Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer
Drinking and Driving AccidentsGet a Free Consultation
Drinking and Driving Accidents
Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer
Get a Free Consultation
What should you know about a drunk driver?
According to the Texas Open Data Portal, more than 37% of traffic deaths in Texas between 2014 and 2023 involved driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Saturday or Sunday between the hours of 2:00 and 3:00. a.m. were when the majority of these accidents took place. The age group most involved in driving under the influence were males between age 19 and 35.
There is no doubt that drunk driving is dangerous. Sadly, it is also preventable. Yet, so many people suffer serious injuries. Worst yet, many families have lost loved ones due to a drunk driver. What can you do about it? One thing you can do is hire an experienced drunk driver accident lawyer to sue for damages. The compensation recovered can pay for medical bills, pain and suffering, future lost income and loss of companionship. In addition, holding parties responsible helps deter others from drinking and driving.
What makes drunk driving so dangerous?
Delayed reaction time
Because alcohol slows brain function and depresses the central nervous system, one factor is slowed reaction time. It is more difficult to process information and the thought process reduces muscle response. A drunk driver might not be quick enough to avoid an accident that they would otherwise avoid or not be causing in the first place.
Lack of proper judgement
Not only are drivers slow to react, they can’t think straight. They might misjudge how fast another vehicle is going or fail to recognize that a red light means they must stop. They might speed around a corner too fast and lose control of their car. Impaired thinking can result in poor judgement calls that ultimately lead to accidents.
Diminished coordination
Doing simple tasks can become difficult when you’re drunk. Drivers may have trouble braking, steering or keeping the vehicle in their lane. Cars weaving from side to side down the road are often evidence of a drunk driver. Police officers do field sobriety tests on drivers, such as walk-and-turn, one leg stand and horizontal gaze to determine if they are drunk or sober. Drunk drivers typically lack good balance and coordination.
Delayed Reaction Time
Because alcohol slows brain function and depresses the central nervous system, one factor is slowed reaction time. It is more difficult to process information and the thought process reduces muscle response. A drunk driver might not be quick enough to avoid an accident that they would otherwise avoid or not be causing in the first place.
Lack of proper judgement
Not only are drivers slow to react, they can’t think straight. They might misjudge how fast another vehicle is going or fail to recognize that a red light means they must stop. They might speed around a corner too fast and lose control of their car. Impaired thinking can result in poor judgement calls that ultimately lead to accidents.
Diminished coordination
- Physical therapy. Exercises that increase strength and flexibility can also help relieve pain. Some exercises are also designed to prevent further damage to the disc.
- Medications. Muscle relaxants can help ease spasms. Doctors often prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the inflammation and pain.
- Steroid injections. Epidural steroid injections can reduce inflammation and bring relief. Nerve blocks, facet joint injections and radio frequency ablation are also specific types of injections to help ease pain.
What factors can complicate drunk driving accident cases?
Denying Drunk Driving
The drunk driver might deny that they were drunk and challenge the blood alcohol test. They might challenge the sobriety test results. They might allege that the police officer who administered the drunk driving test made a mistake.
Shifting the blame
The drunk driver might accuse you of being responsible for the accident. Their insurance company could nullify the seriousness of your injuries or argue that your injuries did not result from the crash. Insurance companies often employ tactics to minimize their payouts or avoid them altogether.
Multiple negligent parties
The restaurant or bar that served alcohol to the drunk driver might also be a liable party in the action. Under dram shop law in Texas and many other states, an establishment that serves a minor or an obviously intoxicated customer can be liable for the accident as well.
Get Legal Help from a
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
When a drunk driver causes serious injury or the death of a loved one, it is time to seek legal help. If the intoxicated driver was at fault, their insurance company will often try to argue the case to reduce the amount of compensation you receive. Our extensive experience handling these types of cases can help you overcome legal challenges like this. Not to mention, you should receive the medical treatment and monetary compensation you deserve, so you can recover. Meanwhile, we will fight to protect your rights.
To arrange a free consultation, call the Law Office of Michael R. De La Paz at (210) 225-HURT (4878) or toll free (800) 645-8553. Discuss your injury or loss, so we can help you recover compensation.
Law Office of
Michael R. De La Paz
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The Law Office of Michael R. De La Paz has its principal office in San Antonio, Texas, however, we can represent your personal injury case no matter where you live in Texas, the U.S., or Mexico.
