Driving under the influence of alcohol or any other impairing substances is not only illegal but also hazardous. Motorists must be physically and mentally capable of safely driving through Texas roads and highways. Drunk driving impairs one’s cognitive functions and judgment, often resulting in fatal collisions.
Losing a child, parent, guardian, or loved one brings untold emotional suffering to the surviving family. They are forced to pick up the pieces of whatever is left of their lives. On top of that, they also have to deal with the financial hardships that stem from funeral expenses and loss of dependency, especially in cases where the deceased was the sole breadwinner. This is where a drunk driving accident lawyer in Channelview can help.
While money alone cannot truly mend the harm and suffering, the surviving estate can pursue substantial monetary recovery for the loss. Speaking with a fatal drunk driving accident lawyer in Channelview from Lone Star Injury Attorneys is essential for pursuing legal action following a DUI accident.
Proving a Fatal Drunk Driving Accident Case
Successful litigation hinges on building a compelling case based on evidential proof. Your legal team must gather as much evidence as possible to demonstrate duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. In our experience, developing a water-tight case involves a series of steps right from the scene of the crash to post-accident activities.
To support a wrongful death case, our Channelview car accident lawyers compile the following:
- Statements from eyewitnesses
- Police reports
- Medical reports from EMTs at the scene and your doctor
- Testimonials from expert witnesses such as accident reconstructionists
- Field sobriety tests
- Dashcam and surveillance footage
- Criminal records of the drunk driver, especially DUI convictions
- Bills and receipts from where the alcohol was served
A lot of investigations and evidence-gathering go into making a solid drunk driving accident lawsuit. Our attorneys have the skills and resources to pursue all leads that could help prove a DUI case.
For a free legal consultation with a fatal drunk driving accident lawyer serving Channelview, call (832) 449-8230
Potential Damages in a Fatal DUI Accident
When a loved one dies in a drunk driving accident, you have all the right to feel devastated and angry. You want to see the responsible party behind bars. While criminal action could bring some closure, serving a jail term is not enough justice.
Filing a wrongful death claim allows you to recover compensation for the losses suffered. The compensation encompasses damages that the deceased would have been eligible to claim if they survived, such as:
- Medical expenses and other treatment costs
- Physical pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Loss of quality of life
These damages, pursued through a survival action, address the losses the deceased person suffered from the time or day of injury until their death. Besides survival action, the decedent’s estate can also file a wrongful death case. This aims to compensate them for the specific and personal losses they suffer as a result of their loved one’s death. Damages in a wrongful death claim include:
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- Loss of inheritance
- Burial/funeral expenses
- Loss of financial benefits
Our Channelview personal injury lawyers work closely with financial experts to determine the actual value of damages to pursue. We will also help you understand what you stand to recover and the steps we take to ensure you get the justice you deserve.
Channelview Fatal Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (832) 449-8230
Who is Eligible to File a Wrongful Death Case in Channelview, Texas?
In Texas, only a specific group of people can pursue compensation following the death of a loved one in a fatal DUI accident. The Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code points out the following persons as eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit:
- Parents of the deceased
- Child(ren) of the deceased
- Surviving spouse of the deceased
- Guardian of the deceased
In addition, the estate representative can also pursue compensation on their behalf. In this case, damages are paid to the decedent’s next of kin, as pronounced by the court. Wrongful death claims are intricate and challenging to pursue. An experienced Channelview fatal drunk driving accident lawyer provides invaluable support and boosts the chances of a successful outcome.
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Our Compassionate Channelview Fatal Drunk Driving Attorneys are Here to Help
Driving under the influence of impairing substances puts everyone on the road at risk, from passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists to school-going children. When a loved one dies in a crash caused by a drunk driver, the responsible party must face the law. A state prosecutor will pursue criminal charges, but this is rarely enough justice.
Filing a wrongful death suit is the only recourse for financial recovery. Call Lone Star Injury Attorneys now to speak with our caring fatal drunk driving accident attorneys in Channelview. We will schedule a meeting at our office or a place of your convenience to discuss your options and help you find justice for your loss.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
