Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Bee Cave
Driving while intoxicated can interfere with the motorist’s ability to maintain control over the vehicle. As a result, these actions often result in collisions and severe injuries.
When you or a loved one is involved in a drunk driving car accident in Bee Cave, do not hesitate to contact a professional lawyer. An accident claim involving an intoxicated driver may prove more complicated than a sober case. Discuss your right to file a claim with an experienced auto crash attorney today.
Who Bears Liability in a Drunk Driving Car Accident?
Liability for a drunk driving car collision in Bee Cave often rests with the motorist who chose to operate their vehicle while intoxicated. However, according to Texas Dram shop laws, a party that supplies alcohol to a driver, knowing that they intend to get behind the wheel, can share liability for the wreck.
If someone suffers injuries due to an intoxicated driver, a seasoned personal injury attorney can help assess liability.
What Happens if the Drunk Driver in a Car Accident Does Not Receive a DUI Conviction?
A DUI conviction can help establish liability for a drunk driving car accident. Driving while intoxicated leads to several problems, including loss of depth perception, decreased motor control, and poor problem-solving skills.
These challenges can make it much more difficult for the motorist to control a vehicle safely. As a result, drunk drivers often bear full or partial liability for any collision they get into. A conviction can serve as helpful evidence to establish liability for the incident.
However, even if the driver does not receive a DUI conviction, the injured person may still have the right to file a claim against that individual. Similarly, the lack of a DUI generally will not prevent someone from holding the driver civilly liable for the damages they sustained in the accident. A hardworking lawyer can help their client collect evidence of the other motorist’s negligence.
Does the Other Driver’s Inebriation Impact Recoverable Compensation?
Injured people have the right to claim the same damages in a car accident whether a drunk driver receives a DUI or not. These typically include compensation for the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of consortium
Generally, the liable party’s insurance company will pay out those damages. However, in some cases, the court may assess punitive damages as part of the DUI charge.
Punitive damages are paid directly by the intoxicated driver, not the insurance company, and are separate from the accident claim. Their purpose is to punish the defendant for particularly harmful actions, such as drunk driving, to prevent similar behavior in the future. A Bee Cave lawyer can examine an intoxicated car collision case and help calculate their client’s recoverable damages.
Reach out to a Bee Cave Attorney After a Drunk Driving Car Accident
The aftermath of a drunk driving crash can feel incredibly confusing. You may have substantial injuries that limit your activities or ability to work. In addition, you are likely dealing with insurance companies to recover damages for your losses.
At Felix Gonzales Accident and Injury Law Firm, people injured in a drunk driving car accident in Bee Cave can find the support they need to protect their right to compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our dedicated and committed lawyers.
