Seeking Justice: Car Accident With A Drunk Driver in Texas

A car accident with a drunk driver has devastating effects, leaving victims and their families in despair. And to address the consequences of drunk driving, Texas has strict laws and legal measures in place.

Because driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous, posing risks to both intoxicated drivers and innocent individuals on the road.

DUI Crime, Penalties, and Fatalities From An Accident With A Drunk Driver

In Texas, drunk driving accidents often lead to fatalities. In 2020, 26% of all traffic fatalities in the state were due to alcohol intoxication. And according to The Texas Department of Transportation, there were reports of over 23,000 crashes that year due to alcohol intoxication, resulting in approximately 1,300 fatalities and countless injuries. This means someone dies in an accident due to a drunk driver in Texas approximately every two hours.

In fact, drunk driving is a serious criminal offense in Texas, and penalties depend on the circumstances and prior convictions.

And operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.08% is a criminal offense. This offense is known as Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).

Also, the penalties can include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, probation, and imprisonment.

Intoxication Manslaughter, a felony offense, carries a prison term of up to 20 years, along with substantial fines.

Comparative Analysis: An Accident With A Drunk Driver in Cities and States

An accident with a drunk driver has specific DUI rates for each city which may not be easy to obtain. However, cities with larger populations, like Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas, often have a higher number of drunk driving incidents. This is likely due to factors like nightlife and transportation infrastructure.

Also, police departments and county sheriff’s offices often report higher numbers of DUI cases in these cities.

And even states like California, Florida, and North Carolina have high rates of drunk driving accidents and fatalities. This is largely due to population density, transportation, culture, and law enforcement.

Reporting An Accident With A Drunk Driver

An accident with a drunk driver is preventable. And the safety of other drivers on the road and the prevention of potential accidents and vehicular manslaughter depend on the reporting of suspicions of drunk driving incidents.

And if you witness a driver displaying signs of impairment, it is important to take immediate action. Here’s how to report drunk driving in Texas:

• Gather information safely. Write down the make, model, and license plate number of the vehicle. Include any other information that can help you locate and identify the vehicle.
• Call the authorities: Dial 911 or the local non-emergency police line to report the incident. Provide a collection of information and a clear description of the vehicle’s location and direction of travel.
• Provide accurate descriptions: Inform the dispatcher of your observation about the erratic driving behavior that gave you the suspicion of drunk driving. Prepare a description of any dangerous actions or violations you were seeing.
• Follow instructions: The dispatcher may ask for additional details or instruct you on how to proceed. Cooperate with their instructions to ensure a swift and appropriate response from law enforcement.

Also, inform authorities of potential drunk driving incidents in oncoming traffic. This helps to protect others and promote safe driving habits. It also prevents others from charging them with DUI.

But in Texas, initiatives have been put in place to prevent drunk driving and DUI crashes. These initiatives include public awareness campaigns and strict law enforcement.

Educating the Public

In fact, it is also crucial to educate the public about the dangers and consequences of losing control in driving under the influence and charging them with manslaughter.

By promoting responsible behavior through an informative education campaign that will be shared on Facebook, photos to be shared on Pinterest, advocating for designated lawyers for drunk driving incidents shared on LinkedIn, and supporting local programs that prevent impaired driving, we can reduce the number of deaths caused by drunk driving accidents.

Navigating Insurance Coverage for An Accident With A Drunk Driver

Insurance may not be enough to pay for all the damage due to a drunk driving accident. The insurance company might say no or give less money if the person who was the reason for the accident was drunk.

This can be harder when the person doesn’t have enough insurance. Also, if the drunk driver is found guilty, they could lose their license, have to pay money, and need special insurance known as “SR-22”.

SR-22 insurance is a special type of high-risk coverage necessary to reinstate driving privileges and demonstrate financial responsibility.

Navigating insurance coverage after a drunk driving accident can be complex. It is wise to consult a knowledgeable personal injury attorney for advice. They can provide guidance and help you assert your rights, pursue fair compensation, and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Suing a Drunk Driver

If you or someone close to you has been hurt in a car accident due to a drunk driver, you may be able to seek financial compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit.

And evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and a collection of medical records is a must to prove the driver’s fault and intoxication during the fatal crash accident. 

In fact, this is a vital document to help cover medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and property damage.

Consulting with a competent personal injury attorney who specializes in drunk driving accidents can greatly assist you throughout the legal process.

Role of a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Obtaining legal counsel from a competent Texas drunk driving accident lawyer is crucial after being in an accident with a drunk driver.

In fact, these professionals specialize in handling cases like drunk driving accidents and can provide valuable assistance throughout the legal process.

And they offer legal guidance, conduct investigations, build strong cases, negotiate with insurance companies, and provide representation in court. Seeking the help of a skillful attorney ensures the protection of your rights and increases your chances of obtaining fair compensation.

Nevertheless, it’s important to seek justice after a drunk driving accident in Texas. This can be hard, but it’s necessary for the victims and their families.

Remember, don’t drink and drive for the safety of yourself and others.