Houston Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer | Protecting Victims of Drunk Driving Crashes
Drunk driving accidents in Houston often result in serious injuries, emotional distress, and financial loss. If you were hit by an intoxicated driver, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
A Houston drunk driver accident lawyer at Texas Lawyers 365 can help you take legal action, hold the at-fault driver accountable, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
The Reality of Drunk Driving Accidents in Houston
Drunk driving accidents in Houston happen often and lead to serious consequences for victims and their families. These crashes cause injuries, property damage, and even death. Understanding the impact and frequency of these incidents helps victims take the right legal steps after a crash.
Drunk Driving is a Serious Problem in Houston
Houston has some of the highest rates of drunk driving accidents in Texas. Data from the Texas Department of Transportation shows thousands of alcohol-related crashes each year in Harris County. Many of these involve high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, showing clear evidence of impaired driving.
Common Outcomes of Drunk Driving Crashes
Car accident victims often suffer serious injuries. These may include traumatic brain injury, broken bones, neck injuries, and long-term emotional distress. In fatal cases, families are left to deal with both emotional and financial loss. An intoxicated driver often causes damage that goes beyond the crash scene.
Drunk Drivers Put Everyone at Risk
An impaired driver cannot operate a vehicle safely. Alcohol affects reaction time, decision-making, and coordination. These factors increase the chance of car wrecks and other injuries on the road. Innocent drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are often the ones hurt the most.
Drunk Driving Accidents Have Long-Term Effects
The impact of a drunk driver accident does not end at the crash scene. Victims may need medical treatment for months or years. Medical bills pile up. Lost income adds more stress. Car accident cases involving drunk drivers often lead to personal injury lawsuits to recover damages.
Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable
Drunk driving is illegal under Texas law. Victims have the right to pursue legal action through a personal injury claim. A car accident lawyer can help prove the driver’s negligence and seek fair compensation for injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
Texas Law on Drunk Driving
Texas law treats drunk driving as a serious offense. The legal system allows injured victims to take civil action against an intoxicated driver who caused harm in a car accident.
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Under Texas Law
Under Texas Penal Code § 49.04, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. A driver is considered intoxicated if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher, or if alcohol has impaired their normal mental or physical abilities. A DWI conviction can include fines, license suspension, and jail time.
Civil Liability for Drunk Driver Accidents
When a drunk driver causes an auto accident, they may face a personal injury lawsuit in addition to criminal charges. Victims can file a claim to recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, emotional distress, and more. A car accident attorney helps build a strong case by proving the driver’s negligence and impairment at the time of the crash.
The Texas Dram Shop Act
The Texas Dram Shop Act (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02) allows victims to sue businesses that served alcohol to a person who was clearly intoxicated. If that person later caused a drunk driving accident, the business may share liability. This law also applies to social hosts in some situations.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Texas
Every driver in Texas must carry car insurance that meets the state’s minimum liability limits. According to Texas Transportation Code § 601.072, the minimum coverage includes $30,000 for injury to one person, $60,000 for injury to multiple people, and $25,000 for property damage. If the at-fault driver does not have enough coverage, the injured party may need to pursue additional legal action.
Legal Options for Injured Victims
Victims of a drunk driving accident have several legal options. They can file a personal injury claim against the intoxicated driver, the business that served alcohol, or both. An experienced car accident lawyer helps evaluate the case, gather evidence, and fight for full compensation.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents often lead to serious injuries that can change a person’s life. These injuries may require long-term care and result in major financial and emotional strain.
Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most severe outcomes of a drunk driver accident. Victims may lose consciousness, suffer memory loss, or face cognitive issues. Recovery often involves expensive medical treatment and extended rehabilitation. These injuries are common in high-speed car crashes caused by impaired drivers.
Neck and Spinal Cord Injuries
Many victims experience whiplash, herniated discs, or spinal cord damage. These injuries can lead to chronic pain or even paralysis. Neck injuries often require ongoing medical care and can affect a person’s ability to work or complete daily tasks.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Drunk driving accidents create a high risk of broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Some fractures may require surgery and physical therapy. Recovery time can result in lost wages and limited mobility for weeks or months.
Emotional Distress and Psychological Trauma
Emotional trauma is often overlooked after a car accident. Victims may suffer from anxiety, depression, or trouble sleeping. Emotional distress can affect relationships, job performance, and quality of life. This type of harm is real and may be included in a personal injury claim.
Internal Injuries and Organ Damage
Crash victims sometimes suffer internal bleeding or injuries to the lungs, liver, or kidneys. These injuries are not always visible at the accident scene and can become life threatening without immediate medical care. Fast treatment is critical to prevent long-term damage.
Cuts, Bruises, and Soft Tissue Injuries
Even less severe injuries can cause pain and limit movement. Soft tissue damage, such as torn ligaments or muscle strains, may still need physical therapy. These injuries can interfere with work and everyday activities.
Legal Rights for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents
Victims of drunk driving accidents in Texas have clear legal rights. These rights allow them to seek financial compensation and hold the at-fault driver responsible.
Right to File a Personal Injury Claim
If an intoxicated driver caused a crash, the injured party has the right to file a personal injury claim. This legal action seeks compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. The claim must show that the other driver’s negligence led to the accident and resulting injuries.
Right to Pursue a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation, victims may file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. A car accident lawyer helps prepare the case, collect evidence, and argue for damages in front of a judge or jury. This legal route is often necessary in serious injury cases.
Right to Compensation From Multiple Parties
Under the Texas Dram Shop Act, victims may also have a claim against a bar, restaurant, or other business that served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person. If that person later caused a car accident, the business can share liability. This helps victims recover damages when the at-fault driver has limited insurance or personal assets.
Right to Recover Damages
Texas law allows injured victims to recover damages for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages. Non-economic damages cover emotional distress, pain, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, victims may also be awarded punitive damages to punish grossly negligent behavior.
Right to Legal Representation
Every injured person has the right to consult a car accident attorney. An experienced personal injury lawyer can review the case, explain available legal options, and take action to secure full compensation. Most law firms offer a free consultation and work on a contingency basis, meaning no legal fees unless the case is successful.
Proving Liability in a Drunk Driving Case
To recover damages after a drunk driving accident, the injured party must prove that the other driver was at fault. Evidence plays a key role in showing that alcohol caused or contributed to the crash.
Importance of Evidence
Strong evidence supports the personal injury claim. A car accident lawyer gathers documents and records to build the case. This may include police reports, witness statements, and photos from the accident scene. Proof of the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is also critical.
Role of Police Reports and BAC Results
Police reports often confirm the drunk driver’s condition at the time of the crash. Officers may record slurred speech, alcohol odor, or failed field sobriety tests. BAC test results help show that the driver was legally intoxicated under Texas Penal Code § 49.04. These facts support the claim of driver negligence.
Witnesses and Surveillance Footage
Witnesses can confirm erratic driving or behavior before the crash. Their accounts help strengthen the case. Surveillance cameras from nearby businesses or traffic signals may capture footage of the car wreck or events leading up to it. This type of evidence can be very persuasive in court.
Medical Records and Injury Documentation
Medical records prove the nature and extent of the victim’s injuries. These documents link the accident directly to the injuries. They also show the cost of medical treatment, which helps support a claim for fair compensation.
Proving the Driver Was At Fault
In drunk driving accident cases, showing fault is usually straightforward when alcohol is involved. The presence of alcohol in the driver’s system is clear evidence of impaired judgment. An experienced car accident attorney uses this and other facts to prove the driver’s negligence caused the crash.
How Texas Lawyers 365 Helps Drunk Driving Accident Victims
Our law firm represents injured victims in drunk driving accident cases across Houston. We focus on helping clients recover fair compensation and hold the at-fault driver accountable.
Free Consultation and Case Evaluation
We start every case with a free consultation. This gives victims a chance to ask questions and understand their legal options. During the meeting, a car accident lawyer will review the crash details, injuries, and available evidence.
Full Investigation of the Accident
Our team conducts a full investigation of the crash. We gather police reports, witness statements, BAC test results, and any available surveillance footage. We also review medical records and other documents that support the personal injury claim.
Handling Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims. We deal with the insurance adjusters so our clients do not have to. Our car accident attorneys push for fair compensation that covers medical bills, lost income, property damage, and emotional distress.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If a fair settlement is not possible, we prepare to file a personal injury lawsuit. We represent our clients in court and present a strong case based on solid evidence. Our goal is to prove the drunk driver’s negligence and show the full extent of our client’s injuries.
Pursuing Maximum Compensation
Our law firm seeks full compensation for all damages. This includes current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. We know how drunk driving can lead to life changing injuries and fight for every dollar our clients deserve.
No Legal Fees Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis. That means we do not charge legal fees unless we win the case. Clients owe nothing upfront, and our team covers all costs related to building the case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driver Accidents in Houston
What should I do after being hit by a drunk driver in Houston?
If you are hit by a drunk driver in Houston, call 911 immediately, get medical attention, and request a police report. Document the accident scene, collect witness information, and avoid discussing fault. Contact a Houston car accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights and start a personal injury claim. An experienced attorney can help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress caused by the crash.
Can I sue a drunk driver who caused my car accident in Texas?
Yes, you can sue a drunk driver in Texas if they caused your car accident. Under Texas personal injury laws, victims have the right to file a lawsuit against an intoxicated driver for damages including medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and more. A personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence, prove negligence, and pursue a claim for full compensation.
How do I prove the other driver was drunk after a Houston car accident?
To prove the other driver was drunk after a Houston car accident, your car accident lawyer can use evidence such as police reports, breath or blood test results, witness statements, and signs of impairment like slurred speech or reckless driving. This information can show the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was above the legal limit and help support your personal injury case.
Who can be held responsible in a drunk driving accident case in Texas?
In a Texas drunk driving accident case, the intoxicated driver is usually the main at-fault party. However, under the Texas Dram Shop Act, a bar, restaurant, or other establishment that served alcohol to the driver may also be held liable. If the driver was over-served while visibly intoxicated, the business that provided alcohol can share responsibility for the crash.
What compensation can I get if I was injured by a drunk driver in Houston?
If you were injured by a drunk driver in Houston, you may be entitled to compensation for medical treatment, hospital bills, lost income, property damage, and emotional distress. You may also receive damages for pain and suffering or even punitive damages in cases of gross negligence. A Houston car accident attorney will work to recover maximum compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
Involved in a Drunk Driver Accident? Contact Texas Lawyers 365 ASAP!
If you or a loved one suffered injury in a drunk driving accident in Houston, trust the team at Texas Lawyers 365 to protect your rights. Our experienced attorneys offer free consultations to evaluate your case and explain your legal options. We build strong claims, handle insurance companies, and take the fight to court when needed.
Contact us at 800-800-8000 for a free case review today!
