One person dies in a drunk driving accident every 20 minutes in Texas, which is the highest rate in the United States. In 2014, more than 1,440 people died in alcohol-related accidents, and at least 193 of the drunk drivers involved in these crashes were younger than 21.
Most drivers understand the dangers of getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Unfortunately, a deplorable number of people make a habit out of this egregious activity – and other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians suffer the consequences.
If you were injured by a drunk driver in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and non-economic damages. Further, you may be able to claim punitive damages.
Punitive damages are not recoverable in every personal injury case. They are not intended to compensate the plaintiff for injuries; rather, their purpose is to punish the defendant for acting with gross negligence.
If you would like to find out if you have grounds for a claim, contact The Robson Law Firm. An Austin accident lawyer will assess your case, evaluate the police report, interview witnesses, and help you fight for the maximum payout.
If your case goes to trial, our accident lawyers have the litigation experience to represent your interests in court. Call 512-345-8200 to schedule a free case evaluation.
8 Ways Alcohol Affects Your Performance behind the Wheel
Despite commendable efforts by activist organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving, far too many motorists still choose to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. According to the National Safety Council, the number of alcohol-related fatalities in 2016 rose by 6 percent across the United States.
Why do so many people choose to drive drunk? Many believe that alcohol does not affect their performance, or they reason that it is safe to drive drunk on occasion. However, nobody is immune to the effects of alcohol.
In the state of Texas, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher. At this BAC, you may notice the following effects of intoxication:
- Impaired vision;
- Slowed reaction time;
- Poor concentration;
- Fatigue;
- Sensory impairment;
- Inability to multitask;
- Impaired decision-making; and
- Lack of coordination.
6 Signs That another Driver Is Drunk
The easiest way to avoid an alcohol-related accident is to stay sober if you intend to drive. However, nobody can control the actions of other motorists, which is why it is imperative that drivers know how to identify and avoid motorists who appear to be intoxicated. The most common signs include:
- Swerving;
- Driving onto the shoulder;
- Using the wrong turn signal;
- Not switching on the headlights while driving at night;
- Driving much slower or faster than the speed limit; and
If you were injured by a drunk, distracted, or otherwise negligent driver in Texas, contact an accident lawyer from The Robson Law Firm. A personal-injury attorney in Austin will evaluate your crash to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Call 512-345-8200 to schedule a free consultation.