Victoria Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys

Fighting For Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Texas

Drunk drivers cause thousands – and possibly millions – of car accidents across America every year. If we want to ensure that those drivers learn their lessons and never hurt someone in the same way again, then we have to hold them accountable. For drunk driving accident victims and their families, this means filing effective claims and lawsuits against drunk drivers in pursuit of compensation.

Cole, Cole, Easley & Sciba, P.C. in Victoria can help you create a powerful case against the drunk driver who hit you and their insurance company. We believe that every accident victim should be fully compensated for their injuries. If we have to take the opposition to court to make that happen, then we can. Our team is focused on your full recovery from the start.

For a free and confidential consultation, dial (361) 678-3233 now.

What Should You Do After a Drunk Driving Accident?

If you get hit by a drunk driver, you need to react quickly. What you do at the scene of the crash will be important for your claim later.

After a drunk driving accident, you should do the following:

• Call the police: You need a highway patrol officer at the scene immediately. Only they can stop the drunk driver from leaving the scene and putting more people in danger.
• Get the officer’s badge number: Talk with the officer while they are there, so you can get their badge number and station. This information will help you get their police report later, which might include evidence of the other driver’s intoxication.
• See a doctor: You should take yourself to an urgent care facility immediately if you are not taken to the emergency room in a hospital. The adrenaline spike you are likely to feel could be masking the pain of underlying injuries.
• Speak to an attorney: Drunk driving accident cases are difficult to win because the driver will be adamant about trying to dodge blame. Getting a lawyer on your side can help tremendously.

Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents

The aftermath of a drunk driving accident can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor to catastrophic. Some of the most common injuries sustained in these accidents include:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: The sudden impact of a collision can push the head and neck to jerk violently, leading to whiplash and other neck injuries.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): The effect of a drunk driving crash can cause traumatic brain injuries, ranging from concussions to severe brain damage, with long-lasting implications for the victim's cognitive and physical functioning.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Serious accidents may result in harm to the spinal cord, causing partial or complete paralysis and a lifetime of medical difficulties.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: The impact of a collision can result in bones to break or fracture, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries: Victims may suffer from internal bleeding, organ damage, or other internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent but can pose significant health risks if left untreated.

What Are the Legal Options for Drunk Driving Victims?

As a victim of a drunk driving accident, you have the option to bring a claim against the drunk driver. You will file against their insurance policy to seek the damages you deserve.

Damages to be paid by the drunk driver’s insurance provider include:

• Medical costs
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability

If a settlement cannot be reached to resolve your claim, then our Victoria drunk driving accident lawyers can threaten the insurance company with litigation. This process allows us to take your case to court and demand compensation before a judge and possibly a jury. Insurance companies hate going to court because the cases go public, which makes the insurer look unfavorable. Sometimes, filing a lawsuit in court can be enough to prompt the insurance claim manager to “suddenly” offer a fair settlement offer.

Will the Drunk Driver's Criminal Case Affect My Drunk Driving Accident Claim?

The drunk driver who hit you will be going through completely separate legal procedures, too. They should be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). A criminal court will then determine if they can be convicted and sentenced.

The outcome of their criminal case can be influential to your civil case against them, though. Our attorneys might be able to network with the prosecutors who are trying their criminal case, so we can share evidence of the driver’s intoxication, for example. A conviction can also be convincing enough to prompt the insurer to settle.