San Antonio Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys

Fighting for Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Bexar County

Driving under the influence of alcohol significantly impairs an individual's ability to operate a vehicle safely. When a drunk driver causes a crash, they are generally liable for any damages. 

If you recently suffered injuries in an accident involving an intoxicated driver, our team at The Packard Law Firm can help. We recognize you are likely suffering a significant amount of pain and are wondering how you will cover medical bills, vehicle damage, and lost income from missed work. We can help you explore your options for filing a personal injury claim, which can not only hold the drunk driver accountable but also help you obtain compensation for your losses. Our firm has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients and can bring generations of experience to your case. 

Our San Antonio drunk driving accident lawyers can provide personalized, compassionate, and results-driven representation during this difficult time. Schedule a free consultation by calling (210) 972-8918 or contacting us online today.

Common Drunk Driving Accident Injuries

An intoxicated driver's ability to react swiftly to hazards is dramatically reduced, often resulting in delayed responses or complete misjudgment of situations. This can lead to higher speeds and more direct collisions, increasing the force and impact of a crash.

Injuries in drunk driving accidents are frequently catastrophic and can include:

• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Burn injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Amputations
• Internal injuries
• Whiplash
• Cuts and lacerations

Compensation for Drunk Driving Accident Injuries

The fundamental goal of a personal injury claim is to restore you to the position you were in before suffering harm due to another's negligence as much as possible. Compensation in personal injury cases is typically divided into economic and non-economic damages, each addressing different aspects of your losses. Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses directly linked to your injuries, while non-economic damages cover the intangible impacts of the accident. 

Punitive damages may also be available if the drunk driver was grossly negligent. Texas enforces caps on these damages, which are intended to punish the driver and deter others from behaving similarly.

Our San Antonio drunk driving accident attorneys can fight to recover compensation for all losses, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Mental anguish
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

How a Criminal Case Can Affect Your Drunk Driving Accident Claim

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol is a crime, and many offenders are arrested, charged, and prosecuted, especially when their impairment leads to collisions. The proceedings and outcomes of a criminal case are distinct from civil actions like personal injury claims, yet the evidence and verdict in the criminal trial can influence the trajectory of the civil lawsuit. For example, a criminal conviction for DUI can serve as substantial support in your civil claim. It can function as definitive proof of negligence due to the proven impairment of the driver, thereby reinforcing your argument for compensation.

A guilty verdict or a plea deal in a criminal case can expedite the resolution of your civil claim, as it often compels the at-fault party to settle rather than contest liability further. The evidence used in the criminal case, such as breathalyzer tests, eyewitness accounts, or police reports, can also be leveraged in your civil proceedings.

However, if the criminal charges do not lead to a conviction or if the drunk driver is not even formally charged, you can still potentially recover compensation through a personal injury claim. You can still pursue and even win your civil case, as the standards of proof differ from criminal trials. Criminal cases require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, while civil cases only need a preponderance of evidence, meaning you must show that the defendant was more likely negligent than not. 

Our San Antonio drunk driving accident lawyers understand how to effectively navigate complex claims, including those involving criminal cases. Regardless of the outcome of a criminal investigation or trial, we are prepared to work tirelessly to get you full and fair compensation.

Time Limits for Filing a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit in Texas

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long to file can result in losing the legal right to pursue a claim, as courts are unlikely to consider cases filed after the statute of limitations has expired.

Two years may seem like plenty of time, but engaging with our team at The Packard Law Firm as soon as possible can significantly benefit your case. Early consultation allows our attorneys to gather crucial evidence while it is still fresh, secure eyewitness accounts, and build a robust strategy tailored to your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accident Claims in San Antonio, TX

If I Was Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident, Can I Sue the San Antonio Restaurant or Bar That Served the Driver?

If you were injured in a drunk driving accident, you might be able to sue a San Antonio restaurant or bar that served the intoxicated driver under Texas's dram shop laws. These laws hold establishments liable if they serve alcohol to a patron who is obviously intoxicated, knowing they could pose a clear danger to themselves or others. To successfully pursue a claim against a bar or restaurant, you'll need to provide evidence demonstrating that the establishment continued to serve the driver when they were clearly intoxicated and that this overserving directly contributed to the accident and your injuries. We can investigate the circumstances surrounding your drunk driving accident, work to determine if the intoxicated was overserved at a restaurant or bar prior to the crash, and assess whether there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate negligence on the part of the establishment.

If I Was a Passenger in a Car Involved in a San Antonio Drunk Driving Accident and Was Injured, Can I Sue the Intoxicated Driver?

Yes, if you were a passenger injured in a drunk driving accident in San Antonio, you have the right to file a personal injury claim against the driver to seek compensation for your losses. 

If the Drunk Driver Was Under the Influence of Drugs in Addition to Alcohol, Does This Affect My San Antonio Case?

Yes, if the drunk driver was under the influence of both drugs and alcohol, it could impact your case – potentially strengthening it. The impairment due to a combination of substances often heightens the level of negligence exhibited by the driver, further demonstrating their inability to operate a vehicle safely. Depending on the specific circumstances, this could even be used as compelling evidence of gross negligence, which could lead to your recovering punitive damages in addition to economic and non-economic damages. Additional and more severe charges being brought against the driver in criminal proceedings may also influence the legal strategy of your civil claim.

I Was Injured in a San Antonio Accident Involving a Minor. Can I Sue the Parents?

In Texas, you can sue the parents of a minor child who causes a drunk driving accident under certain circumstances. Specifically, you must be able to demonstrate not only that the minor’s negligence led to your injuries but also that their parents owned the vehicle involved in the crash and that they negligently entrusted the vehicle to their child, who they knew or should have known to be incompetent or reckless. For example, if the teen involved had a known history of abusing alcohol and had been involved in another accident prior to your crash, you may have a strong case to sue the parents of that child. We understand the intricacies of these scenarios and can walk you through your legal options.

Hurt in a drunk driving accident? Discuss your case with us by calling (210) 972-8918 or contacting us online.