Every year in Dallas, countless lives change forever when impaired drivers take to our roads. From catastrophic collisions on I-35E to devastating crashes near Deep Ellum’s entertainment district, drunk driving accidents continue to plague our community.
When a drunk driver shatters your life or the life of someone you love, Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law is ready to help you rebuild. Our Dallas drunk driving accident lawyer team understands the profound impact these preventable crashes have on individuals and families. You’re likely dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. If you lost a loved one in a crash caused by a drunk driver, there’s no measure to your grief and sorrow.
On top of everything, you’re also probably feeling a great sense of injustice. None of what you’re going through would have occurred were it not for someone’s choice to drink and drive.
The attorneys at Bailey & Galyen recognize your suffering and pain. We want to help you hold the drunk driver accountable and obtain justice. Although money can’t undo the damage, it can provide much-needed financial relief during a tough and tumultuous time. Our attorneys are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. You can count on us for personalized attention, compassionate counsel and support, and an unwavering drive to see justice served.
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Dallas Drunk Driving Accident Guide
- Texas Drunk Driving Law and Legal Considerations
- Drunk Driving Statistics for Dallas, TX
- Drunk Driving Injuries and Losses
- Recovering Compensation After a Drunk Driving Accident in Dallas
- Compensation We Can Help You Obtain Following a Drunk Driving Crash
- What You Should Do After a Drunk Driving Accident Someone Else Caused
- Why Choose Bailey & Galyen to Handle Your Dallas Drunk Driving Accident Claim
- Frequently Asked Questions About Dallas Drunk Driving Accident Claims
- Contact an Experienced Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Dallas Now
Texas Drunk Driving Law and Legal Considerations
Understanding Texas laws regarding drunk driving strengthens your ability to pursue justice and compensation. These regulations establish clear standards for knowing when a driver is impaired, and they outline various legal options available to accident victims.
Legal BAC Limits
Texas law sets the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit at 0.08% for most drivers. Commercial drivers must maintain a BAC below 0.04%, while drivers under 21 face a zero-tolerance policy. When drivers exceed these limits, they violate the law and become liable for any resulting damages.
Criminal vs. Civil Cases
Drunk driving incidents typically spawn two separate legal proceedings. The criminal case focuses on punishing the offender through fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. The civil case focuses on compensating victims for their losses. While these cases remain separate, evidence from the criminal proceedings often strengthens your civil claim.
Texas Dram Shop Laws
Texas dram shop laws allow a victim to pursue compensation from an establishment that served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated patron when that person later causes an accident. Bars, restaurants, and clubs near popular Dallas areas like Uptown and Lower Greenville must follow responsible serving practices or risk liability for resulting crashes.
Drunk Driving Statistics for Dallas, TX
Dallas continues to rank among Texas cities with high rates of alcohol-related crashes. Recent data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) shows:
- Alcohol-related accidents injured 2,854 people in 2023.
- Drunk driving accidents killed 292 people throughout Dallas that same year.
Throughout Texas, over 37% of all traffic fatalities involved drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Most drunk driving fatalities occur between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. during the weekend.
High-risk areas in Dallas for drunk driving crashes include:
- The intersection of McKinney Avenue and Cedar Springs Road
- Deep Ellum entertainment district
- Lower Greenville Avenue corridor
- Dallas North Tollway near popular nightlife spots
- Interstate 35E between downtown and LBJ Freeway
Drunk Driving Injuries and Losses
Drunk driving accidents often result in severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Multiple fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations and burns
- Neck and back injuries
Beyond physical injuries, victims often experience:
- Extended hospital stays
- Multiple surgeries
- Long-term rehabilitation
- Mental health challenges
- Lost wages and career disruption
- Property damage
- Relationship strain
- Daily activity limitations
Recovering Compensation After a Drunk Driving Accident in Dallas
The attorneys at Bailey & Galyen take a methodical approach to pursuing compensation for drunk driving accident victims:
Investigation and Evidence Collection
- Securing police reports
- Gathering witness statements
- Obtaining surveillance footage
- Collecting medical records
- Documenting the accident scene
- Preserving vehicle damage evidence
- Reviewing BAC test results
Building Your Case
- Working with accident reconstruction specialists
- Consulting medical professionals
- Calculating current and future losses
- Identifying all liable parties
- Documenting insurance coverage
- Preparing demand letters
Negotiation and Resolution
- Presenting compelling evidence
- Countering insurance tactics
- Pursuing maximum compensation
- Preparing for trial when necessary
Compensation We Can Help You Obtain Following a Drunk Driving Crash
Our attorneys will fight to recover maximum compensation for you, including
Medical Expenses
- Emergency room care
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Mental health treatment
- Future medical needs
- Medical equipment
- Home modifications
Lost Income
- Missed work wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Lost benefits
- Career retraining
- Business opportunities
- Future income potential
Property Damage
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Personal property losses
- Rental car expenses
- Towing fees
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Relationship impacts
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- PTSD and anxiety
Punitive Damages
Additionally, we may be able to pursue punitive damages in your case. Courts sometimes award this compensation to punish particularly reckless behavior and send a clear message to deter others from doing it. Drunk driving cases may qualify for exemplary damages due to the egregious unlawfulness and disregard for public safety. However, they are not guaranteed.
What You Should Do After a Drunk Driving Accident Someone Else Caused
The steps you take immediately after a drunk driving crash and in the days and weeks that follow can have a significant effect on your health and ability to recover damages. Consider each of these scenarios:
If you’re still at the scene and physically able:
- Call 911 immediately
- Accept medical attention
- Document the scene if safe
- Take photos
- Gather witness information
- Note road conditions
- Avoid discussing fault
- Contact Bailey & Galyen attorneys
If the crash happened some time ago, and you’re recovering at home or in the hospital:
- Focus on your medical treatment and don’t end treatment prematurely
- Keep all documentation
- Medical records
- Bills and receipts
- Insurance correspondence
- Work absence records
- Avoid insurance company contact
- Contact our attorneys to handle your claim
Why Choose Bailey & Galyen to Handle Your Dallas Drunk Driving Accident Claim
When you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Dallas, you need more than just legal representation – you need advocates who will fight tirelessly for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. At Bailey & Galyen, our track record of success in drunk driving accident cases speaks for itself, but our commitment to our clients goes far beyond our courtroom victories.
Extensive Experience in Drunk Driving Cases
Our attorneys have spent decades handling drunk driving accident claims throughout Dallas and North Texas. We understand the unique complexities these cases present, from dealing with insurance companies to navigating criminal proceedings against the drunk driver. With more than 40 years of collective experience and board-certified attorneys on staff, our legal team knows how to build stronger cases and pursue maximum compensation for our clients.
Comprehensive Investigation Resources
We use all our skills and resources when investigating your accident:
- Immediate preservation of evidence from the crash scene
- Access to top accident reconstruction experts
- Thorough review of police reports and BAC test results
- Interview of witnesses and first responders
- Analysis of the drunk driver’s history and prior offenses
Full-Service Legal Support
When you choose Bailey & Galyen, you get:
- A dedicated legal team who promptly responds to your questions and concern
- Direct communication with your attorney
- Regular updates on your case progress
- Help with medical appointments and billing
- Assistance with vehicle repair or replacement
- Tenacious negotiation with insurance companies
No Recovery, No Fee
We understand the financial strain a drunk driving accident can cause. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. We don’t accept attorney fees unless we win your case. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal battle.
Local Knowledge, Personal Attention
As a Dallas-based firm, we know the local courts, judges, and legal procedures intimately. We combine this local expertise with personalized attention to ensure every client receives the dedicated representation they deserve. Our attorneys and staff are deeply committed to the Dallas community and take pride in holding drunk drivers accountable for their actions.
Immediate Action When Time Is Critical
The aftermath of a drunk driving accident requires swift action to protect your rights. Our team can:
- Begin investigating while evidence is fresh
- File necessary legal documents before deadlines expire
- Prevent crucial evidence from being lost or destroyed
- Start building your case immediately
Contact Bailey & Galyen today for a free, confidential consultation about your drunk driving accident claim. We’ve recovered millions of dollars in compensation for drunk driving accident survivors, and you can trust us to do all we can to maximize your financial recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dallas Drunk Driving Accident Claims
How long do I have to file a claim after a drunk driving accident in Dallas?
Texas law allows two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, starting your claim sooner helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case. The attorneys at Bailey & Galyen recommend contacting us as soon as possible after your accident.
What if the drunk driver was uninsured?
Multiple options exist for compensation, including:
- Your uninsured motorist coverage
- The drunk driver’s personal assets
- Dram shop liability claims
- Other responsible parties
Our attorneys examine every potential source of compensation.
Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?
No. Most initial offers undervalue your claim significantly. The attorneys at Bailey & Galyen calculate your full damages—including future expenses—before considering any settlement offers. This ensures you receive fair compensation that covers all your needs.
What if my accident happened several months ago?
You still have legal options. As long as you’re within the two-year statute of limitations, Bailey & Galyen can help pursue your claim. We’ll gather medical records, accident reports, and other evidence to build your case.
How much does legal representation cost?
Bailey & Galyen handles drunk driving accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we receive payment only when we secure compensation for you. This arrangement ensures everyone has access to quality legal representation.
Contact an Experienced Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Dallas Now
The attorneys at Bailey & Galyen dedicate themselves to helping drunk driving accident victims rebuild their lives. Our track record demonstrates our ability to secure substantial compensation for clients while providing compassionate support throughout the legal process.
Your well-being remains our priority. We handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery, and you can count on us to be there with you throughout the entire process.
Remember, time limits apply to drunk driving accident claims, so don’t delay in seeking the legal help you need. Contact Dallas personal injury lawyer today at 972-449-1241 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 and accept weekend and nighttime appointments. Reach out to us now to protect your rights and start your journey toward fair compensation and justice.
Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law – Dallas Office
2777 N Stemmons Fwy Suite 1150
Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: 972-449-1241
