You might be aware that Texas criminal laws penalize Texas drunk drivers fairly lightly in relation to their crimes. Even under the new, stronger criminal penalties, Texas drunk drivers usually get off very lightly for their crimes. Headlines periodically announce that a Texas drunk driver convicted for his 7th or 8th DWI offense might get 20 or 30 years in prison. First offenders might just get a few days in jail or a small fine.
Texas drunk driving is a huge problem. DWI accidents regularly cause catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, and death. Harris County has the largest DWI accident fatality toll in the nation.
Weak criminal penalties clearly do not deter Texas drunk drivers from dangerously taking to the roads while impaired. If you’ve been harmed by the reckless actions of a Texas drunk driver, you need to exact your just due in the form of civil monetary penalties. Hit the Texas drunk driver where it hurts: in the pocketbook.
One Texas drunk driver who killed a child wound up with 30 years behind bars. The family also filed a lawsuit for civil damages. They received an award of $6.5 million. John Winne, driving drunk, struck and killed young Nicole Lalime as she was getting off of her school bus.
Criminal penalties alone don’t seem to deter Texas drunk drivers from their dangerous habits. Heavy civil penalties could help make them think twice. No amount of money can ever bring back a lost loved one. But they could help keep a Texas drunk driver from killing again.
If you’re suffering because of the actions of a Texas drunk driver, contact our Galveston injury attorneys for your free legal consultation about the DWI accident. We could help you recover civil damages for a loved one’s death or for your own injuries. If you need justice, our adept Galveston injury attorneys could help you achieve it.