Baytown DUI Accident Lawyer

It is universally understood that driving under the influence (DUI) poses a serious risk of severe bodily injury or death. However, far too many people still think it is okay to get behind the wheel after having too much to drink. If you have suffered debilitating injuries as a result of a drunk driving wreck, you may be able to hold the driver who hit you accountable for their negligence.

The court system will determine whether criminal charges apply. Your strategically aggressive Baytown DUI accident lawyer from Zinda Law Group is available 24/7 and here to help you demand justice on your own terms. Connect with your top-rated Baytown car accident lawyer during a free consultation and learn more about the legal options that may be available to you.

Explore Every Opportunity for Justice 

Working with a Baytown personal injury lawyer may be the best opportunity for you to maximize your compensation and ensure those responsible are held accountable for their recklessness. There are several potential ways you may be able to recover the compensation you deserve. These include:

• Filing an insurance claim – Texas is a fault state, so the liable party’s insurance policy should cover your damages. However, some insurance companies refuse to pay out claims where the driver was intoxicated, as outlined in the driver’s insurance policy terms.
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit – The party may not have auto insurance coverage as required. If this is the case, or if the insurance company refuses to settle your claim fairly, we may need to go to trial.

Between an insurance claim and a civil lawsuit, you have a chance to recover the total value of your losses. This does not only include financial losses like loss of income or medical bills. Both economic and non-economic damages are recoverable in a successful DUI accident claim.

Baytown DUI Accident FAQ

What Are the Criminal Penalties for Drunk Driving in Baytown?

The drunk driver who hit you will likely face criminal charges. If they are a first-time offender, they could spend a minimum of three days or as much as 180 days in jail in addition to a $2,000 fine. Drunk drivers may also have their driving privileges revoked for multiple years, depending on their criminal history.

In addition to criminal penalties, the drunk driver will also need to contend with collateral consequences, which will continue to affect their lives even after they have completed the terms of their sentence. Furthermore, you have the right to file a civil lawsuit against the drunk driver who caused your injuries. Through your claim, your Baytown DUI accident lawyer can fight for total compensation for your damages.

Is There a Statute of Limitations on DUI Accident Lawsuits?

Yes, there is a statute of limitations on DUI accident and personal injury claims across Texas. Per Tex. Civ. Pract. & Proc. Code §16.003, all civil lawsuits must be filed within two years of the accident date. This is a generalization, however, as there may be conditions that allow the statute of limitations to be longer or shorter.

For instance, as described under §101.101 of the Tort Claims Act, if you need to file a civil claim against a government agency, you must file a notice of claim within 180 days of the accident. The statute of limitations could be extended if you need to file a claim for a minor child who is injured or you did not receive an official diagnosis related to the accident until some time afterward. Your Baytown DUI accident attorney from Zinda Law Group can closely evaluate the specific details of your case to determine how much longer you have to file your suit.

What Happens if I Am Partially at Fault for the Accident?

If you are partially at fault for the accident, it could have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. Sharing liability triggers Texas modified comparative negligence laws. Formally known as proportionate responsibility laws as described under Tex. Civ. Pract. & Proc. Code §33.001, the state allows injury victims to receive compensation for their damages, but at a reduced rate. 

Liability cannot exceed the 50% threshold. If your fault is less than the limit, damages can still be awarded with a reduction. The exact amount that will be taken out depends on your proportionate responsibility. If your portion of blame exceeds the 50% bar, then you may miss out on your opportunity to recover compensation through the Texas civil justice system.

Which Types of Damages Could I Be Awarded?

There are several types of damages you have the right to recover when you file a DUI accident lawsuit in civil court. Your Baytown personal injury lawyer will review both your economic and non-economic damages to ensure we have accounted for every loss. Some examples of damages that may be recoverable in DUI accident lawsuits and insurance claims include:

• Disfigurement
• Permanent disability
• Loss of income
• Reduced earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Mental anguish
• Vehicle repairs
• Auto insurance premium increases
• The diminished value of your vehicle
• Skin scarring
• Loss of consortium
• Medical expenses

How Can I Afford to Hire a DUI Accident Lawyer in Baytown, TX if I Am Out of Work?

We understand how pressed you must be for cash during this difficult time in your life. We would never dream of expecting someone who has been through such a traumatic event to use up all of their savings or take out a personal loan to hire a legal representative. Instead, we work for our clients through contingency agreements as described under Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.04 Fees.

Here, you do not pay any of the costs of pursuing your case. Your compassionate DUI accident attorney in Baytown, TX will take care of everything on your behalf so you can stay afloat while you are out of work and unable to earn a living. Our no-win, no-fee guarantee means we only recover compensation for our attorney’s fees if we successfully recover compensation for your damages.

Turn to a Dedicated Baytown DUI Accident Attorney for Help Today

Drunk drivers show a blatant disregard for not only their safety but that of other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists on the roadways. The only way to reduce the number of these collisions and get the compensation you deserve is by holding liable parties accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Your trial-proven DUI accident lawyer in Baytown with Zinda Law Group can help you through these difficult times.

Our team will comprehensively investigate the accident so we have the evidence we need to bring the at-fault party to justice. Put our more than a century of combined legal experience to work for you and your family. When you are ready to take back control of your future, start by calling our office or filling out our secured contact form to schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation as soon as today.