Are you an Accident Victim Hit by a Drunk Driver?
Sadly, personal injuries often result from another person’s drunk driving. It’s true that drunk driving is a criminal offense. However, when a drunk driver hurts you, you also have a civil claim against the drunk driver for your damages.
Criminal and civil court
Even though the police may come to the scene to investigate the drunk driving, their focus is to conduct a criminal investigation. They’re not thinking about helping you build your claim for a fair recovery. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Houston.
Although the drunk driving case may go through the criminal courts, the damages you’re entitled to in the criminal court may be limited to your actual, out of pocket losses. In civil court, you’re eligible to recover for a full range of damages that may include non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Proving your case
A personal injury lawyer in Houston can help you prove your case. The drunk driving alone may or may not be enough to prove that the other side caused the crash and your injuries. You must show the jury how the driver caused the crash. If your case isn’t clear, your attorney can help you find the right accident reconstruction expert to explain the events to the jury.
In addition to helping the jury connect the dots about how your injury occurred, proving your civil case means gathering evidence of the full extent of your damages. Your medical bills are likely only the tip of the iceberg. If you’re unable to work, that’s another category of damages. Your attorney knows the ins and outs of what each type of damages includes. For example, lost work can include lost bonuses, commissions and even income from self-employment.
Knowing your rights
Personal injury attorneys help victims of all kinds including victims who are hit by a drunk driver. They can help you understand you rights under the law and help you advocate for your best interests. DWI victims are personal injury victims. A personal injury lawyer can help you make sure the justice system works for you so that you get what the law says you deserve.