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Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Dallas
There are various contributing factors for Dallas car crashes, including:
- Failure to control speed: The driver cannot slow down or stop to avoid a car accident.
- Inattentiveness: The driver is distracted by their phone, radio, talking or snacking and is not focused on the road.
- Unsafe lane change: The driver changes lanes without regard for right-of-way or other vehicles.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol: Alcohol impairment accidents happen when the driver has a blood alcohol content (BAC) over the legal limit of 0.08. “Under the influence of alcohol” was the crash contributing factor for nearly 16,000 crashes statewide in 2023.
How Fault Is Attributed
For drunk driving crashes in Texas, a judge or jury at trial or an insurance adjuster determines fault based on the evidence of:
- Expert testimony
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Photographs and videos from the accident
Your Dallas drunk driving lawyer will also investigate the accident to gather critical evidence to build a strong case if it goes to trial.
Punitive Damages
If you sustained injuries in a drunk driving accident, you may be able to recover punitive damages. This compensation is designed to be a punishment for grossly negligent or reckless conduct to discourage DWI in the future. Your Thomas J. Henry lawyer will help determine whether you can claim punitive damages.
Dangers of Alcohol Consumption
When a person drinks alcohol, it passes into the bloodstream, causing side effects like impaired thinking and reasoning and poor muscle coordination. Since these abilities are critical for driving safely, inebriated drivers can make mistakes and engage in reckless behavior, like speeding or failing to obey stop signs. Drunk driving can result in car accidents that cause fatalities or serious injuries.
Entitlement to Compensation
Your drunk driving accident lawyer in Dallas will take immediate action to put you in the best position to seek the maximum recovery for your case. The compensation you may be entitled to can cover compensatory damages such as:
- Medical expenses
- Physical impairment
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages and diminished future income
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
Dallas Drunk Driving Crash Statistics
Despite the potential consequences of drunk driver accidents, Dallas has some of the most severe alcohol-related crashes and fatalities in Texas. A report from the Texas Department of Transportation found that there were 64 fatal crashes and 72 deaths from DUI crashes in Dallas in 2023, which are among the highest rates in Texas. Most victims of these DUI fatalities were only 21 years old, with 37.67% of fatally injured drivers having a BAC over the legal limit.
Contact an Experienced Dallas DWI Lawyer to Review Your Case
While insurance companies may provide compensation, it may not be what you deserve. Thomas J. Henry has a team of over 200 experienced Dallas drunk driving accident lawyers ready to protect your rights and recover fair compensation for your injuries and loss. You can use our legal knowledge and resources for a free case review.
If you were in a Dallas drunk driving accident, call us at 866-747-8731 or contact us to start your case review. Our firm has offices in Dallas, Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Corpus Christi that are open 24/7, including nights and weekends.