Why Choose Mullen & Mullen to Handle Your Drunk Driving Injury Case?
Fighting for Justice and Max Compensation
Because we represent many drunk driving accident victims, we understand the devastating consequences they often experience. While drunk driving accidents do affect the direct victims the most, it’s also important to remember that they affect their families and communities too. As dedicated drunk driving accident lawyers in Fort Worth, we maintain a strong commitment to those that drunk drivers have harmed or killed.
When you choose Mullen & Mullen, not only do you get our experience, but you also get our compassion as well. You don’t need our drunk driving accident lawyers to increase your stress. Instead, you can count on our lawyers to care for every one of your physical and emotional needs. Our lawyers will help you navigate the complicated legal system, and we will fight our hardest to get max compensation on your behalf.
Insurers know our name and track record.
They do not want to see that they’ll be fighting against Mullen & Mullen. To back this claim up, according to the website “TopVerdict,” Mullen & Mullen has achieved 43 of the “Top 50 Personal Injury Settlements” in Texas over the past three years. During just one of those years, our firm was responsible for 19 of the “Top 50” results. Know that all 19 were for people harmed in motor vehicle accidents.
Here’s how those 19 cases ranked:
- One was in the top 10
- Eight ranked in positions 11-20
- Ten cases ranked in positions 21-50
Now, combine this track record with our low 29% pre-suit contingency fee, and you can feel confident that you will get more money with Mullen & Mullen than with any other drunk driving accident lawyer in the Fort Worth area.
Also, understand that you never pay us any fees until after your claim has been fully settled.
You can schedule your free consultation now by calling (817) 768-6680. Let our experienced drunk driving accident lawyers give you the legal guidance you need and fight to obtain max compensation on your behalf.
Make sure you take advantage of our 29% pre-suit contingency fee, which is available to you if we don’t have to file a lawsuit. Additionally, recall that you don’t pay anything until after your claim is settled. Schedule your free consultation now. Let Mullen & Mullen give you the legal guidance you need to obtain a favorable settlement during this difficult time of life.
Our Expertise
To obtain max compensation from a drunk driver, you need a deep understanding of a variety of legal complexities. Remember that we have been in business for more than four decades. Additionally, this means that we have more than 95 years of combined experience. Much of this experience has involved holding drunk drivers accountable for their reckless actions.
Mullen & Mullen’s drunk driving accident lawyers understand the nuances of how alcohol-related crashes work. Our experienced team also investigates all those details for you. If the driver was already obviously intoxicated, but an establishment opted to overserve them anyway, then they will be held responsible through a “dram shop” cause of action. Because our drunk driving accident lawyers are so experienced, we routinely settle for “full policy limits.” To make good even better, we do this without even filing a lawsuit! Practically speaking, this means that much more of YOUR settlement money goes into your pocket.
Diagnostic and Medical Treatment Without the Upfront Cost
Believe it or not, the fact that you were involved in a drunk driving accident makes it more difficult to get the medical care you need. Unfortunately, this happens because most doctors don’t want to get in the middle of a complicated legal matter. Many will also choose not to see you even if you have the necessary health insurance. However, we have established many relationships with medical professionals and institutions who are willing to be involved with the legal system. Although this sounds hard to believe, they’re also willing to delay billing until after your claim settles. These are the types of relationships you can only create by having extensive experience and a strong reputation in the Fort Worth area. If you recall, we’ve said we’ve been in business for the past 40 years. Understand that many drunk driving accident lawyers in the Fort Worth area are unable to match this!
Comprehensive Legal Representation
When you choose Mullen & Mullen, understand that our legal representation covers all your needs. In addition, our approach is tailored to your specific situation. Each case is unique and has its own ins and outs. Because of that, and because of our smaller size as a firm, we focus greatly on personal relationships. Our drunk driving accident attorneys take the time to create a genuine relationship with every client. In addition, we gather evidence, consult with experts, interview witnesses, and frequently reconstruct the events that caused your accident. Once we’ve gathered all this info, we create a persuasive case. This case holds the drunk driver, and the establishment who overserved them, responsible for the harm they have caused you.
Compassionate Support
Any drunk driving accident is emotionally and physically traumatic. At the very worst, a drunk driving accident can change your life forever. We’ve been serving the Fort Worth area for more than 40 years. This gives us a deep knowledge of all the consequences that drunk driving accidents cause. To make matters as easy on you as possible, each member of our team understands how to offer compassionate support as the legal process plays itself out. All our attorneys know how to listen to and address all the questions and concerns you may have. As your case works its way through the legal system, you will be informed of each step along the way. All this means you get more time to focus on your physical and emotional recovery while we fight hard to get you max compensation for your injuries.
Client Testimonials
Zac Canida on Google said:
I’m only 22 and this was the first case I’ve ever had, I got recommended Mullen and Mullen by a friend who has used them plenty of times and said nothing but good things about them. I have yet to see or hear anything that contradicts her statements! Everyone on the Mullen and Mullen team has been super helpful and kind to me by explaining everything that needs to be done to get the case going in the right direction. Greg especially has been very helpful by keeping me updated and answering any questions I might have about the situation; he’s been an amazing help and I’m glad I was able to get him assigned to help me get what I deserve from my car accident. Very professional and fast responses. If you are ever injured in a car accident I 100% recommend this team to fight for you, ask for Greg!
Falisha Jones on Google said:
I was involved in a car accident in Dallas Texas off mockingbird. I was t-boned by someone who had run a red light. Me being a young female, I felt lost and taken advantage of by the other party’s insurance.
I chose Mullen & Mullen because they were the only law firm that physically wanted to meet me and hear my side. They helped me with all the medical assistance that I needed. Although it was a lot of therapy, I was really happy with the doctors they sent me to. Josh was very welcoming and honest in the process. Every time I felt so at ease after speaking with him. I am so happy I had him on my case. Very hands on. Highly recommend!
Alex Malcolm on Google said:
I was injured in a motorcycle accident, and Shane Mullen took on my case with determination and empathy. His attention to detail and commitment to my case led to a favorable outcome. I’m grateful for his hard work and highly recommend Mullen & Mullen Law Firm.
Trial Experience and Advocacy
Call our team of experienced drunk driving accident attorneys today if a drunk driver has negligently caused harm to you or your loved one. We offer free consultations, and during your free consultation, our lawyers will:
- Assess your case.
- Discuss your legal options.
- Give you guidance on what to do next.
You must meet certain legal deadlines, such as the statute of limitations. That means it’s critical for you to contact us as soon as you’re able. Let our skilled drunk driving accident attorneys obtain max compensation for you.
Contact us today to begin your journey towards healing and justice. We’ll be your trusted advocates while you focus exclusively on your recovery. Remember that this consultation is yours 100% free. You have absolutely no obligation to hire us on the spot.
Drunk Driving Injury Claim Frequently Asked Questions and Texas Law
Below you will find the answers to many commonly asked questions about Texas drunk driving law.
Am I automatically entitled to punitive damages when a drunk driver hits me?
You might be. However, there is no guarantee that you would be entitled to such damages. Punitive damages were created to punish grossly negligent behavior. They also exist to send a strong message to those who might consider engaging in the same behavior.
At Mullen & Mullen, we do everything in our power to obtain punitive damages for you. However, it’s not ethical for us to guarantee that you will get them.
How do I prove that the drunk driver was in fact intoxicated when they caused my accident?
Remember that this is your responsibility because Texas law says it is. Fortunately, there’s several ways you can prove this. The easiest way to prove this lies in showing that the Texas Peace Officer arrested the driver on suspicion of DWI or DUI.
What happens if criminal charges were dropped or resulted in a “not guilty” verdict?
If either of those is the case, you may still be able to get punitive damages. When you consider criminal cases, the standard is that you must prove “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the accused person engaged in the alleged actions. With civil cases, however, you only need a “preponderance of the evidence.” In simple terms, a “preponderance of the evidence” means it is more likely than not that the accused engaged in the alleged actions.
How do we compile the necessary evidence that proves the drunk driver was intoxicated when they caused your accident?
For starters, our in-house private investigators will obtain a copy of the Texas Peace Officer’s crash report, if one is completed. In addition, our team will submit an open records request to all relevant law enforcement agencies. The point of an open records request is to get a copy of all documents relevant to your accident. Such documents can include officer notes, witness statements, and body camera footage. While our team works to obtain that information, they also monitor for the potential advancement of any criminal charges. They do this by keeping in close touch with prosecutors as they handle the case.
In addition to all that, we also do a thorough background check on the individual who caused your accident. We identify all financial resources the driver has available and look at their prior criminal history if applicable.
What if the police didn’t investigate my car accident? Can I still prove the other driver was drunk or high?
Yes. You can. It just becomes a lot more difficult to do so. However, your testimony alone may be enough to prove the other driver was drunk or high at the time of your accident.
For example, you may have witnessed the other driver discarding beer cans, slurring their speech, stumbling, or struggling to maintain their balance. It could have been that you also smelled alcohol on them. Additionally, you could have witnessed any of a number of other indicators that showed they were drunk or high. All you would have to do is simply testify about what you experienced.
It’s also important to understand that proving the other driver was drunk or high becomes a lot easier if you have another witness whose testimony corroborates yours. To prove that the other driver was drunk or high, they can also make statements different from yours but that nonetheless indicate the guilt of the other driver.
How will the drunk driving accident lawyers at Mullen & Mullen help me with this?
Our experienced in-house accident investigators will do everything they can to locate all witnesses who can testify about the words and actions of the at-fault party. Our investigators have all the necessary skills to know how to thoroughly canvass areas and identify potential witnesses. Our team can also consistently get sworn affidavits from such witnesses once located.
When exactly should you file insurance claims after a drunk driving accident? You should do this as soon as you possibly can. Speaking in general terms, the sooner you file your claims, the faster you can get your car repaired.
What insurance claims should I file?
You may be able to file any one of the below claims, depending on your situation:
Filing a liability claim allows you to seek compensation for property and injury damages.
You may also be able to file a liability claim against the drunk driver’s employer if the driver was driving while employed at the time of the accident. As was the case with the previous claim, this claim seeks to recover compensation for property and injury damages.
Your own insurance’s uninsured motorist policy can have a claim filed against it if the other driver doesn’t have any insurance at all.
You can also file a liability claim against the owner of a vehicle if they negligently entrusted it to someone who was drunk or high. Again, this type of claim would give you access to property and injury damages.
What if the damages (the amount of money you want to collect) exceed the insurance an underinsured driver has available?
If this is the case for you, then you can file a claim with your own insurance’s underinsured motorist policy.
You may also be able to file a personal injury protection (PIP) claim with your own insurer. This type of claim aims to reimburse you for the medical bills and lost wages you incurred because of your accident.
If a bar or restaurant overserves an obviously intoxicated person, then you may be able to file a “dram shop” cause of action.
Understand that when your case first begins, our attorneys will file all the appropriate paperwork with the insurance carriers. In addition, know that a household policy may cover you, which also includes even if you don’t own a vehicle.
Should I repair or replace my vehicle?
This one depends a little on your circumstances. Remember that the insurance company’s goal will be to pay you as little as possible, regardless of whether you repair or replace it. Whatever you choose to do, we are happy to help make sure it happens in a timely way and that you get the most value possible for your vehicle.
The at-fault party’s insurer has recommended a repair shop to take my car to. Should I do that?
You should not do this. The at-fault party’s insurer tries to get you to do this because it gives them the opportunity to pay you as little as they can for your vehicle. In Texas, you can take your car to whatever repair shop you want. So, do that instead. We absolutely recommend it.
Does Texas law entitle me to a rental car?
In nearly every case, yes, you do have this right. However, if your car has been deemed a “total loss,” then you most likely do not have the right to a rental car. Also, understand that when your car is “totaled,” then Texas law entitles you to the fair market value for your car only. In some cases, however, a rare few insurance carriers will pay for a rental car if yours has been deemed a “total loss.”
How do you get fast access to a rental vehicle?
If this is what you want, then file a property damage claim with your own insurer and ask for your rental vehicle (assuming your insurance policy entitles you to a rental vehicle). Remember that you will probably have to pay your deductible. However, the deductible amount you pay will be reimbursed to you. This will happen when the at-fault party pays to repair and/or replace your vehicle.
Securing a Law Loan
Can I get a law loan against my injury claim?
Most likely, you can. Understand, however, that to access the loan itself, you will need the help of an attorney. Our experienced attorneys work with all major law loan companies. This means you’ll have access to the funds you need to make it by while you wait for your claim to work its way through the legal system.
How to Secure Medical Treatment After Your Accident
What if I don’t have health insurance? What if I can’t afford my deductible? Can I still access the medical treatment I need?
Yes. You can. Mullen & Mullen has a unique advantage in this regard. Because of our more than four decades of experience serving the Fort Worth area, we have established and trusted relationships with all major medical providers. They willingly delay all billing until after your claim settles. We work with every type of medical professional and institution you can think of, so you have absolutely nothing to worry about. We work with anesthesiologists, neurosurgeons, surgeons, hospitals, and more. Of course, understand that you would need to establish all insurance proceeds prior to having any surgery.
What happens if my health insurer pays some of my medical bills before I get my settlement?
If you end up recovering funds from another party for your accident, then clearly, it’s only fair that your insurer gets reimbursed for whatever they paid. In legal terms, you call this “subrogation.” Understand that, because of our more than four decades of experience, our attorneys can likely get you a ⅓ reduction on any health insurance lien you have. Often, this ⅓ reduction more than covers the cost of our attorneys’ fees.
Types of Damages You Might Be Able to Recover from the Drunk Driver in Texas
What damages am I entitled to if I’m the victim in a drunk driving accident?
The types of damages you can recover fall into two major categories: “economic” and “non-economic.”
Economic Damages
Economic damages include:
- Past, present, and future medical expenses
- Replacement value of your vehicle
- Vehicle repair costs
Diminished value of your vehicle after it’s repaired - Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages are far more difficult to calculate than economic damages. This is because of their non-physical nature.
How much do you value the pain and mental anguish you experience in a fair and objective way? There is no precise mathematical formula to calculate this.
You can still get non-economic damages. The problem is simply that they are much harder to calculate. You can possibly get the below non-economic damages:
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Mental anguish in the past and future
- Past and future impairment
At Mullen & Mullen, we have more than 95 years of combined experience obtaining damages for drunk driving victims. We will do everything we can to make sure you get the largest possible financial recovery and to completely develop your damage model. Sometimes, it will be necessary for us to retain certain experts when needed to establish both liability and damages. We will do this whenever required.
Injury Cases Against Fort Worth Bars & Restaurants for Overserving an Obviously Intoxicated Person
What happens to a bar, restaurant, or other establishment if they overserve the drunk driver who causes your accident?
If a bar, restaurant, or other establishment overserved an obviously intoxicated person, then you are entitled to file a liability claim against them if the drunk person caused your accident. This is called a “dram shop” cause of action in the legal profession. This type of case requires you to do what we just talked about: prove that an obviously intoxicated person was overserved.
CONTACT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
Call (817) 768-6680 to talk to a Fort Worth drunk driving accident injury attorney right now. We won’t put any pressure on you to hire us on the spot. Simply learn how we’ll approach your case and get some excellent free advice. Make your decision only when you feel 100% ready. Do remember though, that the Texas statute of limitations gives you just 2 years from the date of your accident to file a claim.
We’ll come to your home or hospital room if it makes it easier on you! Phone and Zoom consultations are also available. You can call us, or use the form or chat feature on this page to request a free consultation now.
FORT WORTH OFFICE LOCATION
Mullen & Mullen Law Firm
9500 Ray White Rd #241
Fort Worth, TX 76244
Phone (817) 768-6680
By Appointment Only