4 Parties Who Might be Liable to DWI Crash Victims

 Posted on August 12, 2022 in Car Accidents

A drunk driving accident can come out of nowhere and shake up your life. One moment, you are driving along on a nice summer night. The next moment, a drunk driver has come flying out of a side street and hit you. Or maybe you had seen them swerving miles ago and had been trying to avoid them before the inevitable happened. Either way, you got injured because someone made the choice to drink and drive.

Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be unable to work and losing income, or you could be getting buried under piles of medical bills. You deserve to be compensated for what has happened to you, and depending on the circumstances, you could have a claim against multiple parties. Our attorneys can work with you to help you decide who may be liable to you. 

Who Could be Held Responsible for the Accident?

Your lawyer will want to do a little digging in order to figure out who could be liable given the particular circumstances of your accident. Parties who you may have a claim against could include: 

• The drunk driver - A drunk driver is responsible for the harm they cause. If the drunk driver did not have insurance, then going after them is sometimes the best option. However, actually collecting the money you are owed can be difficult depending on the driver’s financial circumstances. 
• An insurance company - If the drunk driver did have insurance, then filing a claim with them is likely to be your best option. Make sure you speak with an attorney before accepting a settlement offer. If the drunk driver was not insured, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company. 
• The bar - If a bar continues to serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated, they could be held responsible if that person goes on to injure someone due to their intoxication. This can sometimes be a good option, but more extensive evidence, including witness testimony, may be needed. 
• A minor’s supplier - If the driver who hit you was a minor, then the social host who supplied them with alcohol could be liable. It is illegal to serve alcohol to a minor, and someone who does anyway can be made responsible for the minor’s intoxicated behavior. 

If you have been injured by a drunk driver, you will need to talk to an attorney to learn more about your options for recovering damages. 

Call a Texas DUI Crash Attorney

Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. is skilled at helping the victims of drunk drivers recover the compensation they deserve. Our aggressive Irving DWI crash lawyer will fight for you to receive the highest possible settlement or award. Call 214-221-5800 for a free consultation. 

Source:

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/AL/htm/AL.2.htm