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.
Testimonials
Local Knowledge, National Reputation
At Cole, Cole, Easley, & Sciba, P.C., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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Pam and Evan helped me through a very stressful two-year process of settling a car accident claim. They answered all of my questions and took care of everything for me every step of the way. 10/10 would recommend for your legal needs!Gabriel B.
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This firm is awesome!!John O.
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I have gone through hell in the family court system in Texas against the father of my children, who is an attorney in our community with abundant legal resources. After years of fighting for my children, I was unjustly put in criminal contempt for not bringing my daughter to soccer practice despite following the custody agreement and the advice of my attorneys at the time. I asked about appeal options, and while the attorneys felt my case was justified, they said it would be a waste of my time and money and that only two percent of cases win on appeal. However, as a mother and a teacher, I wanted to clear my reputation and fight for what’s right. I hired a law firm to file a mandamus with the Court of Appeals, but the court denied our petition. Not wanting to give up, I decided to go to the Texas Supreme Court. After consulting with a few attorneys who were very discouraging and didn’t want to take my case, one referred me to Attorney Sam Cole. Sam told me my case was a long shot but agreed I was right and would fight for me if I wanted to proceed. He worked with me on my case and on a payment plan that worked for my situation. He always explained everything and answered questions with patience and understanding. He thoroughly researched all that had happened and the law that surrounded the issue. Sam treated me as a person and not just a paycheck, and had I lost in the Supreme Court, I would still be writing this review. However, the Supreme Court did rule in our favor, and after more than 2.5 years of this hanging over my head, I am completely vindicated. I hope the outcome of my case will help prevent this from happening to others in the future.Pamela J.
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I have known Chuck Cole for over 15 years and have used his services several times in both personal and business situations. Chuck and his practice are very attentive to detail and are able to give an honest evaluation of circumstances and concrete counsel with definitive steps to take. I believe there is considerable wisdom that comes with the level of his firm's experience, which serves to provide great comfort in recognizing your case is being handled by the professions, "Best". I would hands down recommend this law firm to anyone needing civil litigation or trial law assistancePaul F.
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A little over a year ago, I was in a car accident of no fault of my own. Initially, the person's Insurance company was ok with me. They took liability and told me to take my car to get it fixed. They also informed me they were sending a check for the repair and gave me a rental. After three days, they called and said they were voiding the check and totaling my car! My car had been at the repair shop and was 90% ready. I was SO stressed out, crying, and had no idea what to do! I went to see Luther Easley. I explained the situation to him, and he assured me he would handle it all for me. He gave me such peace of mind immediately. I cannot express the relief I had knowing he was handling everything for me. Luther was kind, patient, and very informative of each step he was taking regarding my case. He was honest, open, and upfront about everything. He never sugar-coated anything. It wasn't about the money for me, but Luther Easley was able to make them repair my vehicle AND won a substantial settlement for me. God forbid you were ever in a car accident or any other kind of accident, but if so, I would highly recommend Luther Easley at Cole Cole Easley Sciba Law Firm. He was the best! Also, his assistant, Donna, was so nice to deal with! The entire staff was very kind and professional! I know everyone thinks lawyers are just out to take your money, but in my situation, I was so grateful to have Luther Easley as my lawyer! He DESERVED and EARNED every penny! I would have been screwed without him; for lack of better words! Thank you, Luther Easley, and kudos to you! You truly are one of the best attorneys in Victoria!Trina H.
Our Values
What Our Work Means To Us
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Client FocusWe communicate with clients clearly and tell them candidly what they can expect, given the specifics of the case.
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Community FocusWe believe in giving back to the Victoria community. We support various organizations financially and with our time.
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Local KnowledgeIn 1954, Emmett Cole, Jr., returned to the crossroads area to found our practice after working a year at a Houston law firm.
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National ReputationWe have provided effective, ethical legal representation throughout Texas and nationwide for more than 50 years.
