Choosing to drink and drive is a reckless decision that puts lives at risk. When an intoxicated driver causes a crash, the consequences can be devastating for victims and their families, leading to physical, emotional, and financial hardships that can last a lifetime.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver in McAllen, Texas, you need a strong legal advocate on your side. De La Garza Law Firm has the experience, knowledge, and dedication to fight for your rights and help you seek the compensation you deserve. Our McAllen car accident attorneys can help you hold the drunk driver accountable and recover the compensation that you need to move forward.
De La Garza Law Firm Fights for the Rights of Drunk Driving Victims
- With over 14 years of experience in personal injury law, we know what it takes to navigate complex DUI litigation.
- We have recovered millions of dollars for clients in McAllen and throughout Texas, including a $1 million settlement in a case against a bar that overserved a customer that later caused a crash.
- We offer compassionate support and open communication throughout your case, ensuring you’re informed and comfortable as we fight for justice against drunk drivers.
- Our firm works on a contingency fee basis for drunk driving accident cases, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we secure compensation for your injuries and losses.
Texas DUI/DWI Laws and Penalties
Texas takes drunk driving seriously. A person is considered legally intoxicated if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. Even if a driver’s BAC is below this limit, they can still face charges if their ability to operate a vehicle is impaired by alcohol or drugs.
The penalties for driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be severe, including fines, jail time, license suspension, and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device. Repeat offenders face even harsher consequences, with longer jail sentences and higher fines.
Proving Negligence in Drunk Driving Accident Cases
In Texas, any criminal penalties for drunk driving are separate from the civil liability that a drunk driver may face for causing an accident and injuring others. If you were injured by a drunk driver, you have the right to pursue a lawsuit or an insurance claim and recover compensation to help pay for the losses that you sustained.
To secure a settlement, you must prove that the driver’s negligence led to the accident. The evidence must show that the driver owed a duty of care to others on the road, breached that duty by driving while intoxicated, and caused the accident and resulting injuries as a direct result of their actions. Many pieces of evidence can help establish these facts, including toxicology reports, police documents, surveillance footage, and witness statements.
A drunk driving accident attorney from De La Garza Law Firm can help you build a strong case for negligence. We will work to gather and present evidence effectively, navigate complex legal processes, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. With our expertise and guidance, you can focus on your recovery while we work to hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions.
Types of Compensation in DUI Accident Claims
As a victim of a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation for the losses and hardships you have endured. These damages are intended to help you recover financially and rebuild your life in the aftermath of the crash.
The types of compensation available in DUI accident claims may include:
- Medical Care: You can seek reimbursement for all medical expenses related to the accident, including emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing care needs.
- Lost Earnings: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover lost wages and future earning capacity.
- Property Damage: You can recover compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: You may be entitled to compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and overall impact that the accident has had on your quality of life.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If you have lost a loved one due to a drunk driver’s actions, you can seek damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the financial support the deceased would have provided. A wrongful death attorney in McAllen can help you navigate this difficult time.
Why You Need a McAllen Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
When you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, the road to recovery can be long and challenging. You may face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the physical and emotional pain of your injuries. During this difficult time, you need an advocate who can fight for your rights and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Rafael De La Garza is dedicated to providing exceptional representation to victims of drunk driving accidents in McAllen. With his extensive knowledge of Texas DWI laws and experience in handling complex civil cases, he can navigate the legal process on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being.
Our firm will thoroughly investigate your case, gathering evidence such as police reports, toxicology results, and witness statements to build a compelling case for negligence. We will also work with accident reconstruction specialists to demonstrate how the drunk driver’s actions caused your injuries.
In addition to pursuing compensation from the drunk driver’s insurance company, De La Garza Law Firm will explore all potential sources of recovery, including dram shop liability if a bar or restaurant overserved the driver before the accident. Your lawyer will negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and will not hesistate to take your case to trial to secure the full and fair compensation you are entitled to.
Your Drunk Driving Accident Today
Drunk driving accidents can have devastating consequences. If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driver, you need an injury attorney in McAllen who can help you hold them accountable.
De La Garza Law Firm has the expertise to handle your case with the attention and dedication it deserves. Our attorney will work tirelessly to hold the responsible party accountable and seek the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Don’t wait to get the legal support you deserve. Contact us at (956) 533-1426 today to discuss your case with our McAllen drunk driving accident attorney and take the first step toward justice and recovery.
