Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer: Protecting Victims and Pursuing Justice

Drunk driving accidents can result in devastating injuries, emotional trauma, and costly medical bills. If an impaired driver has hurt you, you have the right to pursue justice and financial compensation. An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer can help you hold the negligent driver accountable while guiding you through the legal process.

Our car accident attorneys understand the life-changing impact of these crashes. At Allbee Law Firm, we’re here to fight for you and help you rebuild after a drunk driving crash. Call (972) 848-4848 to find out how we can help you hold the driver accountable and recover the compensation you deserve.

What Is Considered a Drunk Driving Accident?

Legal Definition and BAC Thresholds

A drunk driving accident refers to any motor vehicle accident where a driver operated a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit—0.08% in Texas. Even drivers with a lower BAC may be considered impaired if their ability to operate the vehicle safely is affected.

Drunk driving accidents fall under the broader category of driving while intoxicated (DWI). These accidents often involve impaired judgment, delayed reaction time, and reckless driving behavior, which significantly increases the likelihood of a serious vehicle accident.

Difference Between Civil and Criminal Cases

A drunk driver who causes an accident may face criminal charges for DUI or DWI. However, criminal penalties do not compensate the victims. To recover damages, accident victims must file a civil case—usually a personal injury lawsuit—with the help of a drunk driving accident attorney.

Working with a Dallas auto accident lawyer ensures that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. In civil court, the focus is on financial recovery, not criminal punishment.

Common Injuries Caused by Drunk Driving Accidents

Physical Injuries

Victims of drunk driving accidents often suffer catastrophic injuries due to the reckless nature of impaired driving. These injuries may include:

• • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Internal organ damage
  • Severe lacerations and burns

These injuries frequently require extensive treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation. In the most tragic cases, victims may be killed in a drunk driving accident, leaving families to pursue a wrongful death claim.

Emotional and Financial Impact

Beyond the physical injuries, the emotional toll of being injured in a drunk driving accident can be overwhelming. Many victims experience anxiety, PTSD, and depression. At the same time, they face financial stress from medical bills, lost income, and long-term care needs.

As your personal injury attorney, we work to calculate both your economic and non-economic damages to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for everything you’ve endured.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident?

Drunk Driver Accountability

The most obvious party held accountable is the drunk driver who caused the accident. Texas law allows injured parties to sue a drunk driver for damages resulting from the crash. A civil lawsuit allows you to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Even if the driver is not convicted in criminal court, you can still pursue a civil claim. The burden of proof in civil cases is lower, and your accident attorney can help establish that the drunk driver caused the accident.

Third-Party Liability and Dram Shop Law

In some cases, a dram shop law claim may be appropriate. Texas dram shop laws allow victims to seek compensation from bars, restaurants, or other establishments that overserved alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later caused a crash.

If an intoxicated driver causes an accident after leaving a premises with a liquor license, our law firm can investigate and help determine whether dram shop liability applies to your case. These claims can add a valuable layer of compensation, especially if the drunk driver’s insurance coverage is limited.

What Should You Do After a Drunk Driving Accident?

Immediate Steps to Take

If a drunk driver has hit you, your safety is the first priority. Take these steps as soon as possible:

• • Call 911 and report the accident
  • Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
  • Document the scene by taking photos and gathering contact information from witnesses
  • Avoid discussing fault with the other driver or their insurance company

Reporting and Legal Follow-Up

Make sure to obtain a copy of the police report, as it often contains evidence of intoxication. This documentation can be critical when your drunk driving accident lawyer is building your case.

The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better. At Allbee Law Firm, we act promptly to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and initiate the legal process. Our team offers a free case evaluation to help you understand your options from day one.

Can You Sue a Drunk Driver in Texas?

Filing a Personal Injury Claim

Yes, victims of drunk driving accidents in Texas can sue the responsible driver. You do not need to wait for a criminal conviction to file your claim. In fact, your personal injury lawyer can begin pursuing a civil lawsuit immediately after the accident.

Our goal is to help you recover the compensation you need to cover your injuries and losses. That includes both current and future expenses related to your recovery.

Time Limits and Legal Requirements

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

Your DWI accident attorney will ensure all legal documents are filed on time and that your case is supported by strong evidence. Delaying action could allow key evidence to disappear, so it’s critical to reach out right away.