Kenedy, Texas Drunk Driver Accidents

Drunk driving accidents continue to pose a serious threat on Texas roadways. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2023 alone, more than 40,901 alcohol-related crashes occurred nationwide, resulting in over 12,429 fatalities, meaning there were roughly 34 deaths every day. DUI crashes are not only devastating physically and emotionally, but can also carry complex legal and financial consequences. At Anderson Alexander (A2X), we are dedicated to ensuring that those who act with negligence are held fully accountable for their actions. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving crashin or around Kenedy, it is critical to understand your legal rights and take the appropriate steps to protect them. From seeking medical care to documenting the accident and pursuing compensation, the aftermath of a DUI collision can be overwhelming. Our team is prepared to guide you through every stage of the process, helping you pursue the justice and recovery you deserve.   

 

Step 1: Ensure Safety and Report the Accident 

After a DUI collision, ensuring personal safety and establishing a reliable record of the incident are critical. If possible, move to a secure location and call 911 to report the accident. Law enforcement officers will document the scene, collect statements, and often administer BAC tests on suspected impaired drivers. It is important not to admit fault at the scene, even if you feel partially responsible or the accident was unclear. For example, saying something like, “I didn’t see them coming” or “I must have misjudged” can be interpreted as accepting responsibility and may be used against you later by insurance companies or the at-fault driver’s defense. Statements should focus on the facts, including your injuries, the crash details, and what you observed without speculating about fault. Accurate reporting creates a clear record that can support insurance claims and any civil case. 

 

Step 2: Seek Medical Attention 

Prompt medical evaluation is essential, even if injuries appear minor initially. Some conditions, such as internal trauma or concussions, may not be immediately noticeable. Documenting all medical visits, treatments, prescriptions, and follow-ups is important not only for your health but also for establishing the full extent of your injuries in any legal claim. Proper documentation ensures that both current and future medical needs are accounted for in potential compensation. 

 

Step 3: Preserve Evidence 

Gathering and preserving evidence early can be important in a DUI accident case, but it is understandable that injuries or other circumstances may make this difficult. Whenever possible, document the accident scene with photographs, note vehicle damage, and collect witness contact information. Retain copies of police reports, BAC results, and medical records, as organized documentation can help demonstrate liability, damages, and long-term impact. 

 

If you are unable to gather evidence immediately, that does not prevent you from pursuing a claim. A member of our team can assist in reconstructing the accident, obtaining official records, and gathering necessary documentation to support your case at a later stage. This ensures that your rights are protected even if immediate evidence collection wasn’t possible. 

 

Step 4: Understand Your Legal Rights 

Victims of DUI accidents in Texas have legal rights that exist separately from any criminal case against the driver. Even if the at-fault driver is charged with a DWI, you are not limited to relying on the criminal case to seek justice or compensation. Civil claims allow you to hold the responsible party accountable for the financial, physical, and emotional harm caused by the accident. 

 

This means that while the criminal system focuses on punishing the negligent driver, you, as the victim, can pursue a civil case to recover damages for: 

  • Economic Damages: Medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage. 
  • Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. 
  • Wrongful Death Claims: Funeral expenses, loss of financial and emotional support, and, in some cases, punitive damages. 

 

It is important to act promptly because Texas law sets strict statutes of limitations for filing personal injury and wrongful death claims. Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, personal injury claims generally must be filed within two years from the date of the accident, while wrongful death claims also typically have a two-year filing period from the date of death. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from pursuing compensation, making early consultation with legal counsel critical. 

 

Understanding your rights early ensures that deadlines are met, evidence is preserved, and the full scope of damages can be pursued. 

 

Step 5: Consult Experienced Legal Counsel 

Navigating a DUI accident claim can be complex. Insurance companies may attempt to limit payouts, and liability issues can involve multiple parties. At Anderson Alexander (A2X), our team provides comprehensive legal support for DUI accident victims. We will: 

 

  • Conduct a detailed investigation of the crash, reviewing police reports, BAC results, and accident scene evidence. 
  • Identify all potentially liable parties, including third-party or dram shop liability when applicable. 
  • Assess the full extent of economic and non-economic damages, including future medical care, rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity. 
  • Negotiate with insurers to pursue fair compensation. 
  • Represent clients in litigation when necessary, leveraging nationwide trial experience in catastrophic personal injury cases. 

 

By guiding victims through every stage of the legal process, A2X helps ensure that rights are protected and recovery is maximized. 

 

Get Started Today 

DUI accidents in Kenedy, Texas, can have devastating and life-altering consequences for victims and their families. While these crashes are often sudden and overwhelming, it’s important to remember that victims have rights and options to pursue justice and compensation. By prioritizing safety at the scene, seeking prompt medical care, preserving evidence, and consulting experienced legal counsel, you can take meaningful steps to protect your future and secure the recovery you deserve. 

 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI crash, contact Anderson Alexander (A2X) to discuss your case. Our nationwide trial experience in catastrophic and personal injury cases ensures that skilled advocates are by your side, guiding you through the legal process, fighting for your rights, and pursuing maximum compensation. 

 

These accidents are entirely preventable, and while the law can help address the consequences, the safest course is vigilance behind the wheel. Drive safely, your life and the lives of others depend on it.