Cedar Hill DWI Accident Attorney

Drunk and drug-impaired driving is very dangerous, and people who violate the law by driving under the influence may face serious penalties. However, the criminal consequences that a drunk driver may face are unlikely to affect the victims who suffer harm due to the person's actions. When a driver chooses to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they endanger everyone around them, and they may cause accidents that can have devastating consequences for unsuspecting motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.

After being injured in a crash caused by a drunk or drugged driver, it is important to understand your legal rights and the steps you can take to obtain financial compensation. Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. represents victims of DWI accidents in Cedar Hill, and we can help you seek justice and take steps to hold an impaired driver accountable. As a lawyer who is Board-Certified in personal injury trial law, Jerry Andrews has the legal experience necessary to recover damages that will address the life-altering harm caused by an intoxicated driver.

How DWI Accidents Occur

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) severely impairs a person's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. Alcohol and drugs can affect a person's coordination, reaction time, and vision, increasing the risk of a serious car wreck. In Texas, a driver is considered to be legally intoxicated if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, but impairment can begin well before that limit is reached.

Common types of accidents that may be caused by drunk drivers include:

• Head-On Collisions: Intoxicated drivers may drift across the road and into oncoming traffic. These crashes are often severe, and serious injuries can occur due to the force of impact.
• Intersection Accidents: A driver who is under the influence may run a red light or proceed through an intersection without making sure it is clear. This may cause them to strike other vehicles or hit a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
• Rear-End Collisions: Slowed reaction times can prevent an impaired driver from stopping in time. This can lead to crashes at stop signs, traffic lights, or in congested traffic.
• Wrong-Way Driving: Alcohol and drug impairment can lead to disorientation, causing a driver to enter a highway or freeway entrance in the wrong direction or drive the wrong way on a one-way street.
• Pedestrian Accidents: Intoxicated drivers are less likely to notice pedestrians, particularly at night or in low-light areas, and they may fail to stop in time to avoid striking and seriously injuring a person.

Serious Injuries Caused by Drunk Driving Crashes

Because impaired drivers often fail to take evasive action or apply brakes before impact, the resulting collisions tend to be more violent than typical crashes. Victims may suffer:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): A blow to the head and damage to the brain can result in ongoing physical and emotional issues, including cognitive impairment, memory loss, mood disorders, personality changes, speech and language processing issues, seizures, and other long-term symptoms.
• Broken Bones: Surgery and extended rehabilitation may be required to repair serious fractures or shattered bones.
• Facial and Dental Trauma: Injuries to the head may lead to significant scarring or damage to a person's teeth or jaws.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Nerve damage in the back and spine can lead to paralysis, reduced mobility, or chronic pain.
• Internal Injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding may occur due to the impact of a collision.
• Fatal Injuries: When the force of a crash causes irreversible harm, and a person dies from their injuries, their surviving family members may be able to recover compensation from a drunk driver through a wrongful death claim.