Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Houston

How often do we turn on the television or open the paper only to see another tragic story of a young life lost and a family torn apart in Texas because a drunk driver decided to get behind the wheel of a car? What makes the situation even more tragic is the fact that this accident could have been prevented had the driver exercised better judgment.

If you suffered injury or lost a loved one in a drunk-driving accident in Houston or anywhere else in Texas, our experienced Houston DUI  accident attorneys will work to recover the compensation you deserve for your damages or loss. We will stand by you in the fight for justice.

When a collision involves alcohol, the legal issues become more complex than in a typical crash. Victims may be dealing with ongoing medical treatment, missed time from work, and the emotional impact of knowing that someone chose to drive after drinking. Our drunk driving accident attorneys take time at the beginning of your case to understand how the crash has affected every part of your life, from your physical recovery to your ability to support your family. That detailed picture allows us to document your losses and present a claim that fully reflects the harm you have suffered.

Drunk driving crashes in the Houston area often occur on major roadways such as I-45, I-10, and U.S. 59, where traffic is fast-moving, and the injuries can be catastrophic. We regularly review police reports, witness statements, and any available breath or blood test results to establish the other driver’s level of impairment. By gathering this evidence early, we can place you in a stronger position whether your claim is resolved through settlement or proceeds to a courtroom in Harris County or the surrounding counties.

We invite you to FREE case consultation with a drunk driving accident lawyer in Houston.

Who Is Liable in Drunk Driving Accident Cases?

We offer practical legal guidance and strong representation to clients seeking justice in drunk-driving accident cases. In addition to those who chose to drive when intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, our experienced Houston personal injury lawyers can pursue others who contributed to a drunk-driving injury or fatal car accident.

Under dram shop liability laws, Texas can hold parties liable if they serve a customer who is obviously intoxicated or knowingly sell alcohol to a minor who is already intoxicated.

The following parties may be held liable in your drunk driving accident:

• Nightclubs
• Bars
• Restaurants
• Liquor stores

Liability can also extend to individuals or companies that had a role in allowing the impaired driver on the road. In some situations, the driver’s employer may be responsible if the driver was on the job when the collision occurred, or if a company failed to properly screen or supervise someone who was known to have a history of alcohol-related offenses. We carefully examine whether a commercial vehicle, rideshare driver, or delivery driver was involved and whether any corporate safety policies were ignored. By looking beyond the most obvious at-fault driver, we work to identify every available insurance policy and source of financial recovery.

In Houston, dram shop and related liability claims must be built on evidence that alcohol was sold or provided in violation of Texas law and that this conduct contributed to the crash. That may require securing surveillance footage from a bar, obtaining receipts that show how much alcohol was served, or interviewing witnesses who observed the driver’s behavior before leaving the establishment. As a drunk driving accident lawyer Houston families can rely on, we act quickly to preserve this time-sensitive evidence, because many businesses routinely overwrite videos or discard records within a short period. Taking early action helps us protect your rights and present a well-supported claim on your behalf.

At McDowell Law Group LLP, we will work to hold negligent businesses accountable if they failed to do their legal duty. You shouldn't have to suffer because of another person's negligence. We are ready to discuss your options for seeking real recovery and guide you through the entire process.

When you contact a drunk driving accident attorney in Houston after a crash involving an impaired driver, we walk you through what to expect from the insurance process, potential criminal proceedings, and any civil lawsuit that may be necessary. Our team explains the differences between pursuing a claim against the drunk driver and filing a separate action against a bar or restaurant under Texas law, so you understand how each path might affect timing and compensation. Throughout the case, we keep you informed about developments from Houston-area courts and insurers, answer your questions promptly, and help you make decisions that fit your goals and your family’s needs.

What To Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Houston

The moments after a collision with an impaired driver can feel overwhelming, but the steps you take can affect both your health and any future legal claim. Your safety comes first, followed closely by preserving information that may later prove how the crash occurred and who is responsible. Understanding what to do and what to avoid can make it easier to protect your rights while you focus on getting medical care.

As soon as it is safe, calling 911 is essential so law enforcement and emergency medical personnel can come to the scene. Officers with the Houston Police Department or other local agencies can document observations of alcohol use, conduct field sobriety tests, and decide whether to request a breath or blood sample. Seeking prompt medical treatment, whether through a trauma center in the Texas Medical Center or a nearby urgent care clinic, not only protects your health but also creates records that link your injuries to the crash. If you are able, taking photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible signs of intoxication, such as open containers, can be helpful later.

After you have received emergency care, it is wise to avoid discussing fault with the other driver or making detailed statements to insurance adjusters before you understand your options. You can provide basic information to your own insurer, but you do not have to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s company right away. Instead, many people choose to speak with a drunk driving accident attorney Houston residents trust to review the police report, medical records, and early insurance correspondence. Getting guidance early can help you avoid common mistakes, such as signing broad medical authorizations or quick settlement offers, that may limit your ability to recover full compensation.

Compensation Available After a Houston Drunk Driving Crash

Injury claims arising from alcohol-related collisions often involve losses that go far beyond the initial emergency room bill or damage to a vehicle. Victims may find themselves unable to return to work, needing long-term treatment, or struggling with the emotional impact of a traumatic event. Understanding the types of compensation that may be available can help you evaluate whether an offer from an insurance company fairly reflects what you have been through.

Economic damages typically include medical expenses, future treatment needs, lost income, and reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to the same type of job. In a serious crash on a busy Houston freeway, these costs can be substantial, particularly if surgery, rehabilitation, or assistive devices are required. Non-economic damages, sometimes called pain and suffering damages, are intended to address the physical pain, anxiety, and disruption to daily life that often follow a drunk driving crash. When we analyze a case, we look at how injuries affect your ability to sleep, care for family members, participate in hobbies, and perform routine tasks.

In some Texas drunk driving cases, courts may also consider awarding exemplary damages, sometimes referred to as punitive damages, when the conduct is found to be especially dangerous. Although not available in every case, the possibility of this type of recovery is one reason insurers defending drunk drivers take these claims seriously. A drunk driving accident lawyer Houston victims work with can evaluate whether the facts suggest that exemplary damages might be pursued and explain how that could influence litigation strategy. While no result can be promised, understanding the full range of potential damages helps you make informed decisions about settlement versus trial.

Speak with our attorneys to get knowledgeable and caring counsel from dedicated advocates.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most injury claims in Texas must be filed within a specific time limit set by state law, commonly referred to as the statute of limitations. This deadline usually runs from the date of the crash, and missing it can prevent you from pursuing compensation in court. Because calculating and preserving deadlines can be complicated when multiple parties or insurance policies are involved, many people choose to have an attorney review their situation as soon as possible after the collision.

Will the criminal DUI case affect my civil claim?

A criminal drunk driving case and a civil injury claim are separate matters, but they often involve overlapping facts and evidence. A conviction or guilty plea in the criminal case may be useful in proving liability in a civil claim, but your ability to pursue compensation does not depend on whether the state files charges. Even if the prosecutor decides not to proceed, you may still seek recovery through the civil court system based on the driver’s negligent conduct.

Can I bring a claim if a family member was killed by a drunk driver?

Texas law allows certain surviving family members to bring a wrongful death claim when a loved one is killed by another person’s wrongful conduct, including drunk driving. These claims may seek compensation for financial support the deceased would have provided, as well as the emotional loss suffered by close relatives. The process can also involve a separate claim brought on behalf of the estate for damages the person experienced between the time of the crash and their passing.

Our knowledgeable drunk driving accident lawyer in Houston is prepared to guide you. Call (713) 496-0504 to book your initial consultation without delay.