Watts Guerra Craft LLP Teams up with MADD
Attorney Justin Hill and Mothers Against Drunk Driving work to create safer communities
In 2008, a powerful relationship was forged when attorney Justin Hill of Watts Guerra Craft LLP was introduced to members of the South Texas division of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Since that fateful day, Hill has teamed up with MADD to help countless victims of drunk driving accidents. He now sits on the organization's Advisory Council and serves on the planning committee of the South Texas Walk Like MADD, a community-driven 5k fundraising event aimed at informing the public and making communities safer.
Over the past year, Hill's contribution to MADD's efforts has left an indelible mark on the South Texas community. His willingness to volunteer his services, sometimes free of charge, has helped victims who otherwise would not have had access to legal assistance.
In the beginning, Hill's role consisted of advising MADD's clients. When victims needed help determining their legal rights, Hill was there to help them navigate the complexities of the Texas legal system and locate the attorneys best suited to assist them in their fight for justice. His willingness to engage and empower the community made him an ideal match with MADD. Says Hill, "I was attracted to MADD's direct involvement with the community. They approach things the same way I approach my practice — by zealously advocating for victims in every way possible and pursuing justice for those suffering."
In some instances, Hill, a partner at Watts Guerra Craft LLP, has agreed to represent victims referred by MADD in civil lawsuits. In one memorable case, they were able to reach a settlement that included not only a confidential monetary amount but also an agreement from the defendant, TNT Crane & Rigging, to implement safety measures aimed at avoiding future drunk driving accidents. The company agreed to conduct annual reviews and random drug and alcohol tests on employees with company vehicles. In addition, their employees are required to view a program focusing on driving safety, which includes information on alcohol awareness.
As time has passed, Hill has become more and more involved with members of the community. These days, his involvement includes helping victims alter legislation that affects their communities so that drunk drivers are held liable for their actions. "For example," says Hill, "one MADD client was very interested in changing the social host liability laws in Texas. MADD and I spoke to her daily, advising her who to call, what committees mattered, where the bill was, and what substantive legal changes were needed to help make sure what happened to her did not happen again."
In the end, the willingness of Justin Hill and the law firm of Watts Guerra Craft LLP to assist the South Texas division of MADD in their efforts has not gone unnoticed. Hill recently became the fifth member — and only attorney — to sit on the South Texas MADD's Advisory Council.
Watts Guerra Craft LLP
With five offices, 26 attorneys and a comprehensive team of legal assistants, investigators and other support staff, Watts Guerra Craft has the strength in numbers to tackle the most complex legal issues and take on the biggest corporate defendants. The firm is a national leader in the areas of pharmaceutical litigation, personal injury and defective products. Their groundbreaking work has contributed to important congressional hearings and improvements in consumer safety. To contact the firm and learn more about their services, please visit the website of Watts Guerra Craft.
