A Guide to Drunk Driving Accidents in San Angelo and How a Lawyer Can Help
Drunk driving remains a significant problem in the United States. In fact, every day, about 30 people die in drunk driving accidents, with an annual cost of more than $44 billion. San Angelo is no exception to this alarming trend. If you or someone you know has been involved in a drunk driving accident in San Angelo, it’s crucial to understand the legal implications and how a skilled attorney can help.
The Consequences of Drunk Driving Accidents in San Angelo
When someone chooses to drink and drive in San Angelo, they’re not only putting their own life at risk but also the lives of others on the road. Drunk driving accidents can result in life-altering injuries, emotional trauma, and even death. In many cases, victims and their families face significant financial burdens due to medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Did you know that Texas has a “dram shop” law? This means that establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons can also be held liable for any accidents that occur as a result. This is just one example of how complex drunk driving accident cases can be in San Angelo.
The Role of a San Angelo Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
An experienced San Angelo drunk driving accident lawyer can provide invaluable support and guidance to those who have been affected by a drunk driving accident. These legal professionals are well-versed in the intricacies of Texas law and can help navigate the complex legal landscape to ensure that their clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Some of the key services provided by a San Angelo drunk driving accident attorney include:
- Investigating the accident and gathering crucial evidence to build a strong case
- Handling communications and negotiations with insurance companies to ensure a fair settlement
- Representing clients in court, if necessary, to secure the best possible outcome
Determining Liability in Drunk Driving Accidents
One of the primary responsibilities of a San Angelo drunk driving accident lawyer is to determine liability in the accident. This involves identifying all parties who may be held responsible for the accident and gathering evidence to support these claims. Some of the potential liable parties in a drunk driving accident include:
- The drunk driver: In most cases, the intoxicated driver is held primarily responsible for the accident. A skilled attorney can help gather evidence to support this claim, including police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony.
- The establishment that served alcohol: As mentioned earlier, Texas has a dram shop law that can hold establishments accountable for serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons. An attorney can help investigate whether this law applies to the specific case.
- Other parties: In some cases, other parties may also be held liable for the accident, such as a vehicle manufacturer for a faulty part or another driver who contributed to the accident.
Compensation in Drunk Driving Accident Cases
Victims of drunk driving accidents in San Angelo may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: This can include both past and future medical costs related to the accident, such as hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medications.
- Lost wages: If the victim is unable to work due to their injuries, they may be entitled to compensation for lost income and potential future earnings.
- Pain and suffering: This type of compensation is intended to address the emotional and physical pain experienced by the victim as a result of the accident.
- Property damage: Victims may also receive compensation for any damage to their vehicle or other personal property.
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the responsible party for their reckless behavior and to deter others from engaging in similar conduct.
Why Choose Adley Law Firm for Your San Angelo Drunk Driving Accident Case
At Adley Law Firm, our team of skilled attorneys is dedicated to helping those affected by drunk driving accidents in San Angelo. With years of experience and an unwavering commitment to our clients, we strive to provide exceptional legal representation to ensure the best possible outcome for each case.
Located at 1421 Preston St, Houston, TX 77002, Adley Law Firm is easily accessible for all San Angelo residents. Our team is available to assist with cases involving car accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, truck accidents, and other personal injury matters.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving accident in San Angelo, don’t hesitate to contact Adley Law Firm at (713) 999-8669 to schedule a free consultation. With our knowledgeable and compassionate legal team on your side, you can trust that your case is in good hands.
