Overview of Drunk Driving Accidents in La Porte
La Porte, like many cities in Texas, has been plagued by a high rate of drunk driving accidents. These accidents can cause serious injuries and fatalities, leaving victims and their families with physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Pursuing legal action against the drunk driver responsible for the accident can help alleviate some of these burdens. It is important to seek out a La Porte drunk driving accident lawyer to discuss your options and determine the best course of action.
At Joe I. Zaid & Associates, we understand the devastating impact that drunk driving accidents can have on individuals and their families. Our firm is dedicated to helping victims of these accidents secure the compensation they deserve.
How Can A La Porte Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Assist You?
There are two types of cases that can arise from a drunk driving accident: criminal and civil. The criminal case is brought by the state and seeks to hold the drunk driver accountable for breaking the law. The civil case, on the other hand, is brought by the victim or their family and seeks compensation for the damages caused by the accident.
It is important to hire a La Porte drunk driving accident lawyer to represent you in your civil case. Our attorneys have the expertise and knowledge to navigate the legal system and secure the compensation you deserve. We will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement for our clients.
In addition to our legal expertise, we offer compassionate and personalized support to our clients. We understand the emotional toll of a drunk driving accident and will work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the support they need during this difficult time.
Understanding La Porte Drunk Driving Regulations
In the state of Texas, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. This is known as driving while intoxicated (DWI). Additionally, drivers under the age of 21 can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) if they have any detectable amount of alcohol in their system.
There are several indicators of driver impairment, including slurred speech, impaired coordination, and difficulty concentrating. If a driver is suspected of being under the influence, law enforcement may administer field sobriety tests or a breathalyzer test to determine their BAC.
DWI/DUI laws can have a significant impact on your civil case. If the drunk driver is found guilty of DWI/DUI in their criminal case, this can be used as evidence in your civil case. Additionally, if the driver was served alcohol at a bar or restaurant before the accident, the establishment may be held liable for over-serving the driver.
Identifying Potential Defendants in a La Porte Drunk Driving Accident
The primary defendant in a drunk driving accident case is the drunk driver. However, there may be other responsible parties that can be held accountable for the accident. For example, if the driver was on the job at the time of the accident, their employer may be held liable for their actions. If the driver was served alcohol at a bar or restaurant before the accident, the establishment may be held liable for over-serving the driver. Additionally, if the driver was at a party before the accident, the host of the party may be held liable for providing alcohol to the driver.
Compensation Available in a La Porte Drunk Driving Accident Claim
Victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages are meant to compensate the victim for their losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Punitive damages are meant to punish the drunk driver for their reckless behavior and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.
At Joe I. Zaid & Associates, we will work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the maximum compensation available for their damages.
Drunk Driving FAQ’s for La Porte
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What should I do if I am involved in a drunk driving accident?
If you are involved in a drunk driving accident, the first priority is to seek medical attention for yourself and anyone else involved in the accident. Once you are able to, contact a La Porte drunk driving accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. -
How can I prove that the driver was drunk?
There are several ways to prove that the driver was drunk, including police reports, witness statements, and blood alcohol tests. -
What damages can I recover in a drunk driving accident case?
Victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to compensatory and punitive damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. -
Can I still recover damages if the driver was not charged with DWI/DUI?
Yes, you may still be able to recover damages even if the driver was not charged with DWI/DUI. However, if the driver was charged and found guilty, this can be used as evidence in your civil case. -
How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident claim in La Porte?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years. This means that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. -
What if the driver was uninsured?
If the driver was uninsured, you may still be able to recover damages through your own insurance policy or by pursuing legal action against the driver. -
What if the drunk driver was killed in the accident?
If the drunk driver was killed in the accident, you may still be able to recover damages from their estate. -
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means that you may still be able to recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your damages may be reduced based on your level of fault. -
How long does a drunk driving accident case take to resolve?
The length of a drunk driving accident case can vary depending on the complexity of the case. However, our attorneys will work diligently to resolve your case as quickly as possible. -
How much will it cost to hire a La Porte drunk driving accident lawyer?
At Joe I. Zaid & Associates, we offer free, confidential consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not charge any attorney fees or case costs unless we secure a financial recovery for our clients.
Reach Out to a La Porte Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk driving accident in La Porte, do not hesitate to reach out to Joe I. Zaid & Associates for a free, confidential consultation. Our attorneys have the expertise and knowledge to help you secure the compensation you deserve and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions. We are dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of our clients and will not rest until we have achieved a fair and just outcome.
