If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by a drugged driver – a driver who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol – in Houston or elsewhere in the state of Texas, the emotional, physical, and financial toll can be overwhelming. Dealing with injuries and property damage while trying to navigate legal proceedings can seem like an impossible task. This is where an experienced Houston drugged driving accident attorney becomes indispensable.
At The Callahan Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact that drugged driving accidents have on individuals and families. We are dedicated to providing support during this challenging time and advocating for your rights. With our experience handling these cases throughout Houston and elsewhere, we have developed a deep knowledge of Texas law and local laws related to driving under the influence of drugs.
If you’ve experienced a drugged driving accident, contact The Callahan Law Firm to schedule a free consultation so we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
How Often Are People Injured in DUI Accidents in Houston?
The issue of driving under the influence remains a significant problem in Harris County, the home of Houston, and should be regarded with utmost seriousness. Based on data from the Texas Department of Transportation, Harris County registered 3,553 DUI crashes and a staggering 160 alcohol-related driving fatalities in 2022 alone. These statistics indicate that Harris County is a hotspot for drunk driving accidents in Texas, holding the unfortunate distinction of having the highest number of driving under the influence incidents in the entire state.
Common Catastrophic Injuries in Accidents Caused by a Drugged Driver
Driving under the influence of drugs not only poses a threat to the impaired drivers themselves but also to other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. When a crash occurs as a result of drugged driving, the consequences can be devastating. Here are some common catastrophic injuries caused by these accidents:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries including paralysis
- Back and neck injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
These and other catastrophic injuries can lead to a lifetime of pain, suffering, and financial hardship. In severe cases, these accidents can even lead to paralysis, coma or death. We believe that the negligent parties responsible for drugged driving accidents should be held accountable for their actions. Working with an experienced lawyer can help ensure you are fully and fairly compensated under the law.
Who Is Liable for Drugged Driving Accidents in Houston?
When addressing drugged driving accidents on the roads, it is essential to identify the liable party or parties responsible for the harm that was caused. Some potential parties that may be held accountable for these dangerous types of car accidents include:
- The Driver: Primarily, the individual who got behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs is liable for the injuries and damages caused by their impaired state. This at-fault driver may face both civil and criminal penalties for their actions.
- Vehicle Owner: If the vehicle used in the accident is owned by someone other than the driver, the owner may also be held liable, especially if they knowingly allowed an impaired individual to use their vehicle.
- Drug Provider: If it can be proven that a third party provided or sold the drugs to the driver, that individual or entity could also bear some responsibility, especially in cases involving illegal drug transactions. This can include drug dealers, physicians who irresponsibly prescribe medication, or even friends who share their prescription drugs.
Understanding the nuances of liability is key in pursuing legal recourse and ensuring justice is served in these complex cases.
Difficulty in Proving Liability in Drugged Driving Accidents
Proving liability in drugged driving cases presents unique challenges, especially when compared to alcohol-related incidents. This difficulty largely stems from the complexities involved in accurately determining drug impairment at the time of the accident. Unlike alcohol, for which there are reliable and standardized tests like breathalyzers and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, testing for drugs can be less straightforward.
One of the primary issues is that many drugs, such as marijuana, can remain in a person’s system for an extended period. The presence of these substances in a drug test does not necessarily indicate that the individual was under the influence at the time of the accident. Marijuana can be detected in the body days or even weeks after use, making it challenging to correlate its presence directly with impairment during the incident.
However, it is important to note that proving liability in a drugged driving case does not always require direct evidence of drug use at the time of the accident. Liability can also be established by demonstrating that the driver acted negligently, regardless of drug use. Evidence of erratic driving behavior, violation of traffic laws, or other forms of negligence can be used to establish liability. This approach shifts the focus from proving the presence of drugs in the driver’s system to demonstrating their failure to operate the vehicle safely, which is a critical distinction in these cases.
Now that you understand more about liability for drugged driving accidents, it’s helpful to explore the different types of compensation that may be awarded to injured parties.
What Compensation Can I Recover for a Drugged Driving Accident
Understanding the types of financial compensation available is crucial for those seeking to recover from such a traumatic event. Here are some common categories of compensation you may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses: This includes the cost of hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, ongoing treatment, and medications.
- Lost wages: If you’re unable to work due to your injuries, you are entitled to compensation for the resulting loss of income. This includes lost future income as well.
- Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering damages cover the physical, emotional, and psychological trauma endured as a result of the accident. Decreased quality of life is another type you can recover after these serious accidents.
- Physical Impairment: Compensation for inability or decreased ability to do things physically, whether temporary or permanent.
- Property damage: If you’ve experienced damage to your vehicle as well as personal belongings in the accident, you can seek reimbursement for replacement or repair costs.
- Punitive damages: In cases where the drugged driver’s actions were extremely reckless or malicious, a court may award punitive damages to the injured party as a form of punishment for the wrongdoer.
Securing appropriate compensation for a drugged driving accident can significantly aid in the recovery and rebuilding process for those involved. It’s not just about covering immediate costs but also about ensuring long-term stability and addressing the profound emotional impacts. Engaging with a knowledgeable legal professional can help you navigate this complex process, making you more likely to receive the most compensation possible under the law.
Why You Need a Lawyer To Get The Compensation You Deserve
Navigating the aftermath of a drugged driving accident in Houston can be overwhelming and complex, as injured parties often face significant trauma but also legal difficulties. In such scenarios, getting the help of experienced Houston lawyers is crucial. Here’s why:
- Proving Liability: Drugged driving cases can require nuanced approaches to prove liability. It is essential to have Houston lawyers who will retain the necessary experts including toxicologists, accident reconstructionists, and potentially more depending on the case.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Skilled attorneys are critical to effective negotiations with insurance companies, as these companies will try to get out of paying what you’re entitled to.
- Understanding of Local Traffic Laws: Proficiency in Houston’s traffic laws and regulations is vital for a strong case, and local lawyers are well-versed in these areas.
- Courtroom Experience: If a trial is necessary, having a trial lawyer on your side who knows how to successfully present your case to a jury is essential.
- Timely Filing of Claims: Lawyers in Houston will ensure that claims are filed within Texas’s specific deadlines, safeguarding the victim’s right to seek compensation.
- Personalized Legal Strategy: They provide tailored legal strategies based on the unique situations of each case, considering the specifics of the accident and injuries.
Ultimately, experience in handling drugged driving accident cases is invaluable. Their guidance enhances the chances of a successful outcome and provides injured individuals with the necessary support and advocacy during a challenging time. Knowing that a lawyer is essential is just half the battle – you also need to know which one to work with.
Why Choose The Callahan Law Firm as Your Drugged Driving Accident Attorney?
Choosing the right legal representation for your drugged driving accident case is crucial for a successful outcome. The Callahan Law Firm has a proven track record of fighting for justice for injured people and their families. We prioritize client attention, and our compassionate and professional approach sets us apart from other law firms. Some of the reasons to choose The Callahan Law Firm include:
- A long history of successfully handling personal injury claims including impaired and drugged driving accident cases.
- Commitment to a thorough investigation and vigorous representation of your interests.
- Access to top-quality resources, including medical professionals and accident reconstruction experts.
- Dedication to keeping you informed and involved throughout the legal process.
At The Callahan Law Firm, our dedication to our clients is priority number one; our team of experienced trial lawyers will fight tirelessly on your behalf to secure full and fair compensation under the law. We understand the burdens that drugged driving accidents can cause and are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate support throughout the legal process. Don’t wait any longer; contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
