Unexpected incidents that harm a child can be heartbreaking and unsettling for any parent. This is especially true when the incident was easily preventable, such as a car wreck caused by a drunk driver. Our Texas child injury lawyers at The Button Law Firm understand the anger, frustration, and other overwhelming feelings that happen after a drunk driver harms your child. We break down the essential steps of what to do next, provide a thorough explanation of your legal rights, and explain how to hold the drunk driver accountable.
Sadly, drunk driving is too common on Texas roads and highways. A June report from the Texas Department of Transportation shows an average of 65 alcohol-related car wrecks happened every day in 2023. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) also reports that more than 338,000 people were injured in drunk driving wrecks in a single year, including children. The fact is one person injured is one too many.
What Are the 4 Things You Should Do If Your Child Was Hurt by a Drunk Driver?
After a wreck caused by a drunk driver injures your child, time is of the essence to ensure their safety and path to healing. Our experienced child injury lawyers recommend Texas parents do these top four things:
- Get Law Enforcement Involved: Since drunk driving is a crime, it is important to get the proper authorities involved. Most of the time, local police will arrive on the scene of the accident, but if that does not happen, calling 911 so that a police report can be filed is important. A police officer will also collect statements from your family, any witnesses, and other victims of the drunk driver. The police report will serve as a crucial piece of evidence for any criminal and civil cases, including your family’s, against the drunk driver.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: After a wreck caused by a drunk driver, a child may be in shock and not feel any pain or appear to be okay. However, a medical evaluation by first responders on the scene of an accident or doctors at a nearby emergency room is essential. Even if your child shows no signs of bleeding, they may experience symptoms that are not immediately obvious, such as dizziness, confusion, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms can reveal serious underlying injuries in your child, including a brain injury, internal bleeding, or a punctured lung, and a thorough medical evaluation can easily diagnose and start treatment for the injuries right away. It is also important to note that medical records from your child’s exam can also provide critical evidence if you decide to pursue legal action against the drunk driver.
- Document the Wreck as Much as Possible: Thorough documentation can strengthen your case and clarify what happened. For example, our free guide outlining what to do after a car wreck, advises parents to take a video or as many pictures from different angles of the wreckage. In addition, get the contact information and insurance information of the drunk driver, if possible, and record statements of any witnesses who stopped to help. If the local police appeared on the scene, get a copy of the police report. After the accident, take pictures of and document your child’s injuries. Does your child have any bruises that form a few days after the wreck caused by the drunk driver? Does your child exhibit any symptoms such as behavioral changes, mood swings, or nightmares from the trauma caused by the drunk driving wreck? Keeping a record of those changes and any follow-up doctor appointments is helpful.
- Seek an Experienced Child Injury Lawyer like Our Team at The Button Law Firm. As we mentioned earlier, your family may be able to file a civil lawsuit to hold the drunk driver accountable for causing the wreck and harming your child. Contact our experienced child injury lawyers at The Button Law Firm to explore your family’s options by calling 214-699-4409 or emailing us at [email protected].
What Are Your Legal Rights After a Child Is Injured in a Car Wreck Caused by a Drunk Driver?
Texas parents have a legal right to hold drunk drivers accountable for breaking the law, causing a wreck, and harming any innocent passengers, such as a child.
On top of economic and non-economic damages that can be awarded in a lawsuit to compensate victims for any losses from an incident, such as medical expenses and pain and suffering, a wreck caused by a drunk driver can involve punitive damages. In the legal system, these damages are intended to punish a responsible party’s extremely reckless behavior, like driving while drunk or under the influence of illegal substances. This is why working with an experienced legal team, such as our child injury lawyers at The Button Law Firm, can help your family.
It is important to note that taking legal action to get justice for your child’s injuries must happen within two years from the date of the car wreck.
How Can The Button Law Firm Help You Hold a Drunk Driver Accountable for Causing Your Child’s Injuries?
Our team at The Button Law Firm has an extensive background in helping families after innocent children are harmed. When a traumatic incident happens, such as your child suffering an injury in a car wreck caused by a drunk driver, the most important thing you can do is be there for your child. Working with our child injury lawyers allows you to focus on your family while we focus on seeking justice and holding the negligent driver accountable. We will even deal with insurance companies on your behalf. Some people may have reservations about getting a lawyer involved immediately after a car wreck, concerned that it gives the impression a family is greedy or opportunistic, but we truly assist you every step of the way.
Our firm works on contingency, meaning we don’t charge you anything to discuss your situation. Learn more about the benefits of working with our child injury lawyers here.
Are you ready to get justice for your child and family after a drunk-driving wreck? Get a free case evaluation by calling us at 214-699-4409, emailing us at [email protected], or filling out a contact form.
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