Holding Drunk Drivers Financially Accountable for their Wrongdoing through Wrongful Death Civil Damages Claims

When a drunk driver in Texas kills your loved one, you need justice. Only the State can bring a criminal charge and take away the negligent driver's freedom. The law limits your remedies to a civil claim for damages. As Lake Jackson wrongful death lawyers we know that this may seem unfair. But take heart. In our modern, money driven society, many people suffer a lot more from the loss of their financial assets than from the loss of their freedom.

The surviving spouse, children, and/or parents of the person killed by a drunk driver in Texas may each bring a wrongful death claim against the negligent driver. Their claims seek compensation for the value of their own, personal losses from the drunk driving wreck. The amount of the damages each claimant seeks may vary based on several factors. These factors include:

* Whether the claimant depended upon the victim for financial support;
* Whether the claimant shared a household with the victim: and
* The closeness of their relationship with the decedent at the time of the accident.

For example, a parent of a grown child, living in a separate household and not dependent upon the victim for support would generally bring a smaller claim. A financially dependent spouse living in the same household would file a much larger claim. A young, dependent child would file a larger claim than an adult, financially independent child.

Surviving family members' wrongful death claims might seek compensation for:
* Loss of the financial support provided by the victim;
* Loss of companionship and the unique value of your family relationship;
* Mental and emotional anguish from the loss of your family member;
* Medical expenses from the accident up until the time of death; and
* Funeral expenses caused by the drunk driving wreck.

Our Lake Jackson wrongful death lawyers realize that no amount of money can ever compensate you for a unique life lost. But the damages award you obtain could help your family make up for financial support lost because of the drunk driving wreck. And holding a drunk driver financially accountable for his wrongdoing might help save others from harm.

Contact an attorney Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law to help you with your Lake Jackson auto, motorcycle, or truck accident case and accident caused by a faulty vehicle. Call us today, 877-307-9500.