Are you suffering severe injuries like fractures, head trauma or spinal cord damage due to a drunk driver? If so, you might be dealing with a mountain of medical bills and loss of income. Your life, as you knew it, has been turned upside down, and the impact of this situation on your family is undeniable.
The good news is that Texas law gives you the right to various types of damages. You can pursue these to help you regain your footing.
Compensation for your life-altering injuries
After a drunk driving accident, it’s crucial to understand your rights. Firstly, you have the right to claim various types of compensation. This includes your initial hospital bills, ongoing costs like rehabilitation, physical therapy and any future medical expenses related to your recovery.
Next, you have the right to claim compensation for lost wages. This is extremely helpful if injuries have left you unable to work, either for a short period or indefinitely. You have the option to seek damages for the income you’ve lost and may lose in the future.
Additionally, you can claim damages for non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering. This is a more subjective area; not all cases receive this type of compensation. Courts weigh factors like the physical discomfort and emotional trauma you’ve endured as a result of the accident, so be mindful of that fact.
Seek legal help to protect your rights
Texas is frequently ranked as one of the worst states for drunk driving. In some cases, you can help curb it by asking for punitive damages. These additional damages serve a dual purpose—they act as a penalty for the drunk driver and warn others from engaging in such reckless behavior. However, seeking these, along with other types of damages, can be challenging. It may involve dealing with insurance companies and even going to court.
While it’s possible to pursue these claims on your own, you should consider seeking an attorney. An attorney can help you understand the ins and outs of the legal process and advocate for your rights in legal proceedings.