Suing an Impaired Driver in Texas
Getting into an accident with an impaired driver can be one of the most frightening experiences a motorist or passenger can face while on Texas roads. After all, if you incur injuries in such a crash, you’re likely dealing with hefty medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and several other economic and non-economic damages.
Fortunately, suing an impaired driver is an option that can help you recover your damages and move forward with your life. If an impaired driver in Texas has injured you, consult an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer at The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers. We can inform you of your legal options and ensure your rights remain protected.
To schedule a free case consultation with The Law Giant, call (866) 523-4167 today, or reach out through the online form.
How to Sue an Impaired Driver
After sustaining an injury in a car accident caused by an impaired driver, it’s in your best interest to consult a Texas car accident lawyer. An attorney can help you prove that the driver was impaired with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least .08% and unable to safely operate their car as a result, leading to the crash.
By proving that impaired driving was present, you may be able to collect compensation for your damages and potentially punish the driver and discourage others from engaging in similar behavior. You can count on a lawyer to evaluate the following pieces of evidence to determine whether you have the right to sue an impaired driver:
Police Reports
A police report will contain information about your crash such as its location, time, road and weather conditions, and all vehicles involved. It may also state whether a driver violated a certain traffic law such as driving while intoxicated and causing the crash. There may even be details about any arrests or citations that the police officer issued.
Witness Testimony
If anyone saw the accident occur, it’s important to collect their name and phone number so that a lawyer can call them and get their perspective on exactly what they saw happen. They may have noticed the driver was stumbling when they got out of the car, speaking with slurred speech, and was not sober while driving.
Photo and Video Footage
If fault is difficult to determine, photo and video footage may serve as valuable evidence that brings clarity to the situation. Make sure you take photos with your phone or camera immediately after the accident so you can provide them to your lawyer. Since you probably won’t be able to obtain video footage on your own, an attorney can assist you with this if necessary.
Third-Party Liability
In some cases, the party that provided the alcohol to the impaired driver may be liable for their injuries. This party may include a bar, restaurant, club, or banquet center. For example, if they served alcohol to someone they knew was underage, they may be responsible for the crash. In this instance, the lawyer will have to prove that the third party gave the driver alcohol and their impaired state led to the crash and the damages you faced. While all cases involving impaired drivers are complicated, those that involve a third party can be particularly challenging, making legal representation imperative.
Hurt By an Impaired Driver? Contact The Law Giant Today
If incurred injuries that were caused by an impaired driver, reach out to The Law Giant, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers today. Our team of experienced personal injury attorney are well-versed in cases that involve drunk drivers, and can help you hold the responsible party liable for your damages. Call us at (866) 523-4167 today, or reach out online to schedule a free consultation of your case.