Pearland Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer
Car accidents occur for many reasons, most of them related to a simple failure to obey traffic laws. But far too often the underlying cause of a car crash is a drunk driver. Despite decades of research and reporting on the terrible consequences of drinking and driving, far too many motorists in Texas continue to get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
A drunk driving accident often leaves devastation in its wake. There are often many innocent victims who are seriously injured or even killed. If you are one of those victims, you have the right to take appropriate legal action. A skilled Pearland drunk driver accident lawyer can review your case and advise you of your options. Attorney Keith B. French is an experienced Texas civil litigator who has helped many car accident victims obtain compensation from drunk and negligent drivers.
Are Drunk Drivers Automatically Responsible for Causing an Accident in Texas?
You probably know that under Texas law, a driver is considered legally intoxicated if they have a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or greater. BAC is actually just one test for intoxication. A driver can still be criminally tried and convicted of DWI based on other evidence of impairment. Furthermore, DWI is not limited to alcohol but may cover impairment due to drug use (even a lawfully obtained prescription drug).
It is also crucial to understand that civil and criminal liability are separate matters under Texas law. This means that even if a person is not convicted of criminal DWI, they can still be sued in civil court by any accident victims. Criminal law requires a much higher standard of proof than a civil personal injury claim. So victims of an accident caused by a drunk driver may still recover damages regardless of the outcome of any criminal prosecution.
That said, if a driver is convicted of criminal DWI, that is generally enough to establish “per se negligence” in any subsequent civil case. In simple terms, if the driver who caused your accident was convicted of drunk driving in criminal court, then you do not have to prove they were legally responsible for causing your accident. If your case does go to trial, it would solely be on the question of what monetary damages you are entitled to under the law.
And damages in drunk driving accidents are often quite substantial. Victims can seek compensation for both their out-of-pocket and intangible losses arising from a crash, including but not limited to past and future medical bills, lost income and diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
Contact Keith B. French Law Today
Although it may seem obvious that a drunk driver is liable for causing a car accident, there are still many legal issues that need to be sorted out in these types of personal injury cases. That is why it is in your best interest to work with a qualified Pearland drunk driver accident lawyer. Contact Keith B. French Law, PLLC, today to schedule a free consultation.
