Drunk Driving Accidents in Texas
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Drunk Driving Accidents in Texas
Drunk driving accidents are among the most preventable—and most devastating—crashes on Texas roads. When a driver chooses to get behind the wheel while impaired, they put everyone around them at risk. These crashes often involve high speeds, delayed reaction times, and violent impacts, which means victims frequently suffer severe injuries, long‑term medical needs, and overwhelming financial strain.
At MLF Legal, our personal injury lawyers help victims of drunk drivers hold negligent motorists accountable and recover the full compensation they deserve.
Why Drunk Driving Crashes Are So Dangerous
Alcohol affects every skill required for safe driving. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and reduce coordination.
Common effects of impairment include:
- Slower braking and reaction times
- Poor decision‑making
- Blurred or reduced vision
- Difficulty staying in the correct lane
- Increased risk‑taking
- Delayed responses to hazards
Because impaired drivers often fail to brake or swerve, drunk driving crashes frequently occur at higher speeds, increasing the severity of injuries.
Common Causes of Drunk Driving Accidents
Most drunk driving crashes happen because the impaired driver:
- Ran a red light or stop sign
- Drove the wrong way
- Drifted into another lane
- Rear‑ended another vehicle
- Failed to yield
- Sped excessively
- Misjudged distance or speed
These behaviors make drunk driving one of the leading causes of fatal crashes in Texas.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Crashes
Because drunk drivers often cause high‑impact collisions, injuries are frequently severe.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Severe whiplash
- Facial injuries
- Psychological trauma
Many victims require surgery, long‑term rehabilitation, or ongoing medical care.
Who Is Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident?
The impaired driver is almost always at fault, but additional parties may share responsibility depending on the circumstances.
Potentially liable parties include:
- The drunk driver
- Bars, restaurants, or clubs that overserved the driver (dram shop liability)
- Social hosts who provided alcohol to minors
- Employers (if the driver was working at the time)
Texas law allows victims to pursue compensation from all responsible parties.
How Fault Is Proven in Drunk Driving Cases
Proving impairment requires strong evidence. Fortunately, drunk driving cases often involve clear indicators of negligence.
Helpful evidence includes:
- Police reports
- Breathalyzer or blood test results
- Field sobriety test results
- Witness statements
- Bar receipts or surveillance footage
- Dash‑cam or traffic‑cam video
- Accident reconstruction
- Criminal charges or convictions
Even if the driver is not convicted criminally, you can still win a civil claim.
Compensation Available After a Drunk Driving Accident
Injured Texans may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Physical impairment
- Property damage
- Punitive damages (in some cases)
Punitive damages may be available when the driver’s conduct was especially reckless—such as extreme intoxication or repeat offenses.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Drunk Driving Claims
Even when impairment is obvious, insurers often try to reduce payouts. They may argue:
- You were partially at fault
- Your injuries were pre‑existing
- You didn’t need certain treatments
- You waited too long to seek care
- Your pain and suffering is exaggerated
Because Texas uses comparative negligence, even small fault arguments can reduce your compensation.
How MLF Legal Helps Victims of Drunk Drivers
Drunk driving cases require a strategic, evidence‑driven approach. MLF Legal strengthens your claim by:
- Investigating the crash thoroughly
- Obtaining police reports and toxicology results
- Preserving video and witness evidence
- Documenting your injuries and treatment
- Calculating the full value of your damages
- Pursuing punitive damages when appropriate
- Negotiating aggressively with insurers
- Preparing your case for litigation if necessary
When insurers know you’re represented, they take your claim more seriously.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
Taking the right steps early helps protect your claim:
- Call the police immediately
- Document the scene
- Get medical treatment right away
- Avoid giving recorded statements
- Keep all medical records
- Contact a lawyer as soon as possible
These steps help preserve evidence and prevent the insurer from undervaluing your claim.
When to Call a Dallas Car Accident Lawyer
You should contact a lawyer immediately if:
- The other driver was intoxicated
- You suffered serious injuries
- The insurance company is blaming you
- You received a low settlement offer
- You’re unsure what your claim is worth
Drunk driving cases are too serious to handle alone.
Call the Dallas car wreck lawyers at MLF Legal at 214‑357‑1782 for a free consultation.
FAQs: Drunk Driving Accidents in Texas
Almost always, but insurers may still try to shift blame. Strong evidence helps protect your claim.
Yes. Texas allows punitive damages in cases involving extreme recklessness or intoxication.
Yes. These cases involve complex evidence and aggressive insurance tactics.
Your uninsured motorist coverage may apply.
Injured at work in Texas and your employer doesn’t have workers’ comp?
You may have the right to sue and recover full compensation.
Contact MLF Legal today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
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