Permian Basin Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys

Car accidents in Odessa can result in a wide range of injuries, varying from minor to severe. Some of the most common injuries include:

Head and Neck Injuries

These can range from whiplash to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI), potentially causing long-term cognitive issues.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, therefore, dramatically altering a person’s quality of life.

Broken Bones

The force of impact in car accidents often leads to fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.

Soft Tissue Injuries

These include sprains, strains, and contusions, which can cause significant pain and limit mobility.

Burns

In severe accidents, especially those involving fire or explosions, victims may suffer from first to third-degree burns.

Chest Injuries

The impact of a crash can cause chest trauma, potentially damaging internal organs or causing broken ribs.

Psychological Injuries

Many accident victims experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression following a crash.

Cuts and Lacerations

Broken glass and twisted metal can cause severe cuts, potentially leading to significant blood loss or scarring.

If you’ve been involved in a drunk driving accident in Odessa, taking the right steps immediately after the incident can protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

1. Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention

First and foremost, your health is the top priority. Consequently, check yourself and others for injuries. Even if injuries seem minor, get medical treatment immediately. Subsequently, document all medical visits and treatments.

2. Report the Accident

Next, call the Odessa Police Department to report the accident. Furthermore, ensure an official report is filed, as this will be crucial for your claim.

3. Document Evidence

Additionally, if it’s safe to do so, take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Moreover, collect contact information from witnesses and other involved parties.

4. Be Cautious with Insurance Companies

In most car accident cases, the other driver’s insurance company will handle the claim on their insured driver’s behalf. However, insurance companies spend millions on TV ads telling you they are “on your side,” are a “good neighbor,” or that you’ll “be in good hands” with them. Nevertheless, when negotiating with car insurance companies after an accident, none of this is true. Remember, insurance companies prioritize their profits. As a result, they may try to:

• Deny your claim outright
• Offer a quick, low settlement
• Manipulate your statements
• Question the severity of your injuries

Therefore, avoid giving detailed statements or accepting early settlement offers without legal advice.

5. Contact Trusted Odessa Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys

After taking care of immediate health and safety concerns, it’s crucial to consult with experienced attorneys. Trusted Odessa Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys can:

• Conduct a thorough investigation of your accident
• Collect and analyze evidence, including police reports and medical records
• Handle all communications with insurance companies
• Ensure you receive proper medical treatment
• Fight for fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages

These attorneys understand Odessa’s traffic laws and insurance practices. Thus, they’re available to discuss your case and provide the guidance you need during this difficult time.

6. Keep Records

Furthermore, maintain a file with all accident-related documents, including:

• Medical bills and records
• Correspondence with insurance companies
• Photos of injuries and property damage
• Records of missed work and lost wages

Lastly, adhere to your doctor’s recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments. This is crucial for your health and strengthens your claim. In conclusion, remember that the steps you take immediately after an accident can significantly impact your physical recovery and the outcome of any potential legal claim. At Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Odessa Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys understand the complexities of these cases. Here’s how claims against drunk drivers typically work in Odessa:

Establishing Negligence

Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered an extreme form of negligence in Odessa. Victims injured or families who lose loved ones due to a drunk driver can hold that driver accountable for their injuries, similar to cases involving other reckless driving behaviors like tailgating or speeding.

Criminal Charges and Civil Claims

In drunk driving accidents, the at-fault driver often faces serious criminal charges for DUI, not just a traffic citation. The progress of this criminal case can impact the civil claim for compensation by those injured or killed in the accident.

Strategic Timing of Claims

Odessa Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys work with clients to make strategic decisions about when to file claims. While drunk driving accident injury lawsuits can proceed simultaneously with criminal prosecutions, in some cases, it may be advantageous to wait for the criminal case to conclude.

Leveraging Criminal Convictions

If the driver pleads guilty or is convicted of DUI in criminal court, this can significantly strengthen the civil case. The criminal liability can help establish the civil liability necessary to recover damages in Odessa.

Expertise of Local Attorneys

Odessa Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys possess in-depth knowledge of local laws and procedures. They can navigate the interplay between criminal and civil proceedings, ensuring the best possible outcome for their clients.

At Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers, our experienced Odessa drunk driving accident attorneys play a crucial role in these cases:

Case Evaluation

GVILAW attorneys assess the strength of your case, considering all evidence and potential outcomes. We provide an objective analysis of your situation, helping you understand your legal options.

Investigation

The GVILAW team conducts thorough investigations, gathering police reports, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage. We leave no stone unturned in building a strong case for our clients.

Coordination with Criminal Proceedings

We monitor the progress of any criminal case against the drunk driver, using developments to strengthen your civil claim. This coordination ensures that all legal avenues are leveraged effectively.

Negotiation

Our skilled attorneys negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation. We understand the tactics used by insurers and counter them effectively.

Litigation

If a fair settlement can’t be reached, Glasheen, Valles & Inderman is prepared to take your case to court. We have the experience and resources to represent you effectively in trial proceedings.

Damages Calculation

We help quantify all damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potential punitive damages. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of your loss are accounted for.

Legal Expertise

The Odessa drunk driving accident attorneys of GVILAW are well-versed in Texas’ DUI laws and how they intersect with personal injury claims. Our specialized knowledge is invaluable in navigating these complex cases. By working with Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the complex legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. Our team’s experience and dedication to our clients make us the trusted choice for drunk driving accident cases in Odessa.