For many years now, groups from seemingly all walks of life have been working tirelessly to bring evermore awareness to the dangers of drinking and driving. Despite all of these efforts and all of the money that has been spent in furtherance of this worthwhile and noble effort, people continue to make the terrible decision of getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming alcohol. As a result, DUI accidents occur at an alarming rate and people who are seriously injured or killed are often at a loss of how they should proceed to protect their legal rights.

Below you will find a brief overview of the statistics regarding car accidents that occur where alcohol is listed as a contributing factor. You will also find information regarding the potential legal rights and options possessed by someone who has been harmed in this manner. Anyone who has been injured by a drunk driver needs to obtain the help of experienced car accident lawyers as soon as possible. Find good information on accident law here

Car Accident Statistics – Alcohol-Related Crashes
According to official records kept by the state, approximately 8,500 car accidents occur every year where alcohol is recorded as a factor. As a result of these accidents, more than 6,300 people are injured and more than 350 people are killed. Broken down further, more than 23 of these crashes occur every day somewhere in the state, and more than 17 people are injured and nearly one person is killed on a daily basis.

DUI Accidents – Potential Legal Rights and Options
When this many people are being injured and/or killed in car accidents where alcohol is a factor, it leads to a high amount of need for people who have been wronged to stand up for their legal rights. Unfortunately, people who are forced into this position are often unaware of those legal rights and options, and others will wrongly assume that they have no personal recourse since the drivers who caused these crashes are often prosecuted.

However, people who are injured in car accidents caused by drunk drivers have the basically the same rights and options that others have who have been injured in crashes where alcohol was not involved. That means that someone who faces this scenario can file a personal injury lawsuit in response to the crash, and successful claims could lead to awards of damages that compensate plaintiffs for their medical costs, their lost income, their pain and suffering and possibly other losses.

People who face this situation do need professional help, as most are not familiar with the legal process and many are not in a medical position to be able to handle a claim alone. If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver, you need to seek the help of car accident lawyers
who have been fighting for the rights of those harmed for more than 40 years. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Do not let the devastation of a car crash send your life to a screeching halt. Our team of compassionate, knowledgeable and experienced attorneys will work tirelessly on your behalf, no matter what type of accident you have been involved with. Do any of the following scenarios sound familiar?

Rear End

You are stopped at a light on a small town road. The next thing you feel is a high-impact smash to your car from behind. Glance in the rearview and sure enough, you have been rear-ended. The person who hit you gets out, apologizes profusely and pleads with you not to call the police or involve insurance. She is willing to pay for the damages out-of-pocket. Seems harmless enough. But, it’s not. High or low-impact rear-end collisions are a primary cause of whiplash and can cause serious neck or back injuries. However, no matter how serious or minimal your injuries are, we will fight hard for compensation to take care of your medical bills, pain, and lost wages. Contact the Umansky Law Firm immediately. We will ensure what seems like an honest mistake does not turn into a dishonest disaster later on.

Head On

The green light is all yours on your side of the highway, and as you are safely and responsibly cruising along at 55 m.p.h. toward the intersection, you notice someone turning into your lane from the opposite side of the highway. Why is this person suddenly in your lane? It all happens too quickly for you to adjust, and though you try to slam on the brakes you find yourself in a head on collision and not long afterward, an emergency room. Contact us to get the reparations you are entitled to. A collision like this might be life-altering, but it should not be a burden you are forced to carry for the rest of your life. Should you be forced to pay for someone else’s carelessness? Lose wages, struggle with bills, fight to regain a normal lifestyle? Let our Law Firm help you recover the damages you deserve.

Side Impact

Side impact collision, you have been hit and you are thankful you survived. You are not sure how severe your injuries are yet, but you know you have been hurt. T-bone collisions can be extremely dangerous, as in some vehicles the sides are the most vulnerable part of the car. No matter if you are trapped in the car, or able to get out and walk around after the accident, our Law Firm is committed to getting you the money you lost as a result of another driver’s negligence. We are willing to fight for you. You may have suffered injuries you are not even aware of at the time of the accident, so be sure to see a doctor immediately. Make sure you take care of yourself, and our Law Firm will take care of your case.

Driver Distraction

This woman’s erratic driving has been on your radar for a mile and a half, but you cannot seem to get away from her. Swerving. Changing lanes. She’s clearly a hazard on the road. Why? She is sipping a latte, yapping on her mobile phone, and applying eyeliner. Or, maybe she is fumbling through her notes for a presentation when she is running late to a meeting. So, it is no surprise when you wind up in a pile-up that she causes—with the physical injuries and car damage to show for it. This is a clear case of driver distraction. Contact our Law Firm. Together, let’s see that you get what you deserve—and so does she.

What should I do immediately following a car accident?

What should I do immediately following a car accident? Who is liable for paying for my physical injuries as well as any personal property damage? Who is responsible for an accident involving my vehicle and a city street pothole? Should I take the settlement my insurance company is offering me? What issues will I face in making a claim for my injuries sustained in an auto accident? What if I cannot afford to pay my medical bills? When will my personal injury claim be resolved? What is a permanent injury? I did not feel pain at the scene and refused medical treatment. Now, a few days later I am in pain. What should I do?

After the Accident

If you are not severely injured, collect all pertinent information from the other drivers – driver’s license numbers, address, telephone numbers, insurance card information, etc. Keep a daily journal beginning with the date of the accident to document all physical and mental injuries, as well as document your view of the accident. Notify the arriving Texas police officer of the events of the accident that you can recall.

If I am partially responsible for an accident, can I still make a claim?

In a no-fault state, you and the other driver will collect from your own insurance companies. In a fault state, whether you can make a claim depends on whether the state applies contributory negligence or comparative negligence rules.

Under contributory negligence rules, you will not recover if you were partially at fault.

Under comparative negligence, you can recover a portion of your damages if you were partially at fault. For example, if you were 40% at fault, then you would recover 60% of your damages.

Who is responsible for an accident involving my vehicle and a city street pothole?

Responsibility for damage caused by improper maintenance or repair of Texas roads and highways generally lies with the government agency responsible for the upkeep of such roadways. If it were a pothole on a city street, the city would be responsible, etc.

Should I take the settlement my insurance company is offering me?

You should not take any settlements offered by an insurance company without first speaking with an experienced Texas auto accident lawyer. Insurance companies typically offer a minimal amount of money in return for your signature stating that you will not sue them. Never take an insurance check without first consulting an attorney.

What issues will I face in making a claim for my injuries sustained in an auto accident?

The three categories of issues that typically arise in a tort claim after an automobile accident are:

Liability – who is at fault and to what degree

Damages – injuries or losses that were caused by the accident

Insurance Coverage – what the insurance company will pay for after an accident

A claim for injuries usually is based upon carelessness or negligence. In worse-case scenarios, it involves an intentional or reckless act.

What if I cannot afford to pay my medical bills?

If you suffer injuries from a car accident, you will likely have medical bills from physicians, hospitals, physical therapists, and other health care providers. Under Texas law, you are primarily responsible for paying your bills, regardless of the cause of your injuries. The at-fault person’s liability insurance carrier is responsible for paying you reasonable compensation for damages incurred, which includes medical bills, but the insurance carrier is not responsible for paying your doctors, hospitals, and other providers. Sometimes the amount the insurance company is willing to pay is far less than the actual amount you owe.

When will my personal injury claim be resolved?

Personal injury claims can be resolved in a matter of a few weeks or months. However, they can take up to several years depending on the complexity of the case. It is best to speak with an experienced

What is a permanent injury?

A permanent injury is an injury that will be with you for the rest of your life or for some period beyond the settlement of the claim. In most cases, the injured party is entitled to compensation from the at-fault party or their insurance company for all medical bills incurred to date and into the future for all injuries caused by the accident.

I did not feel pain at the scene and refused medical treatment. Now, a few days later I am in pain. What should I do?

You should immediately consult your medical provider regarding any pain, discomfort or possible injuries from a car accident, even if you think they may be only minor injuries. Even if you did not complain of injuries at the scene of the car accident, you may be entitled to payment of your medical bills, compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and emotional distress due to personal injuries. You should consult an experienced Texas car accident attorney to discuss whether you need representation on your claim.