If you or a loved one suffered damages because of a drunk driver, then you have the right to recover financial compensation. Drunk driving is against the law, yet drunk drivers still account for far too many accidents on the roads of Galveston.
At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, we are committed to our clients, especially when they are the victims of someone else’s gross negligence. Drunk driving has no place in our community, and we will work hard to ensure that the person who changed your life is properly punished. You may be entitled to not only economic and non-economic damages but also punitive ones. For more information about how we can help you, contact our Galveston car accident lawyer today.
Determining Optimal Compensation for a Drunk Driving Accident
Car accidents involving drunk drivers can result in significant injuries, property damage, and even death. Depending on the seriousness of your injuries, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your damages.
Your Lawyer Will Help You Acquire Economic Damages
No one should forego medical treatment or refuse to take time off work because they are worried about the financial implications it will have for them and their family. That is why our personal injury lawyers are committed to ensuring our clients recover the economic damages they are entitled to. These damages include:
- Property Damage
- Lost wages because of work missed due to your accident
- Medical bills and future medical expenses
You may be concerned that the cost of these damages is greater than you can afford, but you are responsible for nothing if another person’s negligence caused your accident.
Non-Economic Damages Increase Your Settlement Value
If you receive an initial settlement offer from the negligent party’s insurance company, there is a good chance that non-economic damages will not be included. These are damages that are often overlooked by accident victims, but when they are included in a settlement, the value increases significantly.
These types of damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish and trauma
These damages do not have a pre-determined value, so your attorneys will need to review similar cases and other relevant information to accurately present a value as part of your settlement.
Your Lawyer Can Determine if Punitive Damages are Appropriate
According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 41.003, punitive damages are not classified as either economic or non-economic damages. These are additional damages that are intended to punish the defendant for the gross negligence they committed.
When punitive damages are awarded, the judge and jury are trying to not only prevent the defendant from acting recklessly in the future but to prevent anyone from taking similar actions.
Under Texas law, drunk driving is considered gross negligence, and thus, punitive damages will generally be awarded in car accidents involving a drunk driver.
While punitive damages can greatly increase the amount your settlement is worth, there is a limit on the amount that you can recover. In Texas, punitive damages are limited to:
- $200,000; or
- Double the amount of economic damages plus non-economic damages, up to a total of $750,000
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How Can a Drunk Driving Lawyer Help You
In addition to helping you recover optimal compensation, a Galveston drunk driving lawyer can help you in a variety of ways throughout the legal process.
Determining Negligence
When it comes to drunk driving, it may seem obvious that the driver of the vehicle was the negligent party. However, there could be other negligent parties that can be held accountable for the accident in addition to the driver.
For example, if the driver was drinking at a bar, then the business that served them alcohol could also be held responsible for your damages.
To ensure you recover all the compensation you deserve, your attorneys will compile evidence and determine if one or multiple parties should be held responsible for your damages.
Speaking with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies will call you following your accident. They will want information regarding the accident to determine how much their settlement offer should be.
The answers you give to the questions asked will be used to determine your settlement value, so what you say is incredibly important to your financial future. To avoid any potential pitfalls, your attorneys can speak with the insurance companies on your behalf. This will allow you to rest and recover from your injuries while knowing your best interests are being accounted for.
Adhering to the Statute of Limitations
According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 41.003, you have two years from the day of your accident to take legal action against the responsible party. If you fail to meet this deadline, you may not be able to recover any damages.
While you focus on your physical recovery, we can ensure that your lawsuit is filed within the statute of limitations and that all information that needs to be gathered is.
Assisting With Rare Situations
Sometimes, the aftermath of an accident does not go as planned. For instance, if the drunk driver was uninsured, then how you recover compensation will look different than in an ordinary claim where they were insured. We can help with these rare occurrences so you are not bogged down by legal content that can be hard to understand.
A Galveston Drunk Driving Attorney Can Help You Today
If you are the victim of a drunk driving accident, you have legal options for recovering compensation. Do not avoid seeking legal assistance or medical treatment because you are worried about the cost. Our lawyers can help you build your claim and file a lawsuit to recover optimal compensation.
At Loncar Lyons Jenkins, we are committed to keeping drunk drivers off our roads. When our clients are victims of such recklessness, we make sure they know that their physical and financial recovery is of the utmost importance. For more information about how we can help you, contact our Galveston drunk driving accident lawyer today for a free consultation.
