Drivers are obligated to follow the rules of the road at all times. An important rule is not operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, it is an unfortunate reality that this is sometimes disregarded and people drive under the influence anyway. This is extremely dangerous and can cause life-changing injuries or even death in the event that an accident occurs as a result of this behavior. When a person is involved in an accident at the expense of a drunk driver, they can pursue legal action in order to recover compensation for their damages. This can be done with the assistance of an experienced Texas personal injury attorney.
What Should I do After a Drunk Driving Accident?
When a person is involved in a car accident with a drunk driver, the first thing that must be done is to call the necessary emergency services. This makes sure that medical attention and the police will arrive at the scene. If the driver did not flee the scene of the accident, it is important to interact with them as little as possible during this time. Instead, it can be beneficial to take pictures or video of the scene as well as speak to any witnesses in order to obtain their contact information for testimony later on. When emergency services arrive at the scene, an official police report can be drafted and injuries can be treated as well as documented. All of this can be used as evidence later on if the injured party wishes to file a claim against the drunk driver.
What Do I Need to Know About Dram Shop Laws?
The state of Texas holds people and establishments liable for serving alcohol to intoxicated individuals. This is done under dram shop laws. This law prohibits bars, restaurants, vendors, etc., from serving or selling alcohol to an individual who is either already intoxicated or under the age of 21 years old. This means that if a person is visibly intoxicated, establishments are required by law to refuse service. Otherwise, if the intoxicated person causes an accident, the establishment can be held responsible for the crash in a third-party lawsuit.
How Long Do I Have to Sue?
When a person sustains an injury at the expense of a drunk driver in Texas, they can pursue legal action to recover compensation. In doing so, it is important to keep the statute of limitations in mind. This is a deadline that the injured party is required to meet in order to file a personal injury claim. If they fail to meet the deadline, they may lose their chance to sue and receive compensation. In the state of Texas, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury.
Contact our Firm
If you or someone you know has been wrongly injured, you must not wait. Our firm is ready to help you through each step of the legal process to help you recover the financial compensation you need to move on with your life. We are ready to help–all you have to do is contact Brock & Goetzmann, PLLC today.
