Laredo Accident Lawyer Handling Drunk Driving & Dram Shop Accident Cases

Drunk Driving Accident in Laredo

Injured by a Drunk Driver in Laredo, Texas? Call an Experienced Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today.

Drunk driving accidents are devastating and often result in severe injuries, significant property damage, and sometimes even wrongful death. In Texas, the law holds both drunk drivers and certain businesses responsible for their role in these accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, it is important to know your rights and understand the legal options available to you.

Joey Tellez, a dedicated drunk driving accident lawyer in Laredo, Texas, has extensive experience handling DWI accident cases, including those involving dram shop liability. Whether the drunk driver was over-served by a bar, restaurant, or other alcohol-selling establishment, we can help you seek justice and the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Understanding Dram Shop Liability in Texas

In Texas, dram shop laws hold businesses that serve alcohol accountable for accidents caused by drunk drivers. These laws exist to prevent intoxicated individuals from driving and causing harm to others. If you are injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be able to seek compensation not only from the driver but also from the business that served them alcohol.

When Can Alcohol Sellers Be Held Liable for Drunk Driving Accidents?

Under Texas law, a dram shop can be held responsible if:

The business served alcohol to someone who was already visibly intoxicated, and the intoxicated person went on to cause an accident.
The business served alcohol to someone who they knew, or should have known, was planning to drive after drinking.
If the person was a minor, and the business sold alcohol to them, even if the minor wasn't visibly intoxicated at the time.

This means that if a bar, restaurant, or store serves alcohol to a person who is visibly drunk or a minor, and that person causes a crash, the establishment could be held liable for the damages caused by the accident.

The Process of Holding Alcohol Sellers Accountable

When a drunk driving accident occurs, it's important to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Evidence can be critical in dram shop cases, especially when trying to prove that a bar or restaurant overserved alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person.

Our team will use the discovery process to gather evidence that might include:

Credit card receipts and ATM records showing where the drunk driver made purchases.
Sales receipts from the establishment where the alcohol was purchased.
Surveillance footage from the establishment, if available.
Witness statements from employees or other patrons who might have seen the driver's level of intoxication.

In cases where the business has a history of serving intoxicated patrons, it may be possible to pursue punitive damages, which are designed to punish the business for its reckless behavior and deter future incidents.

What Should You Do After a Drunk Driving Accident?

If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk driving accident, follow these steps:

Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety should be your top priority. Even if you don't feel injured immediately, some injuries (like concussions or internal injuries) may not show symptoms right away. Always see a doctor.
Gather Evidence: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries. Document any evidence that may be relevant, including witness contact details.
Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer: Call Joey Tellez right away. We'll investigate the accident, identify all potentially responsible parties, and begin building your case.

The Legal Process for Drunk Driving Accident Claims

If you've been injured by a drunk driver, pursuing a claim for compensation involves several important steps:

Initial Consultation: We'll evaluate your case and explain your options. Joey Tellez will guide you through the legal process, making sure you understand each step and what to expect.
Investigation: Our team will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the accident. This may involve contacting witnesses, reviewing police reports, obtaining surveillance footage, and identifying all parties who might be liable.
Pursuing Liability: If it's determined that the drunk driver was overserved at a bar, restaurant, or another establishment, we will use discovery to gather crucial evidence. This can include obtaining sales receipts, credit card statements, and employee records.
Negotiation: We'll work with the insurance companies to pursue a fair settlement for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
Trial: If necessary, Joey Tellez will fight aggressively on your behalf in court. He will present a strong case to demonstrate the establishment's negligence and hold them accountable for their role in the accident.

What Compensation Can You Recover in a Drunk Driving Accident Case?

If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses: This includes both current and future medical bills related to your injuries.
Lost wages: Compensation for income you've lost due to your injuries, as well as any future loss of earnings.
Pain and suffering: Financial compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident.
Property damage: If your vehicle was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacement.
Punitive damages: If the bar or restaurant acted recklessly or violated Texas alcohol laws, you may be entitled to punitive damages as a form of punishment and deterrence.

Why Choose Joey Tellez for Your Drunk Driving Accident Case?

Experience with Dram Shop Liability: Joey Tellez has years of experience handling complex drunk driving accident cases, including those involving dram shop liability. He understands the laws and the evidence needed to hold negligent alcohol-serving businesses accountable.
Thorough Investigation: We don't leave anything to chance. Our team will investigate all aspects of the case, from the accident itself to the history of the establishment that served the drunk driver.
Client-Focused Service: We understand that this is a difficult time for you and your family. Joey Tellez is committed to providing personalized service. We'll respond promptly to your calls, answer all your questions, and guide you through the process.
Aggressive Representation: If the insurance company doesn't offer a fair settlement, we won't hesitate to take your case to court. We are prepared to fight for you every step of the way.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, don't wait to get the legal help you need. Joey Tellez is ready to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Call 956-717-8200 or reach out online to schedule your appointment. Let us help you get on the path to recovery and justice.