Waco Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you need a dedicated legal advocate on your side to help you navigate the complexities of your case and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact Craft Law firm to arrange a free consultation with our Waco car accident attorneys today.
Who is Liable in a Waco Drunk Driving Accident?
In Texas, liability in a drunk driving accident typically falls on the intoxicated driver who caused the collision. Under Texas law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. If a driver is found to be operating a vehicle while intoxicated and causes an accident, they can be held liable for any injuries or damages resulting from the crash.
Additionally, Texas follows the principle of “dram shop” liability, which means that establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons may also be held responsible for injuries if that person subsequently causes an accident. In some cases, other parties such as vehicle owners or employers may also be held liable if they allowed an intoxicated individual to use their vehicle or perform job duties while under the influence. Ultimately, liability in a Waco drunk driving accident will depend on the specific circumstances of the case.
Types of Compensation Available in a Waco Drunk Driving Accident Claim
In a Waco drunk driving accident claim, victims may be entitled to various types of compensation to address their losses and damages. Here are some common types available:
- Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for medical costs incurred due to injuries sustained in the accident. This includes hospital bills, surgeries, doctor visits, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and any future medical expenses related to the injuries.
- Lost Wages: If injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and income. This includes compensation for missed work days, reduced work hours, and any loss of earning capacity caused by the injuries.
- Property Damage: Compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident, such as personal belongings.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and your injuries. This type of compensation aims to address the non-economic harm you have suffered, such as anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If a loved one is killed in a drunk driving accident, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
In some drunk driving accident cases, victims are awarded punitive damages in addition to the above types of compensation. Punitive damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar misconduct in the future.
How Common are Drunk Driving Accidents in Texas?
In 2022, 1,162 individuals lost their lives in drunk driving accidents in Texas, marking a 2% rise from the previous year. This statistic translates to an average of three fatalities each day throughout the year. In a recent report by ForbesAdvisor, Texas emerged as the third-worst state for drunk driving in 2023. A staggering 42.37% of all traffic deaths in Texas are attributed to drunk driving. Furthermore, Texas ranked third for the highest rate of underage drunk drivers involved in fatal car crashes, with 0.94 incidents per 100,000 licensed drivers.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and help you take the first steps towards securing the compensation you deserve.