DRUNK DRIVER VICTIMS NEED AN EXPERIENCED DWI ACCIDENT ATTORNEY.
Drunk driving is among the most polarizing issues in the USA especially in Texas where the large and growing population lends itself to more accidents that involve alcohol than any other state.
In fact, more people than the entire population of Texas (28.7 million) admitted to driving under the influence in 2013 alone [1]! That’s a lot of drivers on the road that could put you and your family at risk at any given time of the day.
This results in unnecessary death, injury, emotional pain, physical pain, and lost wages or missed time at work. Driving is already a risky but necessary endeavor in our everyday lives.
When you add alcohol to the equation, people are essentially fanning the flames to causing an accident at some point during their everyday commute. On any given day, 28 people die due to drunk driving accidents which is about one avoidable death per hour [2].
Shamieh Law Can Help
The team at Shamieh Law is here to not only help the victims of a DWI accident, but to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their reckless actions.
Criminal prosecutions may not adequately cover the DWI victim’s expenses. Shamieh Law represents clients in Texas and Louisiana, and has a proven track record of receiving multi-million dollar awards for their clients.
The Server May be Liable
In many states, the business or social host who serves alcohol to an obviously drunk person may be liable for injuries or damages caused by that person.
In Texas, these statutes began with the Dram Shop Act of 1987 in an attempt to prevent bars from profiting from over-serving a customer [3].
To sue a bar or host successfully, you must be able to prove that the driver was obviously intoxicated and a danger to themselves or others when they were served the alcohol.
Laws Vary by State
Texas leads the nation in drunk driving accidents. According to the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting drunk driving, 1,446 Texans died in drunk driving accidents in 2014 [4].
In Texas, the code addressing the Dram Shop Act is contained in the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code [5]. Louisiana law does not hold a vendor or social host liable for providing alcohol to an intoxicated person who causes an accident.
That’s why it’s important to hire an attorney who specializes in your state’s laws.
Hit By a Drunk Driver? What to Do
Call 911
Calling 911 is the fastest way to get evaluated and receive treatment for your injuries. This will also ensure police are dispatched to the accident scene and will file a report.
Take Pictures
Photograph the vehicles involved in the wreck and the surrounding area from all angles.
Talk to Witnesses
Talk to the people at the scene. Get the contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident.
Do Not Talk to Insurance Companies
The insurance company representatives may seem like nice people, but they are not always on your side.
Speak with your personal injury attorney before making a statement to anyone other than the police.
CONSULT WITH A DWI ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
Believe it or not, there is some good news in the fight against drunk driving as the laws are tighter than ever before and drunk driving fatalities have decreased by 51% since 1982. That doesn’t mean they’ll never happen and the roads are completely safe so you should always know who to call when it does.
The bad news is that on any given day, 12.1% of drivers tested positive for illegal drugs while 10.3% tested for prescription medications while on the weekend at night, 15.2% of drivers tested positive for an illegal drug and another 7.3% tested positive for prescription medication.
There is no reason anymore to drink and drive thanks to the popularity of ride sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft. If you’ve been involved in a DWI/DUI accident in Dallas or Lake Charles, please give Shamieh Law firm a call for a free consultation.
It’s important to know the right DWI/DUI attorney to call in the event you’re in an accident involving alcohol. If you’ve been injured in an automobile accident in Dallas, New Orleans, Lake Charles or anywhere else in Texas or Louisiana, contact Shamieh Law car accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation on how we can help you.
Remember, you do not owe us anything unless we win your case.
Call 469-813-7332 now for your free consultation.