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Trusted Content If you or a loved one has been the victim of a drunk driving accident in Dallas, whether in the Deep Ellum district, Uptown area, or Lower Greenville, you need a skilled and dedicated Dallas drunk driving lawyer on your side.
At DFW Injury Lawyers, we understand the devastating impact that a drunk driving incident can have on your life, leading to serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost income. Our compassionate team is here to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Key Takeaways
- Legal Support: We offer experienced, compassionate legal support for drunk driving victims in Dallas.
- Dual Legal Processes: Understand personal injury claims vs. criminal DWI charges for comprehensive legal strategy.
- Multiple Liable Parties: Various entities can be held accountable, including drunk drivers, employers, and establishments serving alcohol.
- Compensation and Deadlines: Victims may seek compensation for various damages, but there’s a strict two-year deadline to file a lawsuit.
Why Choose DFW Injury Lawyers for Your Dallas Drunk Driving Accident Claim?
When you choose DFW Injury Lawyers to handle your Dallas drunk driving accident claim, you benefit from our extensive experience, compassionate approach, and unwavering commitment to fighting for your rights.
Our team has a proven track record of success in representing clients who have been victims of drunk driving accidents, securing substantial settlements and verdicts on their behalf.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a drunk driving accident can take on your life. That’s why we provide personalized attention and support throughout the legal process, ensuring that you feel heard and valued every step of the way.
Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations, gather crucial evidence, and work with expert witnesses to build a strong case on your behalf.
We are not afraid to take on insurance companies and at-fault parties who attempt to minimize your claim or deny your rights. Our skilled negotiators and litigators are ready to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve, whether through settlement or in court.
With our contingency fee structure, you pay no upfront costs or fees, allowing you to pursue your claim without added financial stress.
Choose DFW Injury Lawyers for your Dallas drunk driving accident claim, and let our dedicated team fight for your rights and help you on the path to recovery. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Personal Injury Claims vs. Criminal DWI Charges
When a drunk driving accident occurs, there are two separate legal processes that may take place: personal injury claims and criminal DWI charges.
Personal Injury Claims
Personal injury claims are civil lawsuits filed by the victim (plaintiff) against the drunk driver (defendant) to seek compensation for damages caused by the accident. These damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. The purpose of a personal injury claim is to hold the drunk driver financially responsible for the harm they have caused.
To succeed in a personal injury claim, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s negligence or reckless behavior (in this case, driving under the influence) directly caused the accident and the resulting damages. The burden of proof in civil cases is lower than in criminal cases, requiring a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not) rather than beyond a reasonable doubt.
Criminal DWI or DUI Charges
In Texas, drunk driving is typically referred to as DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). Criminal DWI charges are brought by the state against the drunk driver for violating the law. The purpose of criminal charges is to punish the offender and deter future drunk driving incidents.
In a criminal DWI case, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the driver was operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If convicted, the drunk driver may face penalties such as fines, jail time, license suspension, and mandatory substance abuse treatment.
Relationship Between the Two
You can still file a drunk driving accident claim against someone who was not convicted of DWI. This is because personal injury claims and criminal DWI charges are two separate legal processes with different standards of proof.
In a criminal DWI case, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the driver was operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If there is insufficient evidence to meet this high burden of proof, the driver may not be convicted of DWI, even if they were indeed intoxicated at the time of the accident.
However, in a personal injury claim, the burden of proof is lower. The plaintiff must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant’s actions (driving while intoxicated) directly caused the accident and the resulting damages. This means that even if the state did not criminally convict the driver of a DWI, enough evidence may support a successful personal injury claim.
Who Can I Sue in a Dallas Drunk Driving Accident Case?
In a Dallas drunk driving case, there may be multiple parties who can be held liable for the damages and injuries caused by the accident. The primary parties you can sue include:
The Drunk Driver
The most obvious party to sue is the drunk driver who caused the accident. They can be held liable for their negligent and reckless behavior, which directly led to the crash and the resulting damages.
The Driver’s Employer
If the drunk driver operated a vehicle as part of their job duties (e.g., a delivery driver or taxi driver), you can hold their employer liable for the actions of their employees while they are on the job.
The Owner of the Vehicle
If the drunk driver was not the owner of the vehicle they were operating at the time of the accident, you can hold the vehicle’s owner liable under the negligent entrustment doctrine. This applies if the owner knew or should have known that the driver was unfit to operate the vehicle safely, such as having a history of drunk driving.
Bars or Restaurants
In some cases, a bar, restaurant, or similar establishment that served alcohol to the drunk driver may be held liable under “dram shop” laws. These laws hold establishments or individuals responsible if they continue to serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later causes an accident.
Government Entities
In rare cases, you can hold a government entity liable if poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals caused the drunk driving accident.
What Compensation is Available in a Dallas Drunk Driving Accident Claim?
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a drunk driving accident in Dallas, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation for the damages and losses you have suffered.
A skilled Dallas drunk driving lawyer can help you pursue compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for all medical bills related to the injuries sustained in the accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical expenses.
- Lost Income: If your injuries have caused you to miss work or lose earning capacity, you can claim compensation for lost wages, bonuses, and benefits. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your future earning potential, you may also be entitled to compensation for loss of future income.
- Pain and Suffering: Drunk driving accidents often result in significant physical pain and emotional distress. You can seek compensation for the non-economic damages you have endured, such as pain, suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property Damage: If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the accident, you can seek compensation for repair or replacement costs.
- Wrongful Death: If you have lost a loved one due to a drunk driving accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This allows you to seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
The specific compensation available in your Dallas drunk driving claim will depend on the unique circumstances of your case, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your damages, and the available insurance coverage.
An experienced Dallas drunk driving lawyer can help you assess the full value of your claim and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit in Dallas?
Yes, there is a deadline for filing a drunk driving accident lawsuit in Dallas, known as the statute of limitations. In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including those involving drunk driving accidents, is two years from the accident.
This means that you have two years from the date of your drunk driving accident to file a lawsuit against the liable parties. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this two-year window, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your damages and injuries.
However, some rare exceptions to this rule may extend or shorten the deadline, so it’s crucial to consult with a knowledgeable Dallas drunk driving lawyer as soon as possible after your accident to ensure that you meet all applicable deadlines and preserve your right to seek compensation. Your attorney can also help you navigate any exceptions to the statute of limitations that may apply to your case.
Remember that while you have two years to file a lawsuit, starting the legal process much sooner is generally advisable. This allows your attorney ample time to investigate your claim, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. Additionally, waiting too long to take action can make locating witnesses and preserving critical evidence needed to support your claim more difficult.
How Can a Lawyer Help with My Dallas Drunk Driving Accident Case?
At DFW Injury Lawyers, our experienced attorneys can provide invaluable assistance with your Dallas drunk driving case. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you may be facing in the aftermath of a drunk driving accident, and we are dedicated to helping you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Here are some key ways our lawyers can help with your case:
Investigating Your Claim
We will thoroughly investigate your drunk driving accident, gathering essential evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and toxicology reports. This evidence will help us build a strong case on your behalf and demonstrate the drunk driver’s liability for your damages.
Identifying Liable Parties
Our attorneys will work to identify all parties who may be held liable for your damages, including the drunk driver, their employer (if applicable), the vehicle owner, and any establishments that may have overserved the driver. By holding all responsible parties accountable, we can help you maximize your potential compensation.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Our skilled negotiators will handle all communication with the insurance companies involved and fight to secure a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your losses.
Representing You in Court
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, our experienced litigators are prepared to take your case to trial. We will present a compelling case before a judge and jury, arguing for the maximum compensation you are entitled to under the law.
Providing Personalized Support
We understand that recovering from a drunk driving accident can be a challenging and emotional process. Our compassionate team will provide personalized support and guidance throughout your case, keeping you informed of any developments and answering any questions you may have.
Working on a Contingency Fee Basis
We believe that everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs or fees. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you.
The legal muscle you need to win
Contact the Dallas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers at DFW Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a drunk driving accident in Dallas, you may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and unsure of where to turn for help. At DFW Injury Lawyers, we understand the challenges you are facing, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Our experienced Dallas personal injury lawyers have a proven track record of success in handling complex drunk driving accident cases. We will thoroughly investigate your claim, identify all liable parties, and fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
You don’t have to face this challenging time alone. Let DFW Injury Lawyers be your advocate and fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today at (972) 440-2320 or through our online form for your free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs or fees unless we win your case.
DFW Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
1341 W Mockingbird Ln #580w,
Dallas, TX 75247
888-231-1341
