Drunk Driving Fatalities

Clark Law Group > Personal Injury > Wrongful Death > Drunk Driving Fatalities

Experienced Legal Support for Families Affected by Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving is an epidemic that continues to ravage our roads and cause untold pain and suffering. Every year, thousands of people lose their lives or are left with life-changing injuries as a result of someone’s decision to drive under the influence of alcohol. The consequences of drunk driving are disastrous and far-reaching, leaving behind a string of tragedies that affect not only the deceased individual but their families as well. Personal injuries resulting from drunk driving are frequently fatal. Spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, and blunt force trauma caused by violent drunk driving accidents often result in the deaths of the occupants in the car(s) they strike. If your loved one recently perished in an accident caused by a drunk driver, it is critical to be aware of the damages, both economic and non-economic, that may be available to you and your family.

judiciously pursuing compensation

Witnessing the devastating effects of drunk driving on families is heart-wrenching, particularly in situations where the decision to drink and drive could have easily been avoided and a life could have been saved. At Clark Law Group, we have dedicated a large portion of our practice to assisting families in pursuing the damages they deserve after losing a family member at the hands of a drunk driver. Through compassion, thoroughness, and a deep understanding of personal injury law, we are prepared to assist you every step of the way by effectively and judiciously pursuing compensation from the person who was responsible for your loved one’s death.

Economic and Non-Economic Damages for a Wrongful Death Caused by a Drunk Driver

When a drunk driver kills a family member, the consequences are often emotionally and financially devastating. To help families cope with the loss, several types of economic and non-economic damages can potentially be pursued through a wrongful death claim. Some of these damages include:

Economic Damages

Funeral and burial expenses – When an individual is suddenly killed in a drunk driving accident, families are often left reeling as they determine how to pay for the funeral and burial of their loved one. Families can receive reimbursement for these expenses from the person who was responsible for their family member’s tragic death.
Medical costs – Individuals struck by drunk drivers do not always die immediately, and may live on for days after the accident, fighting for their life in the hospital. Therefore, hospital costs and other medical expenses can be included in a wrongful death claim.
Lost income – When a drunk driver kills a breadwinner, their family may be left without financial support. Economic damages can recover the deceased’s lost future income to provide for their dependents’ ongoing needs.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering – Families can recover compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma endured by the victim of the drunk driving accident before their death. Additionally, the pain and suffering experienced by the family due to the loss of their loved one can be taken into account as damages are awarded.
Loss of consortium – The devastating loss of companionship, comfort, and marital intimacy can be addressed in a wrongful death case. The spouse of the deceased most often pursues these types of damages.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – It is not uncommon for the shock and emotional anguish involved when a family member dies to manifest itself by means of PTSD. This is a severe condition that can adversely impact a person’s mental health. Such conditions may require years of therapy and counseling, and the financial expenses and personal impact will likely be considered when determining damages.

Contact a Dallas Drunk Driving Wrongful Death Attorney

As you navigate the aftermath of the tragic loss of a family member due to drunk driving, an attorney can assist you in pursuing the damages that may be owed to you and your family. At Clark Law Group, our skilled legal team has ample experience in assessing the damages in such cases and pursuing the compensation a family needs to move forward with their lives. We can help affected loved ones take the necessary steps to hold reckless and irresponsible DUI offenders accountable for their actions. We proudly serve Fort Worth and Dallas, Texas. Contact us today at 469-906-2266 for a private consultation.