Safe driving is always a necessity to consider when hitting the roads, but it is especially important with a holiday around the corner. Memorial Day typically marks an increase in drunk driving accidents. Driving under the influence can result in severe injuries if not death. If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, reach out to an experienced Texas personal injury attorney to learn about your eligibility for compensation for your damages.
What should I do if I am injured in a drunk driving accident?
If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident, it is important to have a plan. Follow each of the below steps to protect yourself and set yourself up for a successful personal injury claim should you choose to take legal action in the future:
- Call 911. The police should conduct a police report and bring any necessary medical personnel to the scene.
- Seek medical attention for your injuries immediately. Once your treatment is complete, collect all the medical documentation relating to the event.
- Take pictures of the damage done to any vehicles or property.
- Have a short and polite conversation with the negligent party to collect their insurance information.
- Collect any witnesses’ contact information.
- Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who will be able to collect additional evidence needed to satisfy the burden of proof in your future personal injury claim. They will be able to collect any surveillance footage as the incident happened.
What are dram shop laws for drunk driving accidents?
Dram shop laws are put into place in Texas to hold people and establishments liable for serving individuals who are intoxicated. The law is used to prevent bars, restaurants, and vendors from providing alcohol to a person who is under 21 or already visibly intoxicated. In these two cases, it is the establishment’s responsibility to refuse service. Establishments can be held liable in a third-party lawsuit if they fail to refuse service to these individuals if they later go on to cause an accident.
What is the statute of limitations for drunk driving accidents in Texas?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years in the state of Texas. This means that you will have two years from the date of your accident to take legal action against the negligent party involved in your accident. It is important to understand this deadline to avoid being barred from suing.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED TEXAS 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 ensure 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.
