Austin Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Austin Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Demand Compensation & Justice From A Drunk Driver

When a driver makes the decision to drink and then get behind the wheel, they have the potential to cause great damage – both property damage and physical damage. When injury or death occurs as the result of a drunk driver, victims and their family members may be entitled to compensation under the law. In that case, you need an Austin drunk driving accident lawyer.

Here at The Sharp Firm, we have extensive experience handling drunk driver claims, and successfully getting them through the legal system. We can help secure financial compensation for victims through insurance settlements or courtroom verdicts.

Millions of Drunk Driving Accidents Occur Every Year

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 6 million motor vehicle accidents occur on average each year in the United States. Of that number, over 290,000 accidents can be attributed to drunk drivers. Clearly drunk driving is a serious national issue; but it is not without avenues for redress for its victims.

According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT), there were 14,389 fatalities from drunk driving in Texas between 2014 and 2023. Impaired driving accounted for about 37% of all traffic fatalities during this period. TXDOT reports that in 2023, about 89 Texans died every month from alcohol-related motor vehicle collisions.

Austin is one of the busiest cities in Texas. Not only is it the capital of the state, but it is also a bustling financial services and technology hub, and major companies like IBM and Dell have a strong presence in the area. There is also a very active nightlife scene, multiple performance venues, and hundreds of restaurants. Ultimately, there are many factors that contribute to the high rate of drunk driving accidents in Austin.

Building a Drunk Driving Accident Case in Austin

In Texas, all motor vehicle accident cases involving more than one vehicle are resolved according to fault, meaning the at-fault driver is liable for the resulting damages. This may seem straightforward enough for a drunk driving case, but you still need to secure evidence and witness testimony to establish fault for your accident. You must also prove that the drunk driver caused your claimed damages.

The team at The Sharp Firm informs drunk driving victims of their rights, and helps them pursue the maximum compensation to which they may be entitled. Victims may be eligible to obtain compensation for:

• Medical and hospital-related expenses
• Loss of income
• Pain and suffering
• Impairment and disfigurement
• Mental Anguish

Should a drunk driving accident result in death, family members may also be entitled to compensation. In addition to the civil damages that may be recovered from a successful case, the plaintiff may also receive punitive damages at the court’s discretion when a defendant has broken the law. Our lawyers can help survivors gain the compensation they are afforded under the law for medical and funeral expenses, loss of future income, and loss of companionship.

Some damages from a drunk driving accident could be recovered through auto insurance. All Texas drivers are required to have auto insurance that meets minimum coverage requirements, and filing an auto insurance claim is often the first step in securing compensation for damages after an accident.

Auto insurance companies will usually attempt to deny or devalue claims whenever they can, and dealing with any insurance company is challenging without an attorney’s help. Your Austin drunk driving accident lawyer can help you file your claim and, if you cannot fully recover your losses through an auto insurance claim, build a personal injury case against the drunk driver who injured you.

Success with a personal injury case in Austin can potentially yield compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. However, you may be entitled to more compensation than you may have initially expected, and having the right attorney representing you can be crucial for ensuring the optimal outcome of your case. The Sharp Firm fights for maximum client recovery in every case we accept.

What to Expect From The Sharp Firm?

When you choose The Sharp Firm to represent you, you will have decades of proven experience behind you through all stages of your legal efforts. Even if fault for a drunk driving accident seems obvious to you, the reality is that many cases evolve into complex ordeals that require the attention of seasoned legal counsel.

Our team can listen to your story and learn how your accident has impacted your life. We can immediately begin gathering the evidence you need to prove liability for the accident and accurately calculate the damages you are eligible to claim. We can then determine the optimal route to securing the compensation you need to recover and develop an individualized strategy aimed at obtaining maximum recovery.

You have limited time to build your case, so it’s important that you connect with an experienced Austin drunk driving accident lawyer shortly after your accident. The team at The Sharp Firm is ready to provide the compassionate and results-driven legal counsel you need on your side in this challenging situation, so reach out to our firm at your first opportunity to learn how we can help with your recovery.

FAQs

Q: Will a Drunk Driver Go to Jail for Causing an Accident in Austin?

A: It is likely for a drunk driver to go to jail for causing an accident in Austin. The penalties for drunk driving typically include fines, jail time, and driver’s license suspension. Penalties increase automatically when a defendant has a record of prior convictions for drunk driving and/or if they cause accidents resulting in serious injury or death. Any aggravating factors in a DUI case can dramatically increase the severity of the defendant’s penalties.

Q: How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Drunk Driving Accident?

A: The total compensation you could claim for a drunk driving accident will depend on the overall severity of your injuries. The defendant will be liable for your vehicle repair costs, medical expenses, and lost income if you are unable to work after your injury. Additionally, you also have the right to claim compensation for your pain and suffering. Your Austin drunk driving accident lawyer can estimate the total value of your case.

Q: How Is Pain and Suffering Compensation Calculated in Texas?

A: In Texas, pain and suffering compensation can be calculated in several ways. Your attorney is likely to use your total economic damages as a starting point for your calculation, multiplying the total by a factor that reflects the severity of the injuries you suffered. Generally, plaintiffs who have suffered catastrophic injuries recover substantial pain and suffering compensation when they have experienced attorneys representing them.

Q: What Happens if I Share Fault for My Recent Accident in Austin?

A: If you are found to share fault for your recent accident in Austin, then Texas’s modified comparative fault rule will come into play, and you will have a fault percentage assigned. When a plaintiff bears partial fault, their fault percentage is then subtracted from their case award, but only if they are found to be less at fault than the defendant. If the plaintiff’s fault percentage exceeds the defendant’s, they cannot claim compensation from any other liable party.

Q: Why Do I Need an Austin Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

A: You need an Austin drunk driving accident lawyer to have the greatest chance of success with your case. Even if fault for the accident seems perfectly straightforward, the reality is that any accident case in Austin has the potential to evolve into a complex legal battle that you may not be able to navigate successfully on your own. Hiring an attorney increases your chances of success, and you will be more likely to maximize your compensation with their help.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed because of a drunk driver, please contact us right away. We offer a free consultation where we will evaluate your case and determine what the best course of action might be. If we determine that your case has legal merit, we’ll fight aggressively to get you the maximum compensation allowed by law.