drinking while drivingDrivers are expected to adhere to traffic safety rules.  These rules are put in place to protect both their lives and those of other motorists and pedestrians. Failure to follow them often results in a car accident. While different cities have different traffic rules, one of the most common among all of them is the law against drunk driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol impairs a driver’s judgment and may contribute to a vehicle collision that leads to severe injury or loss of life.

If your loved one lost their life due to an intoxicated motorist, you should speak to a Missouri City fatal drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible. A knowledgeable fatal auto accident attorney will help you evaluate your case to determine the value of your case. Should there be a confirmed element of drunk driving, the responsible party will likely be held liable for the accident and its subsequent damages, which likely include punitive damages.

Drunk Driving Accident Statistics in Missouri City

In Missouri City, dozens of crashes happen every year due to drunk and intoxicated driving. Many are left with debilitating and permanent injuries that lower their quality of life financially and psychologically. Both the civil and criminal laws are very harsh on such drivers who choose to drive while intoxicated. Not only is a drunk driver liable for the damages they cause, but they will also be subject to criminal penalties.

How Can a Lawyer Help in a Fatal Drunk Driving Accident?

If your family member was involved in a fatal accident caused by a drunk driver, you may hold the responsible parties liable for losses and property damages. This can be done by filing a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company. A local fatal drunk driving accident lawyer can help you recover damages for your economic and non-economic losses.

Economic Damages Available in an Intoxicated Driving Collision

Drunk driving accidents can cause severe bodily harm, and worst of all, the loss of life. When this happens, the victim suffers huge economic losses while he or she seeks medical care for the injuries. With the loss of life, the immediate family members may have a large financial burden when preparing funeral arrangements, more so when the deceased did not have life insurance coverage. Luckily, an attorney with experience handling fatal drunk driving accidents can help you recover compensation for economic damages such as:

Medical Expenses

Drunk driving accidents often lead to severe injuries for the occupants and other related victims. In many cases, victims will suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or internal bleeding. The injuries often pose a great danger in one’s life. For this reason, the injured may incur huge medical costs when seeking treatment. Some injuries are so severe that it may take weeks, months, and even years to heal. A fatal drunk driving accident lawyer will help you receive compensation for the medical costs incurred before the victim passed away.

Burial/Funeral Expenses

Not everyone has life insurance coverage. When they pass away, the burden of giving them the proper funeral is placed on their family members and friends. For some, this can become daunting, especially when dealing with the emotional trauma of losing a loved one. As a result, many families end up borrowing from friends or taking on loans for funeral preparations. You should never have to pay for what a drunk driver has caused, and working with an attorney will help you recover these expenses.

Loss of Income/Wages

As you may know, being involved in a car accident may lead to the loss of your job and your source of income. The time spent in the hospital may not be factored in when you receive your pay. A fatal drunk driving attorney can help you make a claim for the lost income and wages from the person responsible for the accident.

Property Damage

In case your property was damaged in the drunk driving accident, your lawyer can help file a claim for what was lost. No matter how much property you lost, the law provides for the negligent driver to make up for all available damages, including those to your personal property such as your car.

Non-Economic Damages

Apart from economic damages, you can also claim for compensation in non-economic damages. Accidents often result in psychological damage and distress. Your quality of life may be adversely affected as a result of Post Traumatic Disorder or mental anguish.

Punitive Damages

Drunk drivers are not just negligent, they are reckless. State law allows for punitive damages in cases such as fatal drunk driving accidents. A jury may triple the economic and non-economic damages to punish the Defendant for their wrongdoing.

A Missouri City Fatal Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Can Help

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A Missouri City fatal drunk driving accident lawyer at Lone Star Injury Attorneys could help individuals to hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligent and reckless actions. With proper accountability, we can strive to keep our highways and roads free from drunk driving. Schedule a free consultation with us today to discuss your options and the value of your case.