Converse, TX Drunk Driving Accidents - How a Criminal Case Affects Your Civil Claim

Victims of drunk driving accidents often face long-term consequences, including substantial medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In Converse, Texas, affiliated legal cases can involve both criminal and civil proceedings. While criminal cases are often focused on punishing the offender, victims and their families can also opt to work with a lawyer to recover damages.

Working with the experienced Converse TX car accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw can ensure that victims understand their rights in both criminal and civil proceedings. Read our client reviews to learn more about how we’ve helped families just like yours fight for their rights in the aftermath of a drunk driving accident. Contact us to learn more and schedule your FREE, no-obligation consultation.

How Criminal and Civil Cases Are Different

It’s important to understand the differences between the two systems of justice that victims of drunk driving accidents may deal with. Your Texas lawyer may assist you through one or both of these types of cases:

• Criminal Case: In a criminal case, the state prosecutes the drunk driver for violating drunk driving laws. Penalties may involve jail time, fines, or license suspension. The state of Texas prosecutes criminal cases; however, as the victim, you may be required to testify and recount your experiences in court.
• Civil Case: In a civil case, victims of a drunk driving accident bring claims for compensation to recover losses associated with their resulting injuries, damages, or emotional suffering. Working with the right legal representation to pursue a civil case after being the victim of a drunk driving accident can ensure you get the support you need for your recovery.

Even if the state secures a criminal conviction, you may still need to pursue a DWI accident civil lawsuit to obtain full financial recovery. Because a criminal charge does not automatically account for the economic harm you’ve suffered, working with an experienced attorney to file a civil claim is critical.

Your Rights When Suing a Drunk Driver

In the state of Texas, victims and their families have the right to hold negligent drivers accountable beyond the consequences they may face through the criminal justice system. Filing a civil claim for suing a drunk driver in Texas can help cover:

• Emergency medical treatment and ongoing care
• Lost wages or diminished earning potential resulting from your accident
• Property damage, such as vehicle repairs
• Compensation for pain and suffering

A drunk driving personal injury claim in Converse is separate from any criminal penalties that may be imposed. Your compensation is not determined by the outcome of the state’s criminal case, and a skilled attorney can help you fight for your rights.

How The Right Attorney Strengthens Your Case

Successfully pursuing a legal case requires evidence, expert testimony, and a strong legal strategy. An experienced and professional Converse TX drunk driving accident lawyer will investigate the accident, work with law enforcement, and collaborate closely with you to build a compelling case.

At Carabin Shaw, our trusted legal team has helped many victims just like you work through the complexities of drunk driving cases. Because of our extensive experience working in courts in Converse, TX, we have familiarity with the local justice system and the knowledge to fight to secure you the best outcome for your case, ensuring you get the financial restitution you deserve. Contact our law firm today.

Fight for Your Rights | Call Carabin Shaw’s Compassionate Attorneys at 800-862-1260 Today to Schedule Your FREE Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident in Converse, Texas, don’t wait to get help. Call us toll-free at 800-862-1260. Someone is available to help you 24/7. We have both English and Spanish-speaking staff ready and waiting to assist you through every step of your case.

We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you won’t have to pay anything until we win your case. In addition, we provide a free consultation prior to beginning work together, so you can fully understand your legal options.

For more information:

• TX DoT
• Texas Attorney General

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