Alcohol Intoxication Alleged in Fatal San Antonio Crash
A car accident earlier this month in Bexar County has resulted in the death of one 18-year-old and the arrest of another on charges of intoxication assault. The collision occurred when one vehicle cut into another vehicle’s lane and impacted a front wheel, after which the second vehicle lost control, ran into a telephone pole, and rolled over on top of the victim. This tragic incident highlights the dangers that teens often face when drunk driving is involved.
Teenagers Are Affected By Drunk Driving
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that nearly one in five teen drivers in fatal accidents had been drinking before the crash and that teenagers are also disproportionately likely to lose their lives in an accident involving alcohol compared to other age groups. Teen fatalities in drunk driving accidents include drivers, passengers, and occupants of other vehicles, and the NHTSA urges parents to talk to their teenagers about the importance of avoiding driving after drinking, riding in a car with someone who has been drinking, or drinking at all before they reach the legal age of 21.
Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable in Texas
Texas law enforces strict criminal penalties for drivers who are convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI), as well as the offense of driving under the influence (DUI), which specifically refers to a person under the age of 21 driving with any alcohol in his or her system. Penalties also usually increase when someone is injured or killed as a result of drunk driving.
That said, if you or your teen child has been injured or killed in an accident involving alcohol, it is also important to file a civil lawsuit against the at-fault driver to pursue compensation for your losses and damages. A personal injury claim can seek compensation for the victim’s medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, and a wrongful death claim after a fatal accident can pursue these damages in addition to the damages suffered by surviving family members.
An attorney can help you gather the evidence you need to establish another driver’s negligence, including photographs, witness testimony, and police reports, and blood test results that can demonstrate a driver’s intoxication. We will then work to present a strong case for full compensation through either a settlement or a trial.
Contact a New Braunfels Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
At The Bettersworth Law Firm, we understand the challenges that you and your family may face after a crash with a drunk driver, and we are committed to helping you protect your rights. Contact a New Braunfels personal injury attorney today at 830-443-9193 to schedule a free consultation.
Sources:
https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2020/11/18/teen-arrested-for-intoxication-assault-after-crash-that-killed-18-year-old-woman-records-show/
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving
https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving
