Despite countless “Don’t Drink and Drive” campaigns, drunk driving remains a major cause of auto accidents in Pasadena, Texas.
The Driving Under the Influence (DUI) law does not only apply to the consumption of alcohol. DUIs also include the use of drugs that can impair your driving abilities. Even prescription, illegal, and over-the-counter drugs can have effects similar to those of alcohol. While their effects cannot be measured in terms of hard and fast percentages or blood concentrations, behavior that results in a reduced ability to reason, stay alert or fully control muscle movements can be used to build a claim in the event of a drunk driving accident.
Drunk drivers should be held accountable for all the losses, injuries, fatalities, and death that they cause while driving in an impaired state. Fortunately, our expert drunk driving accident legal team in Pasadena, TX is ready to help in your case.
After a drunk driving accident, Pasadena prosecutors will immediately start preparing a criminal case against the drunk driver who caused injuries or wrongful death to your loved one. This leads to an obvious question: why would anyone need to hire a drunk driving attorney?
There is a simple answer to this: although a criminal case will be initiated to punish the drunk driver and most probably put him/her in jail, it will not pay for the emotional damages, lost wages, and medical bills you incur as a result of the accident. The only way to recover full financial compensation from the drunk driver is through filing a personal injury claim.
Cases that involve drunk driving are unique. Like any other car accident case, you can recover financial compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, income loss, and car or property damage. The difference is that, unlike other car accidents, a jury or judge may also award you punitive damages if the drunk driver had a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) over .08. Should the drunk driving accident result in death, the driver can be charged with a felony and face imprisonment of up to 15 years.
Punitive damages are used to punish the drunk driver for his or her reckless actions. These damages can also increase the financial compensation you receive.
In most cases, insurance adjusters will try hurrying you into settling once a drunk driver they have insured has harmed you in an accident. They will try to get you to say things that can destroy your chances of filing or winning a claim for damages. Adjusters do this to quickly settle your injury case because they know that Texas law allows for recovery of punitive damages in the event of a car accident involving a drunk or intoxicated driver.
Normally, Code section 41.008 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies limits how much a Pasadena, Texas jury or judge can award a victim in an accident claim. Nevertheless, if your lawyer can prove that a drunk driver was responsible for intoxication manslaughter (section 49.08) or intoxication assault (section 49.09) of the Texas penal code, the punitive damages limits do not apply.
Our seasoned Pasadena, TX drunk driving accident attorneys have extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with drunk driving cases and will ensure that you are not exploited or coerced to testify against yourself. Before speaking to any insurance company representatives, it is best that you consult a Pasadena drunk driving lawyer
In case you went to jail or received a ticket but you are truly convinced that your drinking did not have anything to do with a subsequent accident, there is a way out. For example, if you were rear-ended after being stopped at a red light, you should fight for justice and win your DUI or DWI charge. Our Pasadena, TX drunk driving accident attorneys have the skills and expertise it takes to help you extract yourself from such a situation.
However, if you feel that you have a drinking problem, you should start by seeking help. There are many Alcoholics Anonymous groups in Pasadena who will help you “kick the habit.”
Get started with a free consultation from our skilled and experienced drunk driving attorneys. With a winning track record, our team works with clients to build a solid case and work towards winning your maximum legal compensation. The sooner you file your claim, the higher the chances of success are, so call us today at (713) 677-2159.