Drunk driving crashes are preventable events caused by reckless behavior. At O’Hare and Koch Law Firm, our team helps clients and their families navigate through the complex and challenging issues arising from DWI or DUI crashes so you can focus on your recovery. We take the steps necessary to hold the liable parties fully accountable.
Whether the collision happened on President George Bush Turnpike and Old Denton Road, in heavy traffic at March Lane and Trinity Mills, or late at night on I-35E near Belt Line Road, Carrollton car accident lawyers will help you pursue all your legal options.
Legal Help for Victims Injured by Drunk Drivers in Carrollton
DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) applies to drivers 21 years of age or older with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher. DUI (Driving Under the Influence) applies to drivers under 21 years of age and has a “zero tolerance” policy, which means any detectable amount of alcohol in a driver’s system can result in a charge.
At-fault drivers who cause drunk-driving accidents may face criminal penalties in criminal courts under Texas DWI and DUI laws, but civil claims fall under a separate civil court jurisdiction. Instead of penalties like license suspension and jail time, civil lawsuits focus on financial recovery for the injured victims.
We zealously represent our clients on the civil side, and when needed to get a full and fair resolution, in civil courts.
Key Factors Impacting DWI or DUI Personal Injury Claims
Unlike other car accident claims, those involving a drunk driver often come with additional legal considerations.
- First, there is a presumption of negligence. It is inherently reckless to drive while intoxicated, so it’s often easier to show the driver was at fault compared to other types of accidents.
- Clear, credible evidence is essential for proving the driver was under the influence. Field sobriety tests, breathalyzer records, and police reports play a crucial role in establishing that the driver was impaired at the time.
- In some drunk driving accident claims, additional parties may be legally responsible. For example, if a bar, restaurant, or club overserved the driver, these establishments may share liability for serving someone who was clearly intoxicated.
Given these complexities, it’s crucial to work with an experienced Carrollton firm like O’Hare and Koch that knows how to effectively navigate the civil side of DWI and DUI claims.
Possible Compensation After a Drunk Driving Crash
Financial compensation for drunk driving claims varies based on the severity of the injuries, the overall impact of the injuries on your life, and the egregiousness of the conduct of the responsible parties. Texas allows plaintiffs to seek economic and non-economic damages in personal injury claims.
Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses, such as medical bills, lost income or wages, and damage to vehicles and personal property. Non-economic damages are intangible losses resulting from injuries. Physical pain and emotional distress are common examples. Other examples are scarring and disfigurement, as well as negative effects on a victim’s ability to perform daily activities.
In Texas, an accident victim can also pursue punitive damages when the defendant’s behavior rises to the level of gross negligence. These damages are meant to punish the defendant and deter them from similar behavior in the future.
Because victims do not know how their injuries will develop over time, settling too quickly is not recommended. O’Hare and Koch Law Firm will carefully assess your situation so you can pursue full and fair compensation for all the ways a drunk driving crash has changed your life.
How O’Hare and Koch Help Injury Victims Hold Drunk Drivers Accountable in Carrollton
At O’Hare and Koch, we help victims and their families move forward after life-altering accidents. If a drunk driver in Carrollton hurt you or a family member, our legal team can step in and guide you through every stage of the legal process.
You can count on our attorneys to:
- Fully assess your situation to determine the viability and value of your personal injury claim
- Collect and preserve evidence, including police reports, sobriety test results, and accident scene details to support your case
- Coordinate with experts, including accident investigators and medical professionals as needed
- Handle all communications and paperwork with insurance companies and other attorneys on your behalf
- Support you through negotiations, clarifying your rights and options so you can make informed decisions
- Prepare for trial and advocate for you in court if settlement talks are not productive
- Keep you updated on the status of your case at every stage of the legal process
Because we’re based in Carrollton, we can approach your case with practical strategies that reflect the realities of local traffic conditions, legal procedures, and how courts in this area tend to handle these types of cases. This local expertise can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
We also work on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay until there is a recovery. This financial arrangement is designed to provide you with peace of mind during a challenging time.
Explore our case results to see what Carrollton personal injury lawyers have achieved for clients impacted by serious and preventable accidents across Texas. Our client testimonials speak for themselves.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
In addition to helping those injured by intoxicated drivers, O’Hare and Koch represent plaintiffs injured in all manner of car accidents and a wide range of other personal injury matters. The practice areas include:
- Truck Accidents – Wrecks involving 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles.
- Bus Accidents – Injuries on city buses, school buses, or private charters.
- Motorcycle Accidents – Serious injuries often caused by driver inattention.
- Boating Accidents – Collisions or falls on Texas lakes and waterways.
- Pedestrian Accidents – When walkers or joggers are hit by vehicles.
- Slip and Fall Injuries – Unsafe property conditions that lead to preventable falls.
- Premises Liability – Injuries due to poor maintenance or inadequate security.
- Dog Bites – Attacks caused by aggressive or uncontrolled animals.
- Products Liability – Defective products that cause injury or death.
- Work Injuries – On-the-job injuries, especially in construction or oil fields.
- Wrongful Death – Fatal accidents caused by negligence or reckless behavior.
If you have questions regarding your claim, a quick, no-cost consultation with our team can help clarify your legal options.
Get a Free Consultation with a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney at O’Hare and Koch Law Firm
After a serious accident, choosing the right lawyer can feel overwhelming—but it’s a crucial part of moving forward. At O’Hare and Koch Law Firm, we’re here to walk that path with you.
We are dedicated to giving you the personal attention and compassionate guidance you deserve. From the very beginning, our experienced attorneys take the time to truly listen, understand your needs, and stay responsive every step of the way.
There’s no cost to speak with a DWI/DUI accident attorney about your case. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin preserving critical evidence and building a path forward. Explore feedback from happy clients who’ve worked with O’Hare and Koch, and then contact our firm to schedule your free case evaluation today.