Drunk driving car accidents in Mesquite cause some of the most serious injuries to drivers and pedestrians. Despite the laws prohibiting driving under the influence and the serious penalties for crashes resulting in injuries, people still make this reckless driving choice every day.
If you are the victim of one of these careless drivers, you need help from a car crash attorney to pursue the financial compensation you need. After a serious car accident, you may seek recovery for damages through a personal injury claim or a lawsuit. At Ted Lyon Law, we handle every injury claim as if it will go to trial because we are not afraid of litigation when an insurance company tries to offer a low settlement that does not cover the full impact of your injuries.
Your first steps if you are the victim of a drunk driver should be to call 911 and seek medical attention. Texas law requires drivers to report all accidents with injuries or significant property damage. Even if you feel okay after an accident, let the first responders treat you, as severe injuries may not be immediately apparent. This helps to create an immediate medical record alongside the police report you can request in the days after the accident.
The scene of a drunk driving car accident can be overwhelming. If you are able, you should also get the license and insurance information of the other driver and the names and contact information of any witnesses present. If law enforcement responds and must take the driver into custody, you may not be able to obtain this yourself. In that case, you must get it from the police report. Also take photos of the scene, including the damage to both vehicles and the area if you can.
You should also seek further medical care in the days following the accident. It may take several hours or even days for an injury to appear, and early attention creates a stronger link between the accident and your injuries. Another important step is to contact an attorney, who can explain how to begin a drunk driving accident claim in Mesquite and help you meet all necessary deadlines.
Even after a drunk driving car accident, the other Mesquite driver can be held liable for any injuries they caused. You may request economic damages, such as medical costs, doctor’s bills, lost wages, and loss of future income. You may also include non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of consortium.
In a drunk driving accident, an attorney can request punitive damages. These are available in Texas if the driver acted with gross negligence or recklessness, which is common in these kinds of crashes. Your attorney must request these at a specific point during a trial. At Ted Lyon Law, we are trial-ready from when we first take on your case, and we pursue the full extent of the damages you have suffered.
Following a drunk driving car accident in Mesquite, you may need legal assistance to get the just compensation you need. At Ted Lyon Law, our attorneys can handle negotiations with insurance companies and will go to court if necessary to ensure you receive the justice you deserve, especially against reckless drivers who operate a vehicle under the influence. Call us today to schedule your consultation.