Drunk driving accidents in Lubbock, Texas can have severe consequences, including fatalities and serious injuries. It is essential to seek the aid of a knowledgeable and experienced drunk driving accident lawyer if you or a loved one has been injured or killed in such an accident. At Liggett Law Group, you will find a car accident lawyer who will be there every step to provide guidance and support throughout the legal process.
Don’t Settle For Less than Maximum Compensation
Recoverable Damages for Drunk Driving Accidents
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the economic cost of alcohol-impaired driving accidents in the United States exceeds $44 billion annually. Drunk driving accidents in Lubbock can result in significant damages for the injured party. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a drunk driving accident, here are some of the damages that you may be entitled to receive:
Medical Expenses: An injured party may be entitled to compensation for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to their drunk driving accident injury. This can include expenses such as emergency room visits, hospital stays, doctors’ visits, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy, among other medical treatment.
Lost Wages: If an injured party cannot work due to their drunk driving accident injury, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This can include wages lost after the crash and during recovery as well as future lost wages if the injury results in a long-term or permanent disability.
Pain and Suffering: Aside from economic damages, an injured individual may also be entitled to receive compensation for non-economic damages, such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages may require the assistance of an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer to prove as they are harder to quantify.
Property Damage: In some cases, a drunk driving accident may damage the injured party’s personal property, such as items inside of a vehicle. In these cases, the injured party may be entitled to compensation for repairing or replacing their damaged property.
Punitive Damages: In cases where a drunk driver’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless, the injured party may be entitled to receive punitive damages. These damages are also referred to as exemplary damages and are meant to punish the drunk driver for their actions and to deter similar behavior in the future.
It’s important to note that in Texas, there is a cap on non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, in certain injury cases. However, this cap does not apply in all cases, and an experienced personal injury lawyer can help determine whether the cap applies to your situation.
If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident in Lubbock, Texas, it’s important to seek the advice of a skilled and experienced car accident lawyer. An attorney can assess your damages and develop the best possible legal strategy to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Proving Liability in Drunk Driving Accidents
Proving liability in a drunk driving accident case can be a complex process. It requires a thorough understanding of the law and the ability to gather and present evidence to support the injured party’s case. An experienced lawyer can help by investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and establishing liability.
One of the key steps in proving liability in a drunk driving accident case is establishing that the driver was negligent and that their actions caused the accident. This may involve showing that the driver was intoxicated during the accident, failed to obey traffic laws, and/or was acting recklessly or irresponsibly. An experienced personal injury lawyer can work with accident reconstruction specialists and other experts to determine the cause of the accident and establish liability.
After establishing liability, the injured party may be eligible to receive compensation for their damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our experienced lawyers can establish and prove up your damages by gathering medical records, calculating lost wages, and providing proof of pain and suffering.
Common Causes of Drunk Driving Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately one in three traffic fatalities in the United States involves a drunk driver. Drunk driving accidents can happen in various ways, but some are more common than others. Below are some of the most common types of drunk driving accidents.
Head-On Collisions, Rear-End Collisions, and Intersection Accidents
Drunk drivers may swerve into oncoming traffic and cause head-on collisions. These accidents can be devastating and often result in serious injuries or fatalities. In other situations, drunk drivers may fail to brake in time and collide with the vehicle in front of them. Rear-end collisions can result in whiplash injuries, back injuries, and other injuries.
Often, drunk drivers may run red lights or stop signs and collide with vehicles legally crossing the intersection. Intersection accidents can be particularly dangerous because they often involve high speeds and multiple vehicles.
Pedestrian Accidents and Single-Vehicle Accidents
Drunk drivers may fail to see pedestrians crossing the street, crashing into them. Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities, as pedestrians have little protection against the impact of a vehicle.
Sometimes, drunk drivers may lose control of their vehicle and crash into a stationary object, such as a tree or a guardrail. Single-vehicle accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities, particularly if the vehicle is traveling at a high speed.
It is essential to understand that a drunk driving accident can have severe consequences, including injuries or even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident, it is crucial to consult a proficient and experienced car accident lawyer. Our attorneys can evaluate your damages, ascertain fault, and assist you in seeking the compensation you deserve.
Drunk Driving Accident Injuries
Drunk driving accidents in Lubbock, Texas can result in a range of serious physical and emotional injuries. One of the most common types of injuries that can result from a drunk driving accident is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI can occur when the head hits a hard surface or experiences sudden acceleration or deceleration. TBIs can cause various symptoms, including headaches, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, etc.
Another common type of injury that can result from a drunk driving accident is a spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries can occur due to sudden impact or trauma to the spinal cord. These injuries can cause partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, loss of bladder or bowel control, and more. Spinal cord injuries can be devastating and require long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
Drunk driving accidents can also result in broken bones, fractures, and other orthopedic injuries. These injuries can require surgery, physical therapy, and other forms of medical treatment. Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and other damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, are common in drunk driving accidents. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
Statute of Limitations for Drunk Driving Accidents in Texas
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim related to a drunk driving accident is typically two years from the accident date. This means that you must file your claim within two years of the accident, or you may be barred from pursuing compensation for your damages.
It’s important to note that certain cases may have exceptions to the statute of limitations. For example, if the injured party is a minor at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be extended until the minor reaches the age of 18 plus two years. Additionally, if the drunk driver flees the accident scene and is not identified until later, the statute of limitations may be extended to two years from the date the driver is identified.
However, it’s always best to seek the advice of a skilled and experienced drunk driving accident lawyer to determine the specific statute of limitations that applies to your case. An attorney can help you file your claim appropriately and protect your legal rights.
What To Look for In a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
In case you or a loved one has been a victim of a drunk driving accident in Lubbock, Texas, it is vital to find a skilled and experienced car accident lawyer to safeguard your legal rights and ensure you receive the appropriate compensation. Consider the following key factors when searching for a lawyer.
Experience and Reputation
Look for a lawyer who has experience handling drunk driving accident cases. Ask how many cases they have handled, their success rate, and how long they have been practicing in this area of law. Research the lawyer’s reputation by reading reviews from past clients, checking their ratings with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau, and looking for any disciplinary actions or complaints.
Communication and Practice Focus
A good lawyer should be responsive, communicate clearly and promptly, and keep you informed throughout the legal process. Drunk driving accident cases can be complex, so it’s important to find a lawyer with a practice focus on car accidents and related claims. Look for a lawyer who deeply understands the relevant laws and regulations, as well as the medical issues related to the injuries sustained in the car accident.
Resources and Compassion
A good lawyer should have access to the resources needed to build a strong case, such as expert witnesses, accident reconstruction specialists, and other professionals. Look for a lawyer who is compassionate and empathetic to your situation. The legal process can be stressful and emotional, so it’s important to have a lawyer who will be supportive and understanding throughout the process.
Considering these factors when looking for a drunk driving accident lawyer can increase your chances of finding a skilled and experienced attorney who will work tirelessly to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
What A Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Do for You
A skilled and experienced drunk driving accident lawyer can help you in several ways, including:
Assessing Damages and Investigation
Assessing your damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses, is a crucial role a drunk driving accident lawyer can fulfill. Moreover, they can assist in determining the complete extent of your injuries, including any long-term or permanent disabilities.
A lawyer can thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, gather evidence, and determine who is at fault. This may involve reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction specialists.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies and Representation in Court
A lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive the total and fair compensation you are entitled to under the law. Insurance companies often try to settle for less than what you deserve, but a lawyer can help protect your rights.
A lawyer can represent you and present your case to a judge or jury if a settlement cannot be reached. They can help ensure that your case is presented in the strongest possible way and advocate to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Emotional Support
A drunk driving accident can be a traumatic and life-changing experience for the injured party and their loved ones. Along with the physical injuries, there can be emotional and psychological trauma as well. This can lead to feelings of anger, frustration, helplessness, and financial strain due to medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.
Fortunately, a skilled and experienced trial lawyer can provide legal guidance and emotional support. Our legal team can help you navigate the legal process, providing clarity and reassurance. We help injured parties understand their legal rights, assess their damages, and negotiate with insurance companies.
Emotional support is also critical to working with a drunk driving accident lawyer. The lawyer can provide a compassionate and understanding ear, as well as help the injured party navigate the various challenges that arise during the legal process. This can include coordinating medical treatment, communicating with insurance companies, and providing guidance on how to deal with emotional trauma.
Get a Free Consultation from Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Ted Liggett Today
Should you require the services of a drunk driving accident lawyer, Liggett Law Group has a proven track record of effectively representing clients in similar cases. Our legal team will work diligently to investigate the accident’s circumstances, evaluate your damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if required, initiate legal proceedings on your behalf. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. We are waiting to answer your questions with no-risk, no-obligation.