A crash with a drunk driver can leave you searching for answers you never expected to need. A routine drive can become a serious injury claim when another motorist chooses to drive after drinking.
At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, our team understands how disruptive drunk driving car accidents in League City, TX can be for you and your family. An experienced car accident attorney at our firm could help you assess fault and pursue the compensation you may deserve after an impaired driver causes you harm.
Understanding Liability After a Crash With an Impaired Driver
A drunk driving arrest after a vehicle crash in League City can serve as important evidence, but it does not automatically resolve every issue in a civil injury claim. You must still show how the other driver’s conduct caused the crash and the value of your losses.
Under Texas Penal Code § 49.04, driving while intoxicated (DWI) in a public place is a criminal offense. Evidence of intoxication can support liability in a civil claim by showing that the driver’s conduct fell below what a reasonably safe motorist would do. Our team could also gather broader proof, including police reports and medical records that document your injuries.
A drunk driving case can involve more than the impaired driver. Depending on the facts, we could examine whether the driver was working at the time, whether another party owned the vehicle, and what insurance coverage may apply. Texas also follows a proportionate responsibility rule, so an insurer may try to assign you part of the blame to lower what it pays. Building a case based on comprehensive, accurate details about how the crash happened protects you against that tactic.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Collision With an Intoxicated Driver?
The value of an intoxicated-driver injury claim depends on the severity of the crash and the lasting impact on your work and daily life. Some victims heal after follow-up treatment, while others face surgery or permanent limitations. A claim may include compensation for:
- Medical expenses and future treatment needs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and physical impairment
- Vehicle damage and out-of-pocket costs
- Long-term disability or changes to daily living
Insurers may try to narrow the claim to immediate medical bills or argue that certain injuries were unrelated to your accident. Careful documentation matters because a League City car collision claim involving drunk driving should connect the crash to the full course of your medical care and the losses that affect your recovery.
Filing Deadlines After a Crash
After a crash with an impaired driver in League City, the criminal case and the civil claim move through separate systems. The state may prosecute the impaired driver, but that process does not compensate you for medical bills or lost income, so you must build your civil claim separately and support it with evidence.
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003 generally gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. That deadline makes early investigation important because, otherwise, surveillance footage can disappear and witness memories can fade before you resolve your claim. Our team could preserve evidence and prepare your case for litigation when an insurer refuses to treat your injuries fairly.
Contact a League City, TX Attorney for Help After a Vehicle Crash With a Drunk Driver
You should not have to face the financial and physical consequences of a crash caused by an impaired driver on your own. The legal process is hard to manage while you are recovering, especially when an insurer asks for statements or a quick settlement before you understand the full impact of your injury.
At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, our attorneys have experience handling drunk driving car accidents in League City. We could help you understand your options and proceed with clarity, knowing a dedicated team is handling the details of your claim. Contact us today to discuss your situation.
