Drunk Driving Accidents
Every day, 28 people in the United States are killed in drunk-driving accidents. That’s one person every 52 minutes. Houston is considered to be one of the worst cities in the United States for drunk driving incidents. In 2018, there were 1,942 alcohol-related crashes in the city, which caused 55 deaths.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you need immediate legal assistance. Drunk driving is irresponsible. Drunk drivers should be held accountable for the injuries and suffering they have caused. You have the right to demand compensation for your losses. A skilled Houston drunk driving accident attorney can help you navigate the complicated legal system and pursue the justice you deserve.
Willie D. Powells III is the Houston personal injury attorney who will go the distance for you. He is dedicated to pursuing justice for the people of Houston while providing an extraordinary level of kindness, compassion, and service. His exceptional legal skills are proven by his impressive track record of positive outcomes in settlements and awards won for his clients. Awarded “Litigator of the Year” in 2020 by the American Institute of Trial Lawyers, Willie D. Powells III will confidently take your case to trial if that is the best way to protect your rights and interests.
If you have been injured by the reckless behavior of a drunk driver in Houston, you need a capable, dedicated lawyer who will fight for your rights. Contact the office of Willie D. Powells III, one of Houston’s top-performing personal injury lawyers, for a free consultation today.
Drunk Driving Defined
Alcohol slows down a person’s thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination. These are all brain functions that are critical to safe driving. A drunk person behind the wheel is slow to react and can easily get distracted or fall asleep while driving. That’s why drunk drivers can cause serious accidents that can injure, or even kill, themselves and other innocent people on the road.
In Texas, it is illegal to drive while intoxicated. A person is considered to be legally intoxicated when their blood alcohol concentration reaches or exceeds 0.08 percent.
Civil and Criminal Actions Against Drunk Drivers
In most cases, a drunk driver who causes an accident is arrested and charged with a DWI, which is a criminal charge with severe penalties. A victim who is injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver must file an insurance claim or a civil lawsuit to pursue compensation for their losses. A criminal lawsuit against a drunk driver is separate from a civil lawsuit used by a victim to obtain compensation. Technically, a drunk driving criminal lawsuit should have no impact on a related civil claim. However, there are two main ways in which they can affect each other:
- A drunk driver who is facing criminal charges has the right to request that your civil case is “stayed” until their criminal case is completed. This will delay the legal processes for your personal injury case.
- Evidence from a criminal case or DWI conviction can be used to strengthen your claim and help you recover maximum compensation.
Attorney Willie D. Powells III understands how criminal charges can affect your drunk driving accident insurance claim or lawsuit. He knows how to skillfully use evidence to support your claim and help you pursue compensation that fully covers all of the losses you are facing.
Damages Available for a Victim of a Drunk Driving Accident
If you are a victim of a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to the following types of damages:
- Personal injury — including medical bills, long-term rehabilitation, and care, lost income, pain, and suffering
- Property damage — damage to your vehicle and any other property that was damaged by the accident
- Wrongful death — if a family member was killed by a drunk driver
Statute of Limitations for Drunk Driving Accidents
The statute of limitations refers to the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after an accident. In Texas, you have two years from the date of a drunk driving accident to file a lawsuit. However, drunk driving accident insurance claims typically have a shorter time frame. You need to contact a skilled Houston car accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident to protect your rights.
How Willie D. Powells III and Associates, PLLC Can Help You
If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident, you may think that evidence of the driver’s intoxication will automatically give you the right to compensation. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Even though you may be a victim of someone else’s reckless behavior, insurance companies are in the business of making money and do not want to lose the money you have. They will likely try to settle your claim for the lowest possible amount. They may try to hold you partially responsible for the accident or even argue against the severity of your injuries.
Attorney Willie D. Powells III is familiar with all the insurance company's tricks and tactics. He and his team can help you pursue the compensation you deserve by collecting solid evidence and building a strong claim that accounts for all of your current and future losses. He will use his exceptional negotiation skills to pursue a favorable settlement for you and will not hesitate to take your case to trial if necessary.
When you hire Willie D. Powells III, you can feel confident that your case is being handled by a competent attorney who gets results. As one of Houston’s finest personal injury lawyers, Willie Powell has an extensive list of awards and recognitions that reflect his outstanding reputation and commitment to serving his clients. He was featured in USA Today as one of the “2019 Power Lawyers” and was also recognized as one of the “Top 10 Best of the Best Attorneys” in 2019-2020.
Contact Willie D. Powells III and Associates, PLLC Today
One conversation with Willie is all it takes to be convinced of his care and integrity in serving his clients and his unwavering dedication to justice. He works on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay anything until he recovers compensation for you. Contact his office now to schedule your free consultation.