Being hit by a drunk driver is a terrifying experience. In an instant, a reckless decision by someone else can change your life forever. If you or a loved one has been injured because a driver chose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, you have the right to seek justice. You do not have to face the medical bills, insurance companies, and physical pain alone.

At The Super Lawyer, we specialize in holding drunk drivers accountable. We understand Texas laws, and we fight to get you the full compensation you deserve. Our team is ready to listen to your story and guide you through the legal process.

Understanding Drunk Driving Accidents in Houston

A drunk driving accident occurs when a driver operates a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. In Texas, this is legally known as DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). When a driver’s BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) is 0.08% or higher, they are legally drunk. However, even a lower BAC can impair a driver’s ability to react safely.

These accidents often result in severe injuries because impaired drivers may not brake or swerve to avoid a crash. Common injuries we see in these cases include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Severe whiplash and neck injuries

Texas DWI Laws and Liability

Texas takes drunk driving very seriously. Under Texas Penal Code §49.04, driving while intoxicated is a crime. However, a criminal charge only punishes the driver; it does not pay for your medical bills. That is where a civil personal injury claim comes in.

In civil court, we often use a legal concept called negligence per se. This means that because the driver broke the law (by driving drunk), they are automatically considered negligent. This makes proving liability easier than in a standard car accident case, but you still need a strong legal strategy to ensure you get the maximum payout.

Dram Shop Liability: Did a Bar Serve the Driver?

Sometimes, the drunk driver isn’t the only one at fault. Texas has “dram shop” laws. These laws state that if a bar, restaurant, or store served alcohol to a person who was clearly already intoxicated, that business might also be liable for your injuries. This is known as dram shop liability. We investigate every angle to see if a business contributed to the accident.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Drunk Driving Crash

The moments after a crash are chaotic, but taking the right steps can protect your health and your future claim.

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1. Call 911 immediately: Ensure police and paramedics are on the way.
2. Get medical help: Even if you feel okay, adrenaline can hide injuries. See a doctor right away.
3. Tell the police you suspect drunk driving: If you smell alcohol or see slurred speech, tell the responding officer so it goes in the police accident report.
4. Gather evidence: Take photos of the scene, the vehicles, and any visible injuries.
5. Get witness info: Write down names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the crash.
6. Do not speak to the other driver’s insurance: They may try to trick you into accepting a low settlement. Call a lawyer first.

Proving Your Case: Evidence We Collect

To win a lawsuit against a drunk driver, we need solid evidence. As your attorneys, we gather the following to build a strong case:

• Police Accident Reports: The official record of the crash.
• Field Sobriety Tests and Dashcam Footage: Video evidence from the arrest can be powerful proof.
• BAC Test Results: Breathalyzer or blood tests showing the driver’s alcohol level.
• Witness Statements: Testimony from people who saw the driver’s erratic behavior.
• Receipts or Credit Card Statements: Evidence showing how much alcohol the driver bought before driving.

Compensation You Can Recover

A drunk driving crash can be expensive. We fight to recover money for all your losses, including:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency room visits, surgeries, rehab, and future medical care.
• Lost Wages: Income you lost while recovering from your injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional trauma.
• Punitive Damages: In DWI cases, Texas courts sometimes award extra money to punish the driver for their reckless behavior.

Insurance Issues and Uninsured Motorists

Dealing with insurance companies is difficult. They often try to minimize payouts. It gets even more complicated if the drunk driver does not have insurance. In these cases, we can look at your own insurance policy to see if you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. We handle all communication with the insurance companies so you can focus on healing.

Why Hire a Specialized Houston DWI Accident Lawyer?

You might wonder if you can handle this on your own. However, DWI accident cases involve complex laws. Insurance adjusters are trained to pay you as little as possible. By hiring The Super Lawyer, you level the playing field. We know how to navigate the comparative fault rule, which ensures you don’t get blamed unfairly for the accident.

We also offer a free consultation process. This means we review your case at no cost to you. If we take your case, we work on a contingency basis—you only pay us if we win money for you.