Texas Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Helping Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents Across Texas

Drunk driving accidents leave a devastating impact on victims and their families. These crashes are entirely preventable and often result in severe injuries or fatalities. At Hilliard Law, we are committed to helping those affected by intoxicated drivers seek justice and financial recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by an intoxicated driver, a Texas drunk driving accident lawyer at our firm can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call (866) 927-3420 or contact us online today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a seasoned Texas drunk driving accident attorney. 

Drunk Driving Laws in Texas

Texas has some of the strictest drunk driving laws in the country. Under Texas Penal Code § 49.04, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. A person is considered legally intoxicated in Texas if:

• Their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, or
• They lack the normal use of mental or physical faculties due to alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances.

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a criminal offense that carries penalties such as jail time, fines, license suspension, and mandatory education programs. However, criminal charges do not compensate victims. To recover damages, victims must file a civil personal injury claim, and that’s where our team at Hilliard Law comes in.

How Alcohol Impairs Your Ability to Drive

Alcohol significantly diminishes a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Even small amounts of alcohol can cause:

• Reduced reaction time
• Impaired judgment and decision-making
• Blurred vision and lack of focus
• Loss of motor coordination
• Drowsiness or falling asleep at the wheel

These impairments increase the likelihood of high-speed collisions, wrong-way driving, failure to obey traffic signs, and other reckless behavior. Drunk driving accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and permanent disabilities.

How to Prove Liability Against a Drunk Driver

To successfully file a personal injury claim against an intoxicated driver, you must establish liability, meaning you must show the driver’s negligence caused your injuries. A skilled Texas drunk driving accident lawyer from Hilliard Law will gather and present evidence such as:

• Police reports showing arrest or citation for DWI
• Breathalyzer or BAC test results
• Dash cam or traffic camera footage
• Eyewitness testimony
• Accident reconstruction expert reports
• Medical records linking your injuries to the crash

Even if the drunk driver is not convicted criminally, you may still succeed in a civil lawsuit since the burden of proof is lower. Our attorneys are well-versed in building strong cases that hold drunk drivers accountable in court or settlement negotiations.

Texas Dram Shop & Social Host Liability

Texas law allows certain third parties to be held liable for drunk driving accidents under specific circumstances. These are governed by the Texas Dram Shop Act and social host liability laws.

Dram Shop Liability

Under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02, a bar, restaurant, or other alcohol-serving establishment may be held liable if they:

• Served alcohol to a patron who was obviously intoxicated, and
• That intoxication was the proximate cause of injuries or damages.

This law encourages responsible service practices and allows victims to pursue compensation from negligent alcohol vendors in addition to the drunk driver.

Social Host Liability

Social hosts (such as party organizers or homeowners) are generally not liable for over-serving adult guests in Texas. However, they can be held liable for serving alcohol to minors under 18 if:

• The adult is not the minor’s parent, guardian, or spouse, and
• The adult knowingly served or allowed the minor to drink alcohol on their property.

If a drunk driving accident involved a minor who was unlawfully served alcohol, our firm can investigate potential claims against the social host.

Drunk Driving Accident FAQs

How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident lawsuit in Texas?

Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you must file a lawsuit within two years of the accident date, or you may lose your right to recover compensation.

What damages can I recover in a drunk driving accident claim?

Victims may be eligible for compensation including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

What if the drunk driver has no insurance?

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, if you carry it. Our attorneys can help you file a claim through your policy.

Can I sue the bar or restaurant that served the drunk driver?

Possibly. If the establishment served alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person and that led to the accident, you may have a dram shop claim. These cases are complex, but our team has the experience to investigate and hold negligent businesses accountable.

Do I need a lawyer if the drunk driver was arrested?

Yes. A criminal arrest does not guarantee compensation for your injuries. A civil claim is your best opportunity to recover damages for your losses. A Texas drunk driving accident lawyer can help you navigate the process and maximize your recovery.

To let us get started on your case, contact us today at (866) 927-3420.

Drunk Driving Trends in Texas

Texas continues to face challenges with drunk driving incidents, with thousands of alcohol-related accidents reported annually. Urban regions, notably Houston and Dallas, are particularly affected due to higher traffic volumes and nightlife vibrancy. Comprehensive initiatives have been deployed statewide to combat this issue, focusing on education, awareness, and stricter enforcement of DUI laws.

Many cities collaborate with local organizations to promote safe driving campaigns and provide resources for designated driver programs. These efforts aim to reduce the incidence of drunk driving and its grave consequences. Our firm, Hilliard Law, supports these community efforts, ensuring that justice prevails for those impacted by negligent actions on the road.

The consequences of drunk driving in Texas also extend to public health services. Emergency response teams and healthcare facilities often face increased workloads due to the injuries sustained in such accidents. This also raises healthcare costs and diverts resources away from other critical needs. By understanding these broader community impacts, we can appreciate the importance of rigorous legal and preventive measures to tackle drunk driving.

Call a Texas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer at Hilliard Law

At Hilliard Law, we stand up for victims of reckless and intoxicated drivers. Our mission is to secure justice and financial recovery for those whose lives have been upended by drunk driving crashes. We offer compassionate legal guidance and aggressive representation throughout Texas.

Don’t face this battle alone. Let us fight for the compensation and accountability you deserve.

Contact us today at (866) 927-3420 for your free consultation!