Drunk driving remains one of the most serious threats on Texas roads. Every year, countless crashes happen because someone chose to drive after drinking — a reckless decision that puts innocent lives at risk. In recent years, thousands of alcohol-related accidents have been reported across Texas, leaving families to deal with life-changing injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and devastating losses.
Alcohol slows reaction time, affects judgment, and reduces coordination. When an impaired driver gets behind the wheel, they endanger everyone around them — whether it’s another vehicle, a motorcycle, or even a pedestrian simply walking nearby. These crashes often lead to severe outcomes, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and long-term disabilities. Victims facing head trauma or cognitive damage usually need the help of experienced Brain Injury Lawyers who understand the complexities of these cases and the lifelong impact they create.
If a drunk driver injured you, you should not feel like you have to navigate this situation alone. Texas law gives you the right to pursue compensation for your medical care, pain, lost income, and other damages. At Francis Injury Law, we stand up for drunk driving accident victims and fight to hold negligent drivers accountable. Our team is dedicated to helping you rebuild your life and secure the justice you deserve.
How Alcohol Affects Driving and Leads to Serious Crashes in Texas
Alcohol-related crashes continue to cause devastating injuries across the United States, and Texas consistently remains one of the states with the highest rates of drunk driving accidents. From major metro areas like Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin to smaller communities across the state, intoxicated drivers put thousands of lives at risk every year.
Once alcohol enters the bloodstream, it begins to slow down the central nervous system. This affects coordination, weakens concentration, and delays reaction time — all of which are critical for safe driving. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment and reduce a driver’s ability to make split-second decisions on the road.
Because of these impairments, drunk drivers often:
- Fail to stop at red lights or stop signs
- React too slowly to sudden traffic changes
- Drift into oncoming lanes or swerve unpredictably
- Make abrupt stops without warning
- Drive at unsafe or inconsistent speeds
- Forget to use headlights or signals
- Enter intersections or highway ramps incorrectly
These dangerous behaviors can cause catastrophic collisions, leaving victims with long-term injuries and significant financial burdens. Many individuals struggle with mobility issues, loss of income, ongoing medical treatment, and emotional trauma long after the crash.
If you or a loved one has been injured by an intoxicated driver anywhere in Texas, an experienced Car Accident Lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and future needs.
Civil Injury Claims vs. Criminal DUI Charges in Texas
Many injured victims believe that when the impaired driver is arrested or charged with DUI, their part in the legal process is finished. But a criminal case and a civil personal injury claim are two entirely separate matters.
Criminal DUI Case = Punishment
The state handles the criminal case, which may involve:
- Jail or prison time
- Heavy fines
- Court-ordered programs
- License suspension
- Probation
These penalties are meant to punish the offender and prevent future harm — but they do not compensate victims for medical expenses, property damage, or emotional suffering.
Civil Personal Injury Case = Compensation
To receive financial recovery for:
- Medical treatment and hospitalization
- Physical therapy and long-term care
- Lost income or reduced earning ability
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Property damage
- Future medical needs or permanent disability
…you must file a separate civil personal injury claim.
A criminal conviction can support your civil case by establishing negligence, but even if the driver is not convicted, you still have the right to pursue compensation under Texas personal injury laws.
With extensive experience in DUI-related injury claims, Francis Injury Law helps victims navigate both the civil and criminal aspects of these cases. The legal team works to build strong evidence, negotiate aggressively with insurance companies, and pursue fair compensation through settlement or trial when necessary.
How Our Texas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Helps You
When you’re injured by an intoxicated driver, the legal process can feel overwhelming. At Francis Injury Law, we understand the stress, pain, and uncertainty that follow a drunk driving crash. Our team steps in to protect your rights, build a strong claim, and pursue every dollar you’re entitled to — so you can focus on healing.
What Our Legal Team Does for You
As experienced Texas drunk driving accident attorneys, we handle every detail of your claim, including:
- Investigating the crash thoroughly: We identify witnesses, collect their statements, and secure all available evidence — from police reports to surveillance footage and photos from the scene.
- Calculating your full damages: Our lawyers evaluate current and future medical needs, lost income, and long-term effects on your ability to work or enjoy daily life.
- Ensuring your claim is filed on time: Texas gives victims two years to file an injury claim. We take responsibility for all deadlines and paperwork.
- Dealing with the insurance companies: Whether it’s the at-fault driver’s insurer or your own, we push back against low offers and negotiate for the maximum recovery.
What We Need From You
To prepare the strongest case possible, we may ask you to share:
- Medical records, treatment plans, and hospital bills
- Updates on your recovery and how the injury impacts your daily routines
- A clear description of what occurred before, during, and immediately after the crash
You’re Not Alone — We’re Here to Help
We know that recovering from a drunk driving accident is mentally and physically exhausting. When you work with Francis Injury Law, you gain a dedicated team that handles the legal burden for you. Our goal is simple: protect your future, secure fair compensation, and stand by your side every step of the way.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
In a Texas drunk driving accident, the impaired driver is usually the main person responsible. But depending on what happened before the crash, the law may allow you to hold other parties accountable as well. These cases often involve more than one layer of negligence, and identifying all responsible parties can help you recover the full compensation you deserve. Here are the additional groups who may share liability in a Texas drunk driving accident:
1. The Drunk Driver’s Employer
If the intoxicated driver was working at the time of the collision — such as making deliveries, driving a company vehicle, or completing job-related tasks — their employer may also be held responsible. Texas law allows victims to pursue claims against businesses that fail to supervise their employees, ignore safety rules, or allow workers to drive when they are unfit. Holding an employer accountable can open access to larger insurance policies, which can make a major difference in your recovery.
2. Bars, Restaurants, or Alcohol-Serving Establishments
Texas’s Dram Shop Act gives victims the right to take legal action against any business that served alcohol to someone who was clearly intoxicated or to a minor who later caused a crash. This includes bars, nightclubs, liquor stores, hotels, and restaurants. If an establishment overserved a customer or ignored warning signs — such as slurred speech, unsteady movements, or aggressive behavior — the business may share responsibility for the accident. These claims require careful investigation, but they can significantly strengthen your case.
3. Social Hosts Who Provide Alcohol to Minors
While adults who serve alcohol at private gatherings are generally not responsible for the actions of other adults, Texas does allow victims to hold social hosts liable when minors are involved. If an adult knowingly allowed a minor to drink at a home party or gave alcohol to someone under 18, and that minor later caused a drunk driving crash, the host may be legally accountable. This rule helps prevent underage drinking and protects the public from avoidable tragedies.
Why This Matters
Drunk driving accidents often cause serious, long-term injuries. When only one person is blamed, the available insurance may not be enough to cover your medical bills, lost income, or other damages. Investigating all possible sources of liability ensures that every responsible party is held accountable and gives you the best chance of securing fair compensation.
Texas Drunk Driving Laws
Texas enforces some of the toughest drunk driving regulations in the country, and for good reason. Impaired drivers put innocent people at serious risk every day. Even when no collision occurs, a drunk driving arrest can lead to steep fines, jail time, and long-term consequences. If you’re injured because of an intoxicated driver, speaking with a Texas personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and your options for compensation.
When law enforcement stops a driver who appears impaired and confirms intoxication, penalties become more severe with each offense. The goal of Texas lawmakers is clear — prevent repeat behavior and protect victims from avoidable harm.
Penalties for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in Texas
Texas DWI penalties increase with each violation:
- First offense: Fines can reach up to $2,000, a driver’s license may be suspended for up to a year, and jail time is possible.
- Second offense: Fines may rise to $4,000, the suspension period can extend to two years, and offenders may face up to one year in jail.
- Third offense: This is a felony, carrying fines up to $10,000, long-term license suspension, and the possibility of up to 10 years in prison.
Enhanced Penalties for Certain Situations
Texas law imposes additional consequences when specific circumstances are involved:
- Driving intoxicated with a child in the vehicle can result in separate fines of up to $10,000, mandatory jail time, and an additional license suspension.
- Minors who drink and drive face escalating penalties, including community service, fines, and automatic license suspension.
These are the consequences even without an accident. When an impaired driver causes a crash that results in serious injury or death, criminal penalties become far more severe — and civil liability comes into play.
In such cases, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help victims pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and the long-term impact of the accident.
Texas takes drunk driving seriously, and understanding these laws is the first step toward protecting your rights after a crash.
Comparative Negligence in Texas
In Texas, the law follows a comparative negligence rule, which can reduce the compensation you receive if you are partly at fault. If you are found to be more than 51% responsible for an accident, you cannot recover damages. In drunk driving cases, the majority of responsibility typically falls on the intoxicated driver, but even minor actions on your part could lower your recovery.
Examples of behaviors that may affect your compensation include:
- Driving over the speed limit
- Failing to use turn signals when changing lanes or turning
- Making illegal U-turns or turns on red in restricted areas
- Driving without headlights in poor visibility
- Tailgating or following other vehicles too closely
- Being distracted or fatigued while driving
Additionally, passengers who knowingly ride with an intoxicated driver could face reductions in compensation.
Even if you share a small portion of the fault, you may still be entitled to compensation. A qualified lawyer can review the details of your case and help ensure that your responsibility is accurately considered and that you receive the maximum amount you are legally allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
+What Can I Do if the Drunk Driver Does Not Have Insurance?
+What Are the Consequences of Texas Drunk Driving?
+How Long Do I Have to File a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Texas?
+Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault?
+Are Punitive Damages Available in Drunk Driving Cases?
Contact a Texas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a drunk driving accident in Texas, the impact can be overwhelming. Beyond physical injuries and emotional trauma, victims often face unexpected medical bills and financial stress. Our Texas drunk driving accident attorneys understand the devastation caused by these preventable accidents — and we are here to help you move forward.
For years, our legal team has fought for injured victims across Texas, helping them secure the compensation they deserve. Don’t handle insurance companies on your own. Contact our Drunk Driving Accident lawyers today at (817) 329-9001 or reach out online for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal rights, and guide you toward the justice you deserve.
