What actions may occur after a DUI driver hits a police car in Fort Worth Texas?
Texas – June 17, 2022
A West Division Fort Worth police officer who was parked in a patrol unit after being dispatched to a stranded driver near the intersection of Northwest Loop 820 and Cahoba Drive was hit by a pickup truck late Friday evening. Despite his vehicle flashing emergency lights behind the disabled vehicle to protect the driver, a pickup truck hit the rear end of his vehicle causing it to be pushed across four lanes of traffic, hit a concrete barrier and land facing oncoming traffic according to law enforcement officials. A passing motorist’s vehicle was struck in the accident, but the driver was not injured. The driver of the pickup truck was believed to be intoxicated at the time of the accident and was transported to John Peter Smith Hospital, while the police officer was transported to Texas Health Harris Hospital for evaluation. Roadways have gotten more dangerous with increases of distracted driving, intoxication, and road rage incidents. Insurance is necessary to pay injuries, and damages associated with harmful losses arising out of car accidents. Accident victims who are wondering “Where can I find attorneys near me?” to assist with guidance and necessary litigation to recoup losses for victims and loved ones negatively affected by the car accident.
Federal law.
Federal DUI laws are strong and strictly enforced in Federal courts, carrying serious charges and penalties. President Clinton signed Federal DUI laws into existence in 2000 that set a new national standard for drunken driving by changing the BAC legal limit to 0.08 to save American lives. Despite the fact that it is illegal to drive drunk in every state with a BAC of .08 or higher, one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 45 minutes in the United States in 2020. A car accident lawyer in Texas can explain the impact of the federal and state DUI laws on a case and how it will impact damage recovery for victims.
Statute of Limitations.
Texas lawyers can explain the two (2) year statute of limitations for property damage and personal injury claims, and wrongful death actions. This means if a driver, passenger, or passerby is injured or sustains property damage, or wrongful death occurs at the hands of a negligent driver, the victim must file a lawsuit within the two (2) year period following the accident.
Expensive insurance policy.
After being convicted of a DUI in Texas, a driver may be classified as high risk, which is why it is important to try to beat a conviction if charges are placed against a driver. This will be impacted more severely If a driver has had previous DUI activities, the penalties will be more severe because it reveals high risk driving behaviors to an insurer. Insurance premiums may go up and drivers will be forced to purchase a “high risk” policy which is more expensive. Cancellations usually occur immediately after a DUI hits a driving record or is reported to insurance.
Cancellations.
Many insurance carriers will increase premiums after a DUI in Texas, but some will just drop the coverage because of bad driving records before this charge, past DUI activity and/or a DUI occurring before a driver is 21 years of age.
Hire a lawyer.
Criminal DUI proceedings will have some bearing on civil proceedings for damages so it is best to utilize the services of an experienced car accident attorney in Fort Worth who can build a case utilizing all information to prove negligence and increase the chance for a comprehensive damage award. Contact an accident attorney at The Cooper Law Firm to determine “fault” and actions toward a legal proceeding to address all property damages and physical injuries sustained.
Cooper Law Firm
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2222
Longview, TX 75606
Physical Address: 501 N Third St,
Longview, TX 75601
Telephone ; (903) 297-0037
Toll-Free: 1-855-297-HURT (4878)
Facsimile: (903) 236-0035
Sources:
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!