Texas leads the nation in the number of alcohol-related traffic deaths. Among cities in Texas, Dallas ranked second with 119 fatal crashes involving a drunk driver, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Across the Lone Star state, 940 people were killed in crashes involving an intoxicated driver in 2018.
Alcohol-Related Accidents on the Rise in Dallas
Why is Dallas consistently among the cities with the highest number of drunk driving incidents and fatalities? Some, like the editorial staff at D Magazine, think that it is because the city was “built to be driven” and has focused on accommodating more vehicles rather than getting people to use public transit systems.
Drinking and driving continue to be a significant problem in Dallas and causes severe injuries and fatal accidents. Your injuries in a car accident may require a lengthy absence from work and significant medical expenses. You should not be saddled with medical debt because another driver made the poor decision to drink and drive. If you have been involved in a car crash caused by a Dallas drunk driver, you should seek the guidance of a knowledgeable Dallas personal injury lawyer. The attorneys at Kraft & Associates are experienced lawyers who have practiced in Dallas since 1971.
Below, we’ll discuss what to do if you’re involved in a crash caused by an intoxicated driver and what to do at the scene of a crash to protect your rights.
What to Do If You Are Injured by a DWI Driver
If you are involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, there are specific steps you should take to protect yourself. You should assess whether you or anyone else needs an ambulance and then call the police and request an ambulance if needed.
You should also follow these steps if hit by driver with DWI:
Call a Personal Injury Attorney After an Alcohol-Related Wreck
If you were injured in an accident caused by a driver who was under the influence of alcohol, you should contact a DWI injury attorney at Kraft & Associates as soon as possible. The drunk driver may be charged with DWI and face criminal penalties.
For example, individuals who are charged with a first-time DUI in Texas could face penalties including:
However, a criminal conviction of the impaired driver, while appropriate, will not provide money to cover your medical bills. As an accident victim, you will need to file a separate civil lawsuit against the drunk driver seeking compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier.
By hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent you, you will improve your chances of recovering full compensation for your injuries and accident-related losses. The accident attorneys at Kraft & Associates understand the tactics that insurance companies use to try to avoid paying claims.
Our DUI injury attorneys are skilled negotiators and have years of experience representing people harmed by drunk drivers.
Our goal is to help you secure the compensation needed to pay your medical bills and cover the accident-related losses incurred as a result of the accident caused by another motorist. Let us review your accident and discuss how we can help you. The initial consultation is free and will help you understand your legal options.
Kraft & Associates Injury Lawyer Advantage
Your attorney will investigate the drunk driving accident and identify those who may be potentially liable for your injuries, including the drunk driver, the driver’s insurance provider, and possibly others.
We will gather your medical bills and calculate your losses and expenses related to the DWI accident, including future medical costs associated with the injuries.
An attorney from Kraft & Associates will submit a demand letter to the appropriate insurance company or companies and seek full compensation for your DWI accident-related losses. We will negotiate aggressively with the insurer for a full and fair settlement.
Is there a Statute of Limitations in Dallas for Injury Cases?
We will keep track of the statute of limitations related to your injury case and file a civil lawsuit, if necessary, to preserve your legal rights. Insurance companies prefer to avoid court showdowns, especially when they are defending a drunk driver.
If we receive a settlement offer, we will consult with you and offer our perspective about whether it is a reasonable amount.
What if the Insurance Company Refuses to Pay Settlement?
If the insurance company refuses to agree to a fair settlement, our experienced trial attorneys at Kraft & Associates will be ready to present your case to a jury and seek justice for you in a Dallas courtroom.
We will handle your case on a contingency fee basis. You will not owe an attorney’s fee unless we are successful in obtaining compensation for you through a settlement or jury award.
Call Kraft & Associates, P.C. if You Were Injured in a DWI Crash
At Kraft & Associates, we believe that you shouldn’t be forced to bear hardships and debt due to a drunk driver. Our experienced accident lawyers have represented numerous individuals who have been injured by impaired drivers. We know that having a serious injury can turn your life upside down and leave you struggling financially if you are saddled with medical debt and unable to work.
The attorneys at Kraft & Associates will stand up for you and help you pursue compensation to recover from the impact of injuries in a drunk driving accident. We are confident in our experience, skills, and track record of success. We know that results matter, and we will work to seek full compensation for you. We’ll then do everything we can to hold the drunk driver civilly liable for your injuries.
We know that you may never have had to turn to a lawyer for help. Our Dallas DWI injury lawyers are ready to sit down with you during a consultation and help you understand your rights and how we could help assist you. We can be reached by phone at (214) 999-9999, online through our contact form, or through live chat. Let our team step in and help you put this incident behind you, once and for all.
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About Bob Kraft
I am a Dallas, Texas lawyer who has had the privilege of helping thousands of clients since 1971 in the areas of Personal Injury law, Social Security Disability, Elder Law, Medicaid Planning for Long Term Care, and VA Benefits.
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