Last month, a new law aimed at decreasing the number of drunk driving offenses and protecting Texas drivers went into effect just before Labor Day Weekend. Signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, the law now requires all drunk driving offenders to install Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) on their vehicles as a condition for regaining their driving privileges after a DWI arrest. The law has received the endorsement of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), as well as Representative Jason Villalba and Senator Joan Huffman.
Originally conceived as a way to hold irresponsible drivers more accountable for driving under the influence of alcohol, the hope is that this law will go far in helping to ensure the safety of Texas drivers. Previously, the law only required those with BACs of over .15 and repeat offenders to install the device on their vehicles, but all offenders will now be required to use the device if they ever hope to regain their driver’s license. The new law is touted to protect the public while still allowing offenders to carry on with their jobs and other responsibilities.
This legislation is in response to the fact that Texas has led the U.S. in drunk driving fatalities since 2013. During that year, 1,337 (nearly 40 percent of all traffic fatalities) were caused by a drunk driver.
Fight Back Against Drunk Drivers – Contact a Houston Car Accident Attorney at (713) 751-0025
Drunk driving is a serious offense that the state of Texas takes very seriously. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a drunk driver, you deserve to pursue compensation, and the Houston car accident attorneys at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs are prepared to help. You may be entitled to financial compensation for past and future medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and more.
Don’t risk losing your right to legal action by waiting too long to call. Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, so don’t hesitate to contact our firm as soon as possible. With over 100 years of aggregate legal experience and a record of exceptional results, our Houston personal injury lawyers is prepared to do whatever it takes to pursue a favorable outcome for your case. To learn more about how we may be able to help, please click here to fill out a request for a consultation.
