If you, your friend, or anyone related to you was involved in a vehicle accident in Dallas with an alcohol-impaired driver, an experienced and sympathetic lawyer should be by your side. Drunk driving accidents lead to serious injuries and usually much emotional trauma for their victims, with big bills afterward.
A Dallas drunk driving accident lawyer will guide you through the complexities of the law to get you the appropriate compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and much more.
This blog will teach you what you should do under such circumstances, your rights to claim, and how a Dallas lawyer will help you out in case of a drunk driving accident.
What is Drunk Driving?
Everyone obviously knows what drunk driving is, but we’ll still break it down and explain it to you. Drunk driving involves the use of alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are psychoactive agents that include beer, wine, and spirits. Many people consume alcohol for entertainment purposes, but it can impair some cognitive and motor functions when it is taken in high dosages.
Drunk driving, which can be referred to as DUI, or driving while intoxicated (DWI), means when someone drives a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of more than the legal limit, which is usually 0.08%.
Alcohol severely handicaps a person’s judgment capabilities and control over his or her vehicle, making drunk driving extremely dangerous. Such accidents can lead to serious injuries, deaths, and significant legal consequences for the drunk driver and others around them.
In cases of a drunk driving accident in Dallas or any other U.S. state, one can face a lot of consequences that can eventually impact your records and life in general.
Consequences of Drunk Driving In Dallas
Drunk driving in Dallas can have severe consequences both for the driver and others on the road. Apart from causing accidents that may lead to serious injuries or even the death of others or yourself, drunk driving can also result in legal punishment, which may include hefty fines and possible jail time.
In addition to the criminal and monetary consequences, a drunk driver may also face a criminal record, increased insurance rates, and a loss of reputation. If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, it’s essential to seek legal help to ensure justice and compensation for your losses.
Here is a list of consequences one can face if they were drunk driving:
- Driving license suspension: If someone was drunk driving and it was their first offense, they could lose their license for up to 90 days or even a year. If they refused to provide a breath test, they could even have their license suspended for 180 days. When it comes to a second offense, one could lose their license for 180 days to 2 years.
- Imprisonment: one could face jail time from as little as 72 hours to as much as 180 days, along with a $2,000 fine, license suspension for a year, and community service from 24 to 100 hours. A second-time offender can face up to 1-12 months in jail, whereas a third-time offender can face up to 2-10 years in jail.
- Vehicle impoundment: The vehicle of the drunk driver will only be impounded if the driver is a repeat offender. In this case, a vehicle can be impounded for 30 days or several years if there is a case filed. However, a first-time offender will not have their vehicle impounded.
- Legal fines: This can depend on a range of factors. If someone is a first-time offender, and they have a BAC of 0.15 or higher, they pay up to $2,000 or $4,000. If it is a second-time offender, they’ll have to pay about $4,000, and $10,000 if it is a third-time offender. Any person can face $10,000 if they have a child under the age of 15 in the vehicle, even if they are a first-time offender.
What To Do In A Drunk Driving Accident?
At first instinct during a crash, usually, a person goes into a minor shock, even if for a few seconds and takes time to adjust back to reality about what just happened. However, when it is a drunk driving accident, it is important to take the right steps in order to protect your health, safety, and legal rights.
Taking the right steps also gives you the opportunity to collect vital evidence and documentation that will support your case, whether it is an insurance claim or a lawsuit. In addition, acting quickly means that the responsible party is going to be held accountable, which could give you a sense of justice and closure.
Here are some important steps you should take in order to avoid most common mistakes after accidents. These are the steps that should no be ignored at any cost after being involved in a drunk driving accident:
- Seek medical attention: The first step is to always check for injuries and call an ambulance even if you feel fine or don’t see any injuries. It is crucial to get checked out by a medical professional. Even so, a paramedic may be needed for others who could have been injured in the accident if not for yourself.
- Call the police: Contacting the police is the second important step. This will allow them to take care of you and anyone else injured. The police will also have proof of the intoxicated driver, which will help in your case.
- Collect evidence: While you wait for the police to show up, gather as much evidence as you can by yourself. Take photos of the crashed cars and injuries. Also, take information of the driver that caused the accident and, if possible, contact information of any witnesses.
- Contact an attorney: Call a drunk driving lawyer immediately to help build your case, prove you’re a victim, and speak to insurance companies on your behalf. The process and charges of these attorneys are almost the same whether you’re hiring a drunk driving accident lawyer in Houston or Dallas.
Top 5 Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers In Dallas
Even if you or anyone close to you is not involved in a drunk driving accident, it is still safe to know and have the contacts of some of the lawyers just for future emergencies. Having the contact information of a skilled lawyer is important to help protect your rights after the accident.
Experienced attorneyscan guide you through the legal process and ensure that you get reasonable compensation for your injuries and also make sure that the irresponsible driver is brought to account. With expert legal support, you can focus on recovering while your lawyer handles all the complexities of your case.
The list below has the 5 best Dallas drunk driving accident lawyers you should take note of:
Mullen & Mullen
- Address: Personal injury division, 1825 Market Center Blvd #200, Dallas, TX 75207
- Hours: 8:30 AM to 8 PM
- Phone: (214) 747-5240
- Email: info@mullenandmullen.com
Mullen & Mullen is a well-reputed law firm in Dallas, Texas. This firm practices cases involving personal injury or drunk driving accidents. The company has been operating for more than 40 years with attorneys having 95 years of combined experience, who are devoted to protecting the rights of accident victims and seeking justice and appropriate compensation.
Being aggressive in presentation and client-centric, every case handled by Mullen & Mullen is treated with care to ensure that personal legal support is given to each client. If you have been an injury victim of a drunk-driving accident, Mullen & Mullen can help by navigating the legal process and taking your case to court.
Mullen & Mullen has received many awards for their great accomplishments when it comes to drunk driving accidents. They have also been highly recognized by TopVerdict, an independent organization that recognizes law firms and attorneys in the United States for obtaining high jury verdicts, settlements, or court awards. In the last 4 years, the firm came in the Texas Top 50 Personal Injury Settlements list 44 times and the Top 100 at least 70 times.
This firm does not only hold the drunk driver accountable but also the person or the specific chain that led the person to overdrink.
Key Highlights –
- No upfront cost—Pay 0 fees of any kind until your case settles.
- Guaranteed money in your pocket or refrain from attorney fees
- Get medical diagnostics & treatment with 0 money out of your pocket.
- Get more money in your pocket with a discounted 29% contingency fee.
- Free consultation
- Holds driver and person who served driver accountable
- Over 1000 cases solved
Thompson Law
- Address: 3300 Oak Lawn Ave UNIT 300, Dallas, TX 75219
- Hours: 24 hours
- Phone: (214) 919-5860/(866) 275-6370
Thompson Law specializes in drunk driving accidents with over $1.9 billion recovered for the client, as well as its rich experience of winning cases regarding drunk driving accidents in Dallas. They have lawyers qualified with exclusive training in motorcycle accidents as well as car accidents.
The firm seeks to provide you with the right to receive justice for which you are entitled. Experienced attorneys of the firm work diligently in the formation of strong cases that either would be negotiated or litigated to yield desirable results for the clients.
Thompson Law is recognized for its pursuit of excellence and success in compensation and winning cases. It is therefore the best choice for those who have suffered at the hands of careless drunk drivers.
Key Highlights–
- Free consultation
- No fee until the case is solved
- Available 24/7
Aldous \ Walker LLP
- Address: 4311 Oak Lawn Ave, Suite 150, Dallas, TX 75219
- Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Phone: (214) 307-6307
- Email: caldous@aldouslaw.com
With roots in Dallas, Texas, Aldous \ Walker LLP is very well known for its sharp representation and commitment to getting justice in all sorts of fields, especially in personal injury suits filed due to drunk driving causes.
The attorneys at Aldous \ Walker LLP have conquered decades of experience and deliver results in the form of settlements and verdicts after drunk driving-related accidents. Aldous \ Walker LLP offers individualized legal services, guiding their clients through complex legal procedures and fighting tooth and nail for the compensation they deserve.
This firm takes cases very seriously and is hellbent on getting their clients the justice they need. They believe in their clients and think of them as family, which is what drives them to be so passionate about their cases.
Key Highlights –
- Free consultation
- Highly skilled lawyers
- Well focused on receiving justice
- Specialized in all sorts of fields.
Law Office of Doug Goyen
- Address: 15851 Dallas Pkwy #605, Addison, TX 75001
- Hours: 8 AM to 10 PM
- Phone: (972) 599-4100/(855) 599-4100
- Email: douggoyen@goyenlaw.com
Doug Goyen is a great drunk driving attorney who has represented thousands of clients in car accident cases since 1997, winning millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. This office takes pleasure and pride in achieving the best outcomes possible.
The Law Office of Doug Goyen, along with attorney Goyen himself, provides their clients with knowledgeable, aggressive, and strong representation. The firm’s personal injury attorney, Goyen, talks with each client individually. This firm is dedicated to preserving each and every one of its client’s rights while obtaining the results required for their cases.
The Law Office of Doug Goyen has the certifications you need to ensure your case is handled by one of the state’s best injury attorneys, making him one of the best Dallas drunk-driving accident lawyers. Doug Goyen and his firm will make sure you are taken care of in a drunk-driving situation.
Key Highlights –
- Free case review
- No fees until the case is won
- Negotiate with insurance companies for a fair and timely settlement of the claim.
- They obtain compensation for the client’s lost earnings and medical bills.
Frenkel & Frenkel
- Address: 12700 Park Central Dr #1900, Dallas, TX 75251
- Hours: 24 hours
- Phone: (214) 333-3333
Frenkel & Frenkel is a great option to seek help from during a drunk driving mishap. Their experienced drunk driving accident lawyers in Dallas will work constantly to ensure that you receive the legal support they require.
Their team has years of experience helping happy customers seek justice and receive the compensation they deserve and is ready to give you the help, support, and protection you require to get back on your feet.
At Frenkel & Frenkel, the legal team has had remarkable success in recovering millions of dollars in drunk driving injury claims and lawsuits. The trial lawyers, Mark D. Frenkel, Scott B. Frenkel, and Gene Burkett, are some of the best and are all highly recognized as leaders in personal injury lawsuits.
Also, the readers of Addison Magazine have selected Frenkel & Frenkel as a Favorite Law Firm for ten years in a row, which is the longest streak of any business in the magazine.
Key Highlights –
- Free consultation
- Over 1000 five-star reviews
- Over 100 years of combined experience
What Happens When You Hire A Dallas Drunk Driving Accident Attorney?
Hiring a drunk driving lawyer can have many benefits. They can help when you don’t know your legal rights and help you receive the compensation you deserve. You should consult with a drunk driving accident attorney as soon as possible after you receive medical attention in case of an accident.
They will deal with all legal paperwork, ensure deadlines are met, and provide expert advice on how to proceed with your case. A qualified drunk driving attorney will work hard to obtain compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering while also working to have the negligent driver held accountable.
These are some of the things a Dallas drunk driving accident lawyer will do once hired:
- Conduct an investigation on the site of the accident and gather as much evidence as they can to build a strong case for accident trials.
- Examine the full extent of your injuries and damages for compensation.
- Deal with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Advocate for your rights in court if necessary.
- Provide emotional support and guidance throughout the legal process.
- Relieve you of any sort of financial burden
- If the insurance company fails to agree on a settlement, the lawyer will take necessary action for your case to go to trial.
- Make sure you receive the deserved compensation.
Types of Compensations Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys In Dallas Can Help You Get
Compensation in a drunk driving accident case is aimed at helping the victim get out of the financial and emotional harm brought about by the negligent driver. Damages in a drunk driving accident case can have a great impact, which is why compensations are there to restore the victim as much as possible to the pre-accident state.
Besides compensation, punitive damages are also given to the drunk driver to punish his reckless behavior so that nobody would commit the offense in the future. An expert lawyer will fight for the victim to help them get maximum compensation after the accident for all their injuries and losses.
Here are the types of compensation you can receive as the victim:
- Medical Expenses: Injuries that were caused due to drunk driving accidents can cost expensive recovery methods and intense hospital bills. There may also be injuries that need medical care and attention for a long time. This compensation can cover hospital bills, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other related costs.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings: In some cases, accidents may be so bad that a victim loses physical or mental ability to work and earn an income for themselves, which is why the drunk driver is sued for impairing the abilities of another person. There also may be loss of life. You will still receive compensation if the temporary injuries also do not allow the person to work. This will cover up the time of earnings lost due to injury recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Lawyers will do their best to get you compensation worth the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. This can also include mental suffering, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to the accident.
- Property Damage: Compensation will also cover the damages done to your vehicle. This will pay enough to repair or replace your vehicle.
Related FAQs
Q1. How long is the jail sentence in Dallas for drunk driving?
The sentencing can depend mostly on how bad the offense was or the number of times the person has committed this offense. A first-time offender can face from 72 hours to 180 days.
A second-time offender can face up to 1-12 months in jail, whereas a third-time offender can face up to 2-10 years in jail.
Q2. Is hiring a drunk driving attorney in Dallas expensive?
This can also depend on a few factors, such as the lawyer’s fees and severity or factors of your case. However, some firms don’t ask for fees until your case is won. The average price of hiring a drunk driving accident lawyer in Dallas is $1,000-$10,000. Do not refrain from getting assistance, as you can cover this fee easily with the compensation you will receive anyway.
Conclusion
The impact of drunk driving accidents on victims can be devastating, not only in terms of physical and emotional damage but also financially. One should know their rights, and with the right legal teams, they can receive the compensation they deserve.
A skilled Dallas drunk driving accident lawyer will investigate the accident, negotiate with insurance companies, and secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Some of the best law firms and lawyers have been listed in this article, and they are all known for aggressive representation, high success rates, and commitment to justice. Having a good legal advocate helps a victim focus on recovery at ease while having the responsible party held liable.
