Temple Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Helping Victims of DUI Accidents in Temple, TX
Drunk driving is a serious problem in the state of Texas, as it is across the United States. Each year, thousands of people are injured or killed in DUI accidents, and the state of Texas is no exception. If you or someone you love was injured in a crash with an intoxicated motorist in Temple, Waco, Killeen, or a nearby city, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
At the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C., we represent victims of negligence, including those injured in DUI accidents. Our Temple drunk driving accident attorneys are passionate about protecting the rights of the injured and the wronged, and we have a proven track record of success. We are prepared to fight for you.
Contact us online or call our office at (254) 938-6885 to request a free, confidential consultation.
Texas Drunk Driving Laws
In Texas, drunk driving laws are stringent to deter and penalize those who operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol. These laws primarily hinge on blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels and encompass severe penalties for offenders.
Firstly, Texas adheres to the legal BAC limit of 0.08%. If a driver's BAC exceeds this threshold, they are considered legally intoxicated. For commercial drivers, the limit is even lower at 0.04%, while drivers under 21 face stricter regulations with a BAC limit of 0.02%.
Upon being pulled over under suspicion of drunk driving, Texas law mandates implied consent. This means drivers are required to submit to BAC testing if law enforcement suspects intoxication. Refusal to comply can lead to automatic license suspension.
Penalties for drunk driving in Texas escalate with each offense. For first-time offenders, consequences typically involve fines up to $2,000, possible jail time for up to 180 days, and driver's license suspension for up to a year.
Subsequent offenses result in harsher penalties, including increased fines, longer license suspensions, mandatory alcohol education programs, and potential felony charges, especially if the offense involves injury or death.
Additionally, Texas employs a "zero tolerance" policy for minors caught driving under the influence. Even small amounts of alcohol can lead to significant penalties, such as fines, community service, mandatory alcohol awareness classes, and license suspension.
Beyond facing criminal charges and potential jail time, individuals can also be held financially responsible for damages and injuries resulting from their actions. Civil lawsuits may be filed by victims or their families seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. These legal repercussions underscore the importance of responsible driving and the severe penalties that can result from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
How Do I Prove a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?
Proving a drunk driving accident claim is similar to proving other types of car accident claims. In order to recover compensation, you will need to prove that the other driver was negligent, and that this negligence caused the accident and your injuries. However, in drunk driving accident cases, there is often an additional element of proving that the driver was, in fact, intoxicated at the time of the crash.
To prove that the other driver was intoxicated, you may need to provide evidence such as:
- Police reports: If the driver was arrested and charged with DUI, this will be reflected in the police report.
- Field sobriety test results: If the driver failed a field sobriety test, this may be used as evidence of intoxication.
- Blood alcohol content (BAC) test results: If the driver was given a breathalyzer or blood test, the results of this test may be used as evidence of intoxication. However, these tests are not always accurate, and it may be possible to challenge the results.
- Witness testimony: If there were any witnesses to the accident, they may be able to testify that the driver appeared to be intoxicated.
- Photos/videos: If you took photos or videos at the scene of the accident, these may be used as evidence of the other driver’s intoxication.
When to Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Temple
After a drunk driving accident, you may be wondering if you need to hire an attorney. In general, it is a good idea to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer if you or a loved one was seriously injured or if a loved one was killed in the collision. It is also a good idea to consult with an attorney if you are unsure about your rights or if you are being pressured by the insurance company to accept a settlement.
You should hire a drunk driving accident attorney in Temple if:
- You suffered serious injuries
- A loved one was killed in the collision
- The insurance company is offering a settlement
- You are unsure about your rights
- You have questions about how to recover compensation
At the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C., we offer free initial consultations, so there is no risk in meeting with our team to discuss your situation and your legal options. If you choose to hire our Temple drunk driving lawyers, you will pay nothing out of pocket. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs or fees. You only owe us if we are successful in recovering compensation for you, at which point our fee will be a percentage of your total recovery.
To learn more about your legal rights and how to recover compensation, call our office at (254) 938-6885 or online to request a free case evaluation.