Serious legal problems require immediate intervention from a personal injury attorney who knows how to protect your rights. Don't delay. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation with an attorney about filing a personal injury claim against a drunk driver.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Drunk Driving Accidents
Q: What should I do if I am involved in a car accident with a drunk driver?
A: If you are injured in the accident, seek medical attention immediately. If you fear other people may have been injured, call for help. You also should contact the police and get a copy of the police report. As much as possible, document the accident by taking careful notes about the accident, including the names and contact information of any witnesses and your recollection of what happened. If you decide to take legal action, these notes can be invaluable to your case.
Q: Can people other than those involved in a car accident bring a lawsuit for that accident?
A: Yes. Legal representatives and family members of someone injured or killed in a car accident can bring a lawsuit. In certain circumstances, close family members who witnessed the accident also may bring a suit. These parties may seek compensation from the drunk driver or third parties, such as the vendor who sold the alcohol to the intoxicated driver.
Drunk Driving Accidents - An Overview
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 10,800 people died in alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents in 2009 — that's an average of one alcohol-impaired-driving fatality every 48 minutes. Thousands more are injured and the monetary and quality of life losses for these accidents is staggering. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, contact Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Friend in Houston, Texas today. An experienced personal injury attorney can review your case and discuss your legal options with you.
Civil Claims for Drunk Driving Accidents
In addition to the criminal charges drunk drivers may face, they also may incur civil penalties for any property damage or personal injury they caused as a result of driving drunk.
Third Party Liability in Drunk Driving Cases
The drunk driver may not be the only party liable for injuries to innocent parties in drunk driving accidents. Those who provided the alcohol to the driver or had the opportunity to prevent the accident also may share responsibility.
Dram Shop Acts
If you were injured by a drunk driver after he or she left a bar, restaurant or other place serving alcohol, you may have a claim against that establishment under a dram shop act.
Defenses to Drunk Driving Injury Claims
The defenses to civil drunk driving claims can vary by state and the circumstances of each case. The information provided here will give you a brief overview of some of the defenses that may be claimed. An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate your claim and help you plan accordingly.
Drunk Driving Accidents Resource Links
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - Impaired Driving Division
Resource provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) providing information on national programs to decrease drunk driving, uniform guidelines for states to promote safe highway driving, programs aimed at decreasing the number of fatalities in young adult drivers and more.
Stop Impaired Driving
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiative aimed at reducing the number of alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents and fatalities. Website provides community outreach tools, links to current research data and more.
The Century Council
Website maintained by alcohol distillers to bring awareness to preventing drunk driving and underage drinking. Site has links to the Council's initiatives, including programs for high school and college students.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
MADD provides information on victim services, drunk driving statistics, programs aimed at underage drinkers and more.
