Anyone who has been the victim of a DWI accident is likely to feel extremely angry, and rightfully so. Drunk drivers are a huge problem in our society, despite the attempts to educate the public about the dangers of drunk driving. Fortunately, drunk drivers are punished criminally, and accident victims have the right to file lawsuits seeking damages caused by drunk drivers.
DWI victims can sue for all of the injuries and the property damage that occurred as a result of the accident. This may include funeral expenses, medical expenses, lost wages, damage to the vehicle, therapy bills, and other reasonable expenses. DWI victims can also sue for other damages that aren’t monetary in nature. These damages would include amounts for pain and suffering, disfigurement, mental anguish, etc.
If a person was killed in the DWI accident, the deceased’s heirs have a right to sue the drunk driver for damages. The award could include money for lost income, wrongful death, pain and suffering, and more. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. Punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer.
The drunk driver’s insurance policy will hopefully provide at least enough to satisfy part of the claim. In the event the drunk driver isn’t insured or the insurance is insufficient, the injured party can make a claim against the drunk driver’s assets. Also, in some cases, if the accident occurred while the drunk driver was working, the employer can be held liable for the accident.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a drunk driver, you have legal rights. You should contact a Houston personal injury attorney as quickly as possible to discuss a potential lawsuit. The more quickly you act, the better your chances of winning the case.
