Hobbs Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys
Despite widespread awareness of the dangers of drunk driving and the dangers, incidents involving intoxicated drivers continue to devastate Hobbs, New Mexico, and surrounding counties. Countless lives are needlessly lost, and many more are shattered by severe injuries caused by individuals who choose to drive under the influence of alcohol.
At Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers, our experienced drunk driving accident attorneys in Hobbs, New Mexico, stand with those affected by the reckless and unlawful actions of drunk drivers. We vigorously pursue compensation and justice for our clients, drawing upon our extensive experience and successful track record in cases.
Act Quickly
If you’ve been injured, you need experienced personal injury lawyers who know New Mexico and the Permian Basin, fighting for you. Give us a call today to get the support you need. With Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers, you will never have to pay us any fees out of your own pocket.
What steps should you take after being in an accident with a drunk driver?
In the aftermath of an accident involving a potentially intoxicated driver, prioritizing safety and gathering essential information is crucial. Immediately dial 911 to request medical assistance, regardless of whether you believe you are injured. Exchange important details like names, contact information, and insurance details with the other driver, and gather witness contact information and scene photos if possible.
Remain at the scene until law enforcement and emergency responders arrive. Provide factual information about the incident to responding officers without accepting fault.
Past Success
Glasheen, Valles & Inderman has significant experience in suing drunk drivers and the bars who serve them. Call today for a free phone or in-person consultation.
Injuries Typically Seen in Impaired Driving Crashes
Drunk driving accidents, more than other vehicle crashes, frequently take drivers by surprise. For instance, a driver may be stopped at a red light when a drunk driver abruptly rear-ends their car. Alternatively, an intoxicated driver might overlook a red light, causing a collision with another vehicle passing through the intersection. These accidents often lead to severe and life-altering injuries.
Among the most prevalent injuries in drunk driving accidents are:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Injuries to the back and spine
- Psychological trauma
- Disfigurement
- Fractures and broken bones
"They were always so polite and made me feel very at ease, understanding everything when we reached a settlement." - Angela W.,
How Legal Actions Against Intoxicated Drivers Work
Driving under the influence of alcohol represents a severe form of negligence. Individuals harmed or families who suffer the loss of a loved one due to a drunk driver can seek accountability for their injuries, much like they could if the other driver engaged in other reckless driving behaviors, such as tailgating or speeding.
In drunk driving accidents, the other driver will likely face significant criminal charges (rather than just a traffic citation) for driving under the influence (DUI). The progression of the criminal case against the drunk driver can affect a claim for compensation by those injured or killed in an accident.
Lawsuits related to drunk driving accidents can proceed while prosecutors pursue the driver’s conviction. Your attorney handling the drunk driving accident will collaborate with you to decide when to initiate your claim strategically. In certain instances, it might be advisable to await the conclusion of the criminal case. This is because if the driver pleads guilty or is convicted of DUI, that criminal liability can help establish the civil liability required to seek damages.
Using DUI as Evidence of Negligence
In any car accident lawsuit, proving the negligence of the other driver and its role in causing the accident, injuries, and damages is crucial. Establishing negligence is often the most challenging aspect of such cases. However, when there is substantial evidence of negligence, such as in cases involving DUI charges, the process becomes considerably more straightforward.
Evidence used by prosecutors to secure a drunk driving conviction— including police reports, field sobriety tests, blood or breath tests, and witness statements— can also serve as valuable proof of negligence in your personal injury lawsuit. A DUI conviction stands as conclusive evidence of driver negligence and strengthens your case.
Even if the driver is acquitted or not charged with DUI, any evidence indicating alcohol consumption can support claims of negligence. It’s essential to remember that a driver’s blood alcohol content below the legal limit doesn’t absolve them of negligence or impairment.
Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers: Hobbs, New Mexico Drunk Driving Injury Lawyers
At Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers in Hobbs, New Mexico, we’ve witnessed firsthand the anguish and devastation endured by those affected by drunk driving accidents. We’ve listened to individuals grappling with the inability to provide for their families or maintain their previous lifestyles. Additionally, we’ve heard from families consumed by sorrow and frustration following the sudden, preventable loss of a loved one. This is why we exert every effort to secure the highest possible compensation for our clients after a drunk driving incident disrupts their lives.
Intoxicated Drivers Continue To Devastate Lives
Despite decades of advocacy from organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving and increased penalties for DUI convictions, intoxicated drivers continue to wreak havoc, causing death and devastation.
The statistics, while alarming, fail to fully capture the profound losses endured by those affected by drunk driving injuries or fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- In 2020, 11,645 Americans lost their lives in drunk driving accidents, marking a 14% increase from 2019.
- Approximately 32 individuals perish in drunk-driving crashes each day, equating to one fatality every 45 minutes.
- Texas witnessed 1,495 fatalities in drunk driving accidents in 2020, the highest among all states.
- New Mexico reported 130 fatalities from drunk driving accidents in 2020.
- Alcohol-impaired driving accounted for 30% of all motor vehicle traffic deaths in the United States in 2020, with Texas and New Mexico seeing rates of 39% and 33%, respectively.
- The economic toll of alcohol-related traffic accidents on the U.S. economy surpasses $44 billion annually.
