Drunk driving accidents are a deadly threat on state roads. Each year, over 1,000 Texans are killed in DUI accidents. Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that at least one person is killed every 51 minutes. The economic losses from alcohol-related accidents are in the excess of $6 billion each year. On average, drunk driving crashes involve men four times more than women.
When someone gets behind the wheel while intoxicated, they not only put their lives at risk but also endanger the safety of other road users. Oftentimes, some of these crashes are fatal. Coming to terms with the loss of a loved one is never an easy affair. It’s made worse by the realization that someone else’s reckless behavior was the cause. A knowledgeable attorney could help you determine whether you have the grounds to file a wrongful death claim. This allows you to recover damages owed to your loved one, as well as those who could have benefited had he or she survived. A compassionate Katy fatal drunk driving accident lawyer can help.
3 Important Steps You Should Take Following a Fatal Intoxicated Driving Accident
The steps you take immediately after a fatal drunk driving accident are crucial to your safety as well as the prospects of filing a successful claim. You should not downplay their importance even if you don’t wish to file a civil case. It may take days or weeks for the reality of the accident to sink in. If you never took the following actions right after the crash, you may lose out on your rightful compensation. The three most important steps you should take are:
Check Yourself for Injuries
The adrenaline and trauma that follow a tragic accident may be too much for you to realize you have been injured. If someone has been killed in the crash, you may be too shaken. It’s very important that you check yourself for injuries. If you feel something is wrong, see a doctor as soon as possible. When placed under treatment, follow your doctor’s plan to the letter. Your attorney may retain them as expert witnesses during a trial.
Call the Police
While not all car accidents require you to notify the police, a fatal drunk driving accident leaves you no option but to do exactly that. To begin with, it’s a criminal offense for a driver to operate a vehicle while intoxicated with alcohol. On top of that, the investigating authorities play an integral role in helping injured victims access treatment as well as establish liability. Before an officer arrives, you should record evidence from the scene in the form of photos and videos.
Contact an Attorney in Katy
An accident where someone is killed or fatally injured requires an experienced attorney. Additionally, the fact that the driver was drunk makes the legal process more complex. Because drunk driving is prohibited in Texas, the party at fault may face criminal charges. Understanding how this affects your civil case is very important. Because of the ramifications of a fatal drunk driving wreck, it’s important that you retain a seasoned Katy attorney.
If you are worried about financing a legal process, you should speak with our attorneys. Our payment policies are easily accessible by our clients. All our cases are made on a contingency basis where we only get paid if we recover compensation on your behalf.
For a free legal consultation with a fatal drunk driving accident lawyer serving Katy, call (832) 449-8230
The Driver Was Acquitted, Do I Have a Case?
As mentioned earlier, the driver is likely to face a criminal trial for flouting common traffic rules in regards to drunk driving. Depending on how well the state prosecutor argues the case, the defendant may be convicted or acquitted. The driver may be punished for their negligence through jail or fines. But if acquitted of drunk driving charges, they walk away scot-free. Regardless of the outcome of criminal charges, you still have the right to file a civil suit for compensation. A criminal trial serves to punish the wrongdoer, while civil suits are meant to compensate the plaintiff.
Katy Fatal Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (832) 449-8230
Retain a Katy Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today
Unfortunately, more Texans continue to fall victim to drunk driving accidents caused by negligent drivers. Even with popular campaigns and initiatives to curb this vice, there seems to be little effect. Our Katy fatal drunk driving accident lawyers will help you hold such drivers accountable for their reckless behaviors. Contact us today to learn more about your rights and how we can help you recover fair compensation.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
