Drunk driving remains a severe issue across the United States, with Texas unfortunately ranking among the states with the highest rates of alcohol-related crashes. In 2023 alone, the Texas Department of Transportation reported that an average of 89 Texans were killed every month in alcohol-related crashes, with countless others injured. Just last month, 6 children were hospitalized due to a drunk driving hit-and-run accident in Dallas. Sadly, the news reports continue with these types of stories all across the Lone Star State.
If you’ve been injured in a DUI accident in Texas, know that you are not alone. More importantly, you deserve a path to recovery and the opportunity to seek compensation to help you rebuild your life.
In this article, our Dallas drunk driving accident lawyers will guide you through the steps to recover both physically and financially, ensuring you get the justice you deserve after being injured by a drunk driver. We’ll cover everything from the essential medical steps you should take to hiring an experienced Dallas drunk driving accident lawyer who can advocate for you in court.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Following a DUI accident, the priority is always your health and safety. Even if you feel fine or think your injuries are minor, it’s critical to get a thorough medical evaluation. Certain injuries may be delayed and not immediately apparent. Our Dallas DUI attorneys wrote previously about the most common injuries that may not manifest until days or even weeks after the car accident, such as concussions or internal bleeding.
Seeking medical attention also establishes a clear record of your injuries, which is crucial if you pursue a legal claim later on. This record will help link your injuries directly to the DUI accident, which can strengthen your case and increase the likelihood of receiving appropriate compensation.
Build Your Case: Document Everything
- Police reports: If the police respond to the scene then there will likely be a Police Report generated. Typically, these reports contain crucial details, like the existence of on-scene testing of the suspected impaired driver, and related arrests. A police report is often one of the better pieces of evidence, as it provides an independent account of the incident, which can corroborate your version of events and support your compensation claim.
- Photos: Take pictures of the other people in the collision, the accident scene, your injuries, and any vehicles or other property damage. Visual proof is a powerful tool that can vividly demonstrate the severity of the crash and the extent of your injuries. Be sure to capture multiple angles, road conditions, and any relevant details like traffic signs or skid marks, as these may help establish fault or strengthen your case later on.
- Medical records: Keep every bill, receipt, and detailed record of your treatments, including visits to doctors, specialists, and therapists as well as medications. These documents are vital for proving not only the financial and physical impact of the accident but also the emotional toll it has taken on you. Emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress, can be a significant part of recovery after a car accident. Keeping records of any psychological therapy or counseling sessions will strengthen your case by showing how the accident affected your mental health, which can increase the compensation you’re eligible to receive.
- Negative impact on your life: Injuries are accompanied by pain and restrictions on daily activities. The severity and duration of the impact also play a part in determining your just compensation. Whether it keeps you away from work or from engaging in your normal daily routines at home, work or play, you should chronicle the ways the injuries negatively impact your life. This should include detailing how it impacts your income. Keep track of the time missed from work, the effect on your income and benefits like personal time off, sick days, and vacation time.
- Witness statements: If anyone witnessed the crash or the subsequent events like the at-fault driver’s statements or actions, collect their contact information and ask for a statement while the details are still fresh in their minds. Witness testimony can provide additional, impartial perspectives on what happened, which can reinforce your version of events and support the evidence gathered from the accident scene. Also, obtain any photos, videos or other recordings at the scene if possible.
Take Legal Action Promptly
Time is of the essence when it comes to filing a DUI accident claim. Texas law imposes a strict statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits, typically giving you two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. If you wait too long, you risk losing your right to seek compensation entirely.
While it may be tempting to handle the process on your own, especially if you’re someone who prefers a DIY approach, this is not the situation to go it alone. The legal system can be complex, and one mistake could jeopardize your entire case. An experienced Dallas drunk driving accident lawyer will ensure that every necessary legal step is taken on time, giving you the best chance at securing the compensation you deserve. With your attorney managing the legal complexities, you can focus on what truly matters — your recovery and rebuilding your life.
Hire an Experienced Dallas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Hiring an experienced Dallas drunk driving accident lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take to secure the fair compensation you deserve. Your attorney will be by your side throughout the process, starting with a thorough investigation of the accident. They’ll help gather evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze police reports to build a strong case on your behalf.
Beyond investigating your case, a skilled lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies, who often try to minimize the compensation they offer accident victims. While insurance adjusters may appear friendly and concerned about your well-being, it’s important to remember that their goal is to protect their company’s bottom line — not you. Insurance adjusters are trained to use tactics that can reduce or deny your claim. Having an attorney by your side ensures you won’t fall for these tricks. Your lawyer will aggressively negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that fully accounts for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
If your case goes to trial, your attorney will represent you in court, presenting the evidence and advocating for your rights before a judge and jury. At The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare, we understand the devastation that follows a drunk driving accident. Our dedicated team will fight tirelessly to help you get the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on rebuilding your life.
Your Recovery Starts Now: Get the Justice You Deserve
Being injured in a DUI accident can turn your world upside down, and the recovery process is often long and difficult. But with the right support, you can start to heal and move forward.
At the Law Offices of Tim O’Hare, we’re here to help you through this tough time. Our team will fight for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on what matters — your health, your well-being, and your future.
If a drunk driver has hurt you or someone you love, reach out to us today for a free consultation.
