Drunk driving accidents in Richardson, Texas, happen more often than they should. Areas like Central Expressway near Spring Valley Road, Belt Line Road, and parts of East Arapaho Road have seen serious collisions where alcohol played a role. These crashes often leave people with injuries, property damage, and long-term consequences.
What to do if you’re hit by a drunk driver in Richardson starts with knowing how to protect yourself right after the crash. Victims may have the right to pursue money to cover their losses when another person made the decision to drive while impaired. Understanding what to do can make a big difference when you’re dealing with the aftermath.
Keep reading to find out what steps help protect your legal and financial interests after a crash caused by a drunk driver. Reach out to a local car accident attorney for help reviewing your case. Many offer free consultations to get you started.
What to do if you’re hit by a drunk driver in Richardson?
- Call 911 immediately so police can document intoxication signs and provide emergency care.
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine—some injuries surface hours later.
- Take photos of the crash, get witness contacts, and note signs of impairment.
- Don’t admit fault or speak to insurance adjusters before talking to a lawyer.
- Texas law allows you to claim compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and more.
- You may also recover punitive damages when the driver acted with extreme recklessness.
- You generally have 2 years to file a claim—acting quickly helps preserve evidence.
- An attorney can negotiate with insurers, gather proof, and fight for full compensation.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Drunk Driving Accident?
After a crash involving a drunk driver, your actions at the scene and shortly afterward can affect your health, your safety, and any future claim you may file. Knowing what to do helps you stay in control during a chaotic moment. Here are the steps to take right away:
Call 911 and Report the Accident
Start by calling 911. This ensures that police and emergency medical personnel come to the scene. A police officer will document what happened and look for signs of intoxication in the other driver, like the smell of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, or slurred speech. The officer may also perform sobriety tests or request a breath or blood test.
These details go into the police report, which becomes key evidence in your case. Emergency responders can also check for injuries and provide treatment right away.
Seek Medical Attention Even If You Feel Fine
You might not notice injuries immediately after the crash. Some issues, like concussions or internal injuries, may take hours or even days to appear. By getting checked out right after the accident, you make sure injuries aren’t ignored.
Medical records from that visit will show a direct link between the crash and your injuries. If you wait, the insurance company might claim that your injuries weren’t serious or came from something else.
Document Everything at the Scene
If it’s safe and you’re able, gather as much information as you can. Take pictures of the damage to both cars, the license plates, skid marks, broken glass, and anything else related to the crash.
If you notice signs that the other driver is impaired, like stumbling, slurred words, or open containers of alcohol, make a note. These details could support your claim later. Also, ask for contact information from anyone who saw what happened.
Avoid Discussing Fault or Making Statements
Don’t admit fault or apologize at the scene. Even a simple “I’m sorry” can be twisted to mean you accepted blame. Also, don’t talk to the drunk driver about what happened or argue with them. Keep your comments short and direct when speaking to the police.
Once you leave the scene, avoid giving statements to any insurance company without first talking to a lawyer. Anything you say could be used to reduce the amount they offer to cover your losses.
These steps help protect your health and your legal rights. If you follow them after a crash with a drunk driver, you’ll be in a stronger position to hold that driver accountable and pursue financial recovery for what you’ve gone through.
Understanding Drunk Driving Laws in Texas
Texas law has firm rules against drunk driving, and these rules can have an impact on both the criminal and civil sides of a case.
Blood Alcohol Content Limits and Penalties
Drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or higher are considered legally intoxicated in Texas. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%. Minors can be cited for any detectable alcohol. The state imposes fines, license suspensions, and even jail time for driving drunk. Repeat offenders and those who cause injuries often face harsher penalties.
Criminal vs. Civil Cases
When police arrest a drunk driver, the state handles the criminal case. This is separate from your civil claim, which focuses on getting money to cover your losses. Even if the driver faces criminal charges, you still need to file your own civil claim. A guilty verdict in criminal court can help your case, but it’s not required for you to recover damages.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Drunk Driver Hits You?
A crash with a drunk driver can leave you with more than just a damaged car. You may have medical bills, missed work, pain, and changes in your everyday life. Texas law gives you the right to sue after a car accident and seek money to cover these losses when someone else causes the crash by driving under the influence. The types of compensation you may pursue fall into three main categories.
Economic Damages
These are the out-of-pocket costs and financial losses you can prove with bills, receipts, or records. They often include:
- Medical expenses: ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and other treatments.
- Lost wages: Time missed from work due to your injuries or recovery.
- Property damage: Repairs or replacement for your vehicle and any damaged belongings.
- Future costs: Ongoing medical care, future surgeries, and reduced ability to earn a living if your injuries cause long-term issues.
Every dollar you spend—or lose—because of the crash should be included in your claim.
Non-Economic Damages
Not all losses show up on a receipt. Non-economic damages cover the harder-to-measure effects of the crash, such as:
- Pain and suffering: Ongoing discomfort, chronic pain, or the toll of a long recovery.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or trauma from the crash.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If you can no longer enjoy hobbies, travel, or family time like before, that counts too.
- Loss of companionship: In serious cases, your injuries may affect your relationships with loved ones.
Even though these losses aren’t tied to a specific price tag, they can still be part of your claim.
Punitive Damages in Drunk Driving Cases
Unlike other types of compensation, punitive damages aren’t meant to repay you. Instead, they punish the drunk driver for reckless behavior and send a message to others. Texas allows these damages when someone acts with extreme disregard for safety, and drunk driving often meets that standard.
Courts sometimes award punitive damages on top of other damages, especially if the driver had a very high blood alcohol level, had prior DUI convictions, or fled the scene. This can raise the total value of your case.
How Long Do You Have to File a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Texas?
Time limits apply to all injury claims, including those involving drunk drivers.
Texas Statute of Limitations
You generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline usually means losing the right to recover anything.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
The sooner you take action, the easier it is to gather strong evidence. Witnesses remember more clearly, and surveillance footage may still be available. If you wait, you may lose key proof that could support your case.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Drunk Driving Accident
You’ll likely deal with more than one insurance company after a crash. Being prepared can help you avoid common pitfalls.
Your Own Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company about the crash. You may need to use your policy’s personal injury protection or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance.
The Drunk Driver’s Insurance
The other driver’s insurance may contact you quickly with a settlement offer. These first offers usually don’t cover all your losses. Insurance adjusters are trained to save their company money. Let your lawyer review any offer before you accept it.
When Insurance Coverage Is Insufficient
If the drunk driver doesn’t have enough insurance, your attorney can look into their personal assets or other ways to recover funds. This could include suing other parties, like a bar that overserved the driver under Texas dram shop laws.
What to Do If You Suffered Injuries or Losses in a Car Accident Someone Else Caused
Drunk driving accidents cause real damage to real people. These steps help support your case and protect your right to financial recovery.
Preserve All Evidence Related to Your Accident
Hold on to every document related to the crash. This includes medical bills, photos, pay stubs, and any proof of how the accident affected your job. Keep copies organized and ready to share with your attorney.
Keep Detailed Records of Your Recovery
Write down how your injuries affect your life. This can include missed events, struggles with everyday tasks, or changes in your relationships. A recovery journal paints a clear picture of what you’ve gone through.
Avoid Social Media Posts About Your Accident
Insurance companies often check Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms for posts that they can twist to their advantage. Even a smiling photo could be used to argue that your injuries aren’t serious.
Don’t Accept Quick Settlement Offers
Fast settlements might seem helpful, especially if bills are piling up. But once you accept, you can’t go back and ask for more. Make sure any offer covers all current and future costs related to the crash.
How Our Richardson Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Can Help
Having the right legal help can make a real difference in how your case turns out. At AMS Law Group, we take your case seriously from day one.
Thorough Investigation of Your Case
Our legal team gathers every detail about the crash. We review the police report, interview witnesses, and consult with doctors to understand your injuries. We may also bring in crash reconstruction experts to help prove how the collision happened.
Dealing with All Insurance Companies
We talk to the insurance companies so you don’t have to. Our attorneys know how to push back against lowball offers and prevent you from saying something that could hurt your case.
Maximizing Your Compensation
We calculate the full scope of your damages, including future care, lost income, and pain. In drunk driving cases, we also look into whether punitive damages apply and whether other parties may share responsibility.
Trial Representation When Necessary
If the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable offer, we prepare your case for trial. Our lawyers present strong arguments in court to help juries understand the full impact of the crash.
Take Action to Protect Your Rights
After a drunk driving crash in Richardson, don’t wait. Quick action protects your case and improves your chances of recovering what you need to move forward. Drunk driving cases often involve more than just a simple accident claim. They require careful investigation, legal skill, and a strong plan.
AMS Law Group is ready to help you hold the drunk driver accountable. Our team handles the paperwork, deals with the insurance companies, and fights to recover damages that match what you’ve lost.
If you’ve been hurt in a drunk driving accident, contact AMS Law Group today for a free consultation. Let us help you take the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Accidents in Richardson
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. Under Texas law, you can still recover damages if you’re less than 51% responsible. However, your recovery is reduced by your share of fault.
What if the drunk driver doesn’t have insurance?
Your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may help. Your attorney may also look at the drunk driver’s personal assets or other parties who may have contributed to the crash.
How much is my drunk driving accident case worth?
Each case is different. Factors include the severity of your injuries, how long your recovery takes, and whether the driver acted recklessly or broke the law. Your attorney can help estimate a fair value based on the facts.
Do I have to pay attorney fees upfront?
No. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay upfront, and the lawyer’s fee comes from the final settlement or verdict.
What if the drunk driver is charged criminally?
Criminal charges can strengthen your civil case. A conviction helps show that the driver acted recklessly, which can support your claim for damages.