Everyone knows it is both illegal and unsafe to get behind the wheel of a car after having consumed alcohol, however, this does not stop everyone from doing so. Unfortunately, this often leads to serious accidents. Drunk driving accidents are among the most gruesome types of auto accidents, and if you have been injured in one, you are most likely now seeking financial compensation to help cover the cost of your medical bills, lost wages, and more. Fortunately, our knowledgeable Texas personal injury attorneys are here to help. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What is a dram shop law?
Many states across the country have dram shop laws in place. Essentially, dram shop laws allow those injured by drunk drivers to sue third-party establishments that served the individual alcohol under certain conditions. In Texas, the dram shop law states that establishments are prohibited from serving alcohol to minors and individuals who are “obviously” intoxicated, and that individual’s intoxication was a “proximate” cause of the injuries sustained. So, for example, if an establishment serves alcohol to a minor and that minor gets into his or her car, crashes into you, and you are injured, you may sue both the driver, as well as the establishment that served the driver alcohol for financial compensation. That being said, it is not always easy to win these lawsuits, which is why you will need an experienced Houston personal injury attorney who knows the ins and outs of the claims process. Our firm has helped countless individuals who have been wrongly injured over the years, and we are ready to put that experience to work for you.
How long will I have to sue for an injury sustained in a drunk driving accident in Texas?
If you are injured in an auto accident with a drunk driver, you will have to file your claim in accordance with the state’s statute of limitations. Since the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is, generally, two years, you will, under most circumstances, have two years from the date of your accident to take legal action against the liable party. Though you may wish to wait to see if your injuries heal on their own, we cannot advise you to do so, for if you miss the two-year limit, you will most likely be barred from suing. Do not let this happen. We are ready to begin fighting for the compensation you need today.
Contact our experienced Houston firm
We understand how challenging various legal matters can be, which is why we have dedicated ourselves to helping clients in Texas through a wide array of legal matters, including personal injury law and criminal defense. If you have sustained a serious injury or are facing criminal charges, contact the Gonzalez Law Group today to learn more about how we can help you through every step of the legal process ahead.
