The pain, confusion, and financial stress that follow a drunk driving accident can be devastating, leaving you wondering how to move forward. Areas across Dallas, from the streets of Deep Ellum to the highways near Uptown and Oak Cliff, see their share of drunk driving accidents. The reality is, these types of crashes can happen anywhere and to anyone. If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s reckless decision to drive under the influence, you don’t have to face this burden on your own.
Our team at AMS Law Group is dedicated to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve, offering the guidance and care you need through this challenging time. With over 34 years of combined experience serving the Dallas/Fort Worth community, we bring the skill and commitment that your case demands.
Don’t wait to seek the help you need. Talk to an experienced Dallas drunk driving accident lawyer today. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us begin the process of helping you secure the compensation you are owed.
Why Choose AMS Law Group for Your Dallas Drunk Driving Accident Claim
When you’re dealing with the repercussions of a serious accident, choosing the right legal team to stand up for your rights is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. At AMS Law Group, we know that trust, empathy, and results matter most.
Here’s what makes us the right choice for handling your claim:
- Decades of Experience: With more than 34 years of combined legal knowledge, our team knows Texas law inside and out. We’ve handled countless personal injury cases like yours with proven success.
- Compassionate Representation: We understand how life-altering an accident can be, and we’ll treat you with the care and respect you deserve. We’re not just attorneys; we’re advocates who genuinely care about your well-being.
- No Win, No Fee Promise: You don’t pay attorney’s fees unless we win your case. This means you have nothing to lose by reaching out to us and everything to gain.
- Direct Access to Your Attorney: At AMS Law Group, we believe you deserve personal, one-on-one attention. When you work with us, you’ll speak directly with your attorney, not just a case manager or paralegal.
- Proven Results: Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for accident victims across Dallas/Fort Worth. Your case deserves the same level of dedication and skill.
- Free Case Evaluation: Unsure if you have a claim? We’ll sit down with you, listen to your story, and offer a clear, straightforward evaluation at no cost.
Choosing AMS Law Group means having a trusted partner who will fight tirelessly for your rights and the compensation you deserve.
How Often is Someone Hurt or Killed by a Drunk Driver in Texas?
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, someone is hurt or killed on Texas roadways every 20 minutes by a drunk driver. But too many people don’t believe that they can be impaired after just a couple of drinks and get behind the wheel. The truth is that a person can become legally intoxicated after consuming just two or three beers in one hour. It depends on body weight, gender, how much a person has eaten, and other factors, but the vast majority of people experience some impairment after just one drink.
A Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% is considered legally drunk. Drivers who have a BAC that is over 0.10 are seven times more likely to be involved in an accident with fatalities than a driver who is sober.
When a drunk driving accident touches your family, you want justice. You want the negligent driver to be held accountable. As long as you can prove negligence on the part of the other driver and show that your injuries are a direct result of that negligent driver’s actions because they were impaired by drugs or alcohol, you have a pretty solid case.
Our legal team will help you build your case by gathering evidence and fighting for you in the courtroom. We’ll negotiate settlements and communicate with the insurance companies so that the only thing you have to focus on is healing.
Criminal DUI/DWI Charges vs. Personal Injury Lawsuits
One of the most confusing aspects of a drunk driving accident case for many victims is understanding the difference between the criminal and civil sides of the law. While both involve legal action, they serve very different purposes.
- Criminal Charges
A criminal case arises when law enforcement charges the drunk driver with DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated). These charges focus on punishing the driver for breaking the law. If convicted, the driver may face fines, license suspension, community service, or even jail time. While these penalties can help discourage future reckless behavior, they won’t compensate you for your losses. This is where a personal injury lawsuit comes into play.
- Civil Lawsuits
A personal injury lawsuit is completely separate from any criminal charges. It’s a powerful tool that allows you, the victim, to seek financial compensation for the damages you’ve suffered because of the drunk driver’s actions. This includes costs like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more. Importantly, even if the driver is not convicted of DUI/DWI in criminal court, you can still pursue a personal injury claim against them in civil court.
The experienced legal team at AMS Law Group will help you understand this process, ensuring that you don’t feel consumed by the details of the legal system. We’ll handle all the paperwork, negotiations, and advocacy needed to fight for your rights while you focus on healing.
Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company?
After an accident, you might feel pressured to resolve the situation quickly, especially if medical bills and lost wages are piling up. It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to swoop in with a fast settlement offer. While this might seem like a quick solution, it’s vital to remember one thing: insurance companies are businesses. Their primary goal is to save money, not prioritize your best interests.
Initial offers are often much lower than what you’re truly entitled to. These payouts might not cover the full scope of your medical bills, ongoing care, lost income, or emotional distress. Once you accept an offer, you forfeit the right to pursue additional compensation, even if your injuries worsen or unexpected expenses arise.
Before agreeing to anything, it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney review your case. At AMS Law Group, we’ll carefully evaluate the offer, assess your damages, and negotiate assertively on your behalf. Our goal is to ensure you receive every dollar of compensation you deserve, so you can focus on your recovery without financial worry.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident Case?
When a drunk driving accident occurs, the responsibility doesn’t always rest solely on the impaired driver. Determining liability often requires a closer examination of the circumstances leading up to the crash. Aside from the driver, other parties may also bear responsibility for your injuries.
- The Drunk Driver: The most obvious liable party is the individual who chose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. They can be held accountable for the harm they cause through negligence and reckless behavior.
- A Bar or Restaurant: Texas’s dram shop laws allow victims to hold establishments liable if they knowingly overserved alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or an underage person who later caused an accident. If the drunk driver was served beyond the point of reasonableness at a bar or restaurant, that business might share responsibility for your injuries.
- Social Hosts: Similarly, private hosts who knowingly provide alcohol to underage guests may be held accountable if the minor served causes harm to others.
- Other Third Parties: In some cases, manufacturers of defective vehicle parts or government entities responsible for unsafe roads may also be liable for contributing to the accident.
Our team at AMS Law Group knows how to carefully investigate the details of your case, identifying all possible liable parties. Pursuing claims against these entities can help maximize your compensation and provide a sense of justice for the tragedy you’ve endured.
What Compensation is Available to Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Dallas, Texas?
The aftermath of a drunk driving accident can bring tremendous physical, emotional, and financial challenges. We’re dedicated to helping you recover compensation for these losses. While every case is unique, here’s a breakdown of the compensation categories typically available:
- Medical Expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgery costs, physical therapy, medications, and any ongoing or future medical treatments related to your injuries.
- Lost Income: If your injuries force you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This also includes diminished earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous line of work.
- Pain and Suffering: Serious accidents often cause lasting emotional and physical pain. Compensation for pain and suffering considers the impact on your overall quality of life.
- Property Damage: You can recover the costs to repair or replace your vehicle and other property destroyed in the crash.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If you lost a loved one to a drunk driving accident, no amount of money can make up for your loss. However, compensation for wrongful death may help ease the financial burdens left behind. This can include funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, and loss of the deceased’s income and support.
Pursuing the full compensation you deserve can be a lengthy and complicated process. That’s why having a skilled attorney by your side is crucial to building a strong case.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Dallas Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit?
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, it’s essential to act quickly. Texas law imposes a statute of limitations on personal injury cases, which is essentially a deadline for filing your claim.
Under Texas law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a civil lawsuit. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case is. Exceptions to this rule are rare, but they can occur in specific situations, such as cases involving minors or where the injury wasn’t immediately discovered.
Ensuring your lawsuit is filed on time requires careful planning and prompt action. At AMS Law Group, we understand the urgency of these matters and will help you meet all filing deadlines while building a compelling case. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin working to protect your rights.
How Can a Dallas Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Help with My Case?
The legal process following a drunk driving accident can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with injuries and emotional trauma. This is where an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer can make all the difference. At AMS Law Group, we provide comprehensive legal support tailored to your needs.
Here’s how we can help:
- Case Evaluation: During your free consultation, we’ll listen to your story, assess your damages, and provide straightforward advice on your options.
- Investigating the Accident: We’ll gather evidence like police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage to determine fault and liability.
- Working with Experts: To strengthen your case, we may collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and other experts who can provide critical insights.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Negotiating with insurers can be intimidating. Our team will handle all communications, ensuring you’re not pressured into accepting a lowball offer.
- Litigating Your Case: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we’re prepared to take your case to court and advocate aggressively for your rights before a judge and jury.
Our job is to handle the legal details so you can focus on healing. From the moment you reach out to AMS Law Group, you’re not alone in this fight—we’re here to provide the advocacy and results you deserve.
Contact Our Trusted Dallas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a drunk driving accident, don’t wait to seek the justice and compensation you’re entitled to. At AMS Law Group, we’ve built our reputation on putting clients first, and we’re ready to do the same for you.
Contact us today at (888) 960-8363 or through our online form for your free consultation. You’re not just another case to us. You’re someone who deserves care, respect, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
With AMS Law Group by your side, you can move forward with confidence, knowing that we’re fighting to make things right.