Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Pasadena 

Motor vehicle accidents involving intoxicated drivers are usually avoidable if that driver had followed their duty of care. A drunk driving car accident in Pasadena can leave you with injuries and unable to work while you recover. You know that you need help because the insurance company seems to be giving you the runaround or making offers that do not begin to cover your current expenses, much less future expenses. You need to partner with a seasoned car accident attorney who can get you the compensation you deserve.

How Is the Responsible Party Determined if Alcohol is Involved?

A Pasadena attorney begins a case involving a drunk driving accident  by determining the responsible party. They start by identifying the party who acted or failed to act in such a manner that the accident would not have happened if not for their decisions. In most car accidents, the responsible party has an auto insurance policy in place, and the insurance company bears the brunt of the expense of any damages from the accident. The responsible party’s insurance company is usually listed in the accident report.

Most Common Injuries From Drunk Driving Crashes

After a drunk driving car accident in Pasadena, the injured party may face injuries that take months or years of recovery. In some cases, the injuries are so severe that they can alter their life and leave them struggling to build a new future with limited mobility or ongoing medical care. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Fractured or broken bones
• Bruises and cuts
• Facial injuries when the airbags deploy
• Leg injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Crush injuries
• Traumatic brain injury

The injuries received during a car accident can lead to expenses the injured party should not have to pay, and which could last for months or years.

What Are Some of the Damages to Seek After a Car Accident?

After a drunk driving vehicle crash, the injured party in Pasadena, TX can seek damages for their expenses and inconvenience. These may include:

• Medical bills: hospital stays, medical tests, surgeries, medication, treatments, and physical and occupational therapy
• Estimated future medical costs
• Lost wages
• Inability to work in the future
• Personal property
• Loss of companionship
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages

A personal injury attorney looks at the details of the case, especially the injuries sustained, to determine the amount of damages to seek from the responsible party.

What Are Punitive Damages?

When a crime or seriously bad behavior are the reason behind a car accident, punitive damages can be awarded. These are damages above and beyond the normal economic and non-economic damages. Punitive damages are meant to be a way to deter future bad behavior, as well as warning to others who might also engage in the bad acts. This includes drunk driving, which is a crime. A plaintiff should consult an attorney first to determine if punitive damages are possible in this particular case.

Contact Our Pasadena Attorneys After a Drunk Driving Car Accident

At Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, we understand the nuances of car accident claims in Pasadena involving an intoxicated driver. Our team knows how important it is to hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries and damages. From your first phone call to the day you get your check, you will find our team focused on your needs and providing you with compassion and understanding. Contact us today for a free consult.