Despite a nationwide crackdown and severe penalties for drunk driving, some individuals still choose to drive while impaired. Even if drivers are not legally impaired, they have an increased likelihood of causing accidents they have consumed alcohol before driving. If you have suffered injuries in car crash as a result of the impaired driving of others, you may need the assistance of a Frisco drunk driving car accident lawyer.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), someone is injured or killed every 20 minutes due to drunk driving in the state of Texas. While drivers who are intoxicated or impaired by drug consumption typically face criminal charges as a result of their actions, they can also be civilly liable for any bodily injury that occurs if they cause an accident. A fatal accident can result in wrongful death claims against the drivers, as well.
All drivers have a legal duty to drive in a safe manner that reasonably protects others from harm — driving while impaired inherently violates this legal duty, which can lead to a finding of negligence. A seasoned intoxicated driver collision attorney in Frisco could help hold a negligent party accountable.
Although the legal limit for drunk driving offenses under Texas law is .08 percent blood alcohol concentration (BAC), impairment may begin at much lower levels of alcohol consumption, depending on various factors. Weight, gender, tolerance to alcohol, and the type and amount of alcohol consumed all can add to the degree of impairment that persons are experiencing. For example, at even .02 to .05 BAC, alcohol may begin to make an individual less inhibited and decrease their ability to focus on objects.
Likewise, at the level of legal intoxication, or .08 percent BAC, individuals are often have slowed reaction times, poor judgment, blurred vision, and a lack of coordination. Higher BAC levels can also result in lack of muscle controlled and the inability to walk, let alone drive safely and cautiously.
While drunk drivers may be the most apparent source of liability in personal injury claims stemming from drunk driving accidents, Texas bars, clubs, restaurants, and other establishments that sell alcohol can also be legally responsible in some cases. Businesses may be liable under Texas dram shop laws if they continue to serve visibly intoxicated persons with alcohol, who then later drive and cause an accident that harms others.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has established various guidelines and rules that require bartenders and other servers to stop providing alcohol to patrons at specific points of inebriation. When any employees fail to do so, the business could be liable for the costs of any personal injuries that result from the patron’s subsequent drunk driving. A drunk driving auto wreck attorney in Frisco may be able to assist drivers in pursuing claims against both drunk and impaired drivers, as well as the establishments that wrongfully served them alcohol.
If you or a loved one is injured due to the reckless actions of an intoxicated driver, you may have a right to compensation, you may be entitled to a damages award for the medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses related to your injuries. A Frisco drunk driving car accident lawyer could thoroughly evaluate your situation and work toward getting you the fair compensation that you deserve. Call today to schedule a consultation.
McCraw Law Group