A drunk driving accident is handled in both criminal and civil sides of the law. So while a drunk driver may be sentenced to hefty fees and extended jail time, they may also be obligated to pay restitution for your personal injuries and damages. Read on to discover the consequences of a Fourth of July drunk driving accident and how a seasoned Kaufman County, Texas DWI lawyer at Harrell & Paulson, LLP can help you if you have been made a victim.
What Are the Consequences of A Fourth of July Drunk Driving Accident?
Kaufman County law enforcement always takes drunk driving seriously, but this is especially the case during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. So, if an individual is caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may be facing the following consequences:
First-offense DWI:
A $2,000 fine.
A jail sentence of 180 days.
A license suspension for one year.
Mandatory enrollment in a DWI education program.
Installation and use of an ignition interlock device (IID).
Second-offense DWI:
A $4,000 fine.
A jail sentence of one year.
A license suspension of two years.
Mandatory enrollment in a DWI education program.
Installation and use of an IID.
Third-offense DWI:
A $10,000 fine.
A prison sentence of two to 10 years.
A license suspension of two years.
Mandatory enrollment in a DWI education program.
Installation and use of an IID.
What Should I Do After a Drunk Driving Accident?
Of note, you may still pursue financial compensation for your injuries and damages even if the drunk driver is not charged in their criminal court proceedings. With that being said, you must satisfy your burden of proof in your personal injury claim. This made be made possible by collecting the following pieces of evidence:
A copy of the police report conducted at the scene of your accident.
Results of the breathalyzer test and other field sobriety tests conducted at the scene of your accident.
Oral or written testimonies made by witnesses present at the scene of your accident.
Photos of your bodily injuries, car damages, and the overall scene of your accident.
Footage of the events of your accident playing out.
Doctor’s notes describing how your accident has affected your health.
Statements made by loved ones describing how your accident has affected your quality of life.
Past pay stubs that show how your accident has made you miss out on a steady income.
Medical bills that show how your accident has made you incur a costly treatment plan.
You must understand that there are certain laws to protect you in a situation like this. So please do yourself the favor and retain the services of a competent Kaufman County, Texas car accident lawyer from Harrell & Paulson, LLP today.
