yourself in an accident with a drunk driver, your first step should be to ensure your well-being and that of others on the road. Immediately contact emergency services by dialing 911 to report the accident and any suspicions of drunk driving.

2. Document Everything

Take comprehensive photos of the accident scene from every possible angle. Record your version of the events, detailing the behavior of the drunk driver, and collect contact details from witnesses.

3. Address Your Medical Needs

Seek prompt medical attention for any injuries by visiting a hospital, emergency room, or consulting with your doctor. Once you’ve received medical care, consider reaching out to our specialized drunk driving accident attorneys in Plano, TX, to discuss your case.

4. Organize an Accident File

Secure copies of the police report, document any work absences, and keep track of work compensation and disability forms. Maintain detailed records of all medical visits, expenses incurred, and the impact of your injuries on your personal life and family. This comprehensive documentation will help articulate the full extent of your situation.

5. Exercise Caution with Insurance Companies

Should the at-fault driver’s insurance company contact you, refrain from making agreements without professional legal counsel. Request written offers to review with a legal expert to ensure a fair assessment and clarity of the proposals.

6. Consult with a Legal Professional

Contact JML Injury Law in Plano for a no-cost consultation to strategize the most effective approach for claiming the compensation you deserve. Bring any pertinent documentation; our personal injury team will evaluate it for negotiating leverage.

7. Prepare for Legal Proceedings

If we proceed with a lawsuit in Texas, our team will meticulously gather all necessary documentation and witness testimonies. Our goal is to prove the negligence of the intoxicated driver and, if applicable, implicate other parties under dram shop laws, while robustly contesting the defense. Ultimately, the court will decide on liability and award damages accordingly.

By acting swiftly to address your injuries and following these steps, you’ll be in a stronger position to handle the aftermath of an accident with a drunk driver. Remember, your immediate focus should be on your health and safety; everything else can be managed with the appropriate support and guidance.

The Rights of Texas Drunk Driving Victims

Under Texas law, individuals who sustain injuries due to others’ negligence or wrongdoing have specific rights. Every motorist is legally obligated to drive their vehicle safely, and driving while intoxicated breaches this duty. When such reckless behavior results in harm to others, the offending driver is considered negligent and must compensate for all consequent damages and injuries.

However, compensation for victims of drunk driving is not guaranteed automatically. Victims must actively seek the compensation they need and are entitled to for their injuries. Navigating this process can be daunting, especially when coping with the physical and emotional impacts of the incident. It is essential to seek the expertise of a competent Plano drunk driving accident attorney promptly. Our personal injury team is here to advise you on your rights as an injury victim, which include:

• The right to submit an insurance claim against the drunk driver’s auto insurance
• The right to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court

Potential Third-Party Liability in DWI Accidents

Under certain circumstances, liability for injuries sustained in a DWI accident doesn’t solely rest with the intoxicated driver. Texas laws extend accountability to alcohol providers if they serve an already intoxicated person. This can encompass:

• Bars, restaurants, and other establishments serving alcohol to individuals under 18,
• Venues that supply alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons, posing a risk of harm to themselves or others,
• Adult social hosts who serve alcohol to minors under 18.

For liability to be established, the injuries must have been a predictable outcome of the individual’s drunkenness. These “dram shop” claims might not always apply, but a skilled Plano, TX attorney specializing in drunk driving accidents can determine if additional parties can be held responsible for your damages.

Contact Our Plano Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today

Although your insurance company might offer some support following an accident with a drunk driver, it’s crucial to understand that the compensation they propose may not fully meet your needs. Incidents of this nature can result in victims facing inadequate coverage for their injuries. Moreover, even if the at-fault driver is insured, the compensation available may not suffice to cover all your medical expenses and additional costs.

At JML Injury Law, our seasoned Plano drunk driving accident attorneys are dedicated to securing the compensation you rightfully deserve for the injuries incurred from this collision. Contact us now for a complimentary consultation and to discover how we can assist you and your family through this difficult period.