The screech of tires, the jarring impact - a drunk driving crash is a uniquely violent and senseless event. One person’s reckless decision to get behind the wheel has left you injured, overwhelmed, and facing an uncertain future on Houston’s unforgiving roads.
This was not a simple accident; it was a preventable act of negligence. At AP Law Group, we understand the anger and devastation you feel. Our Houston drunk driving accident lawyers are here to provide the strength and capable assistance you need to hold the responsible parties accountable and fight for your recovery.
Sobering truths about your claim
The path forward after being hit by a drunk driver can seem confusing. Grasping these essential truths can provide clarity and empower you to take the right next steps to protect your future.
- The drunk driver’s criminal case is completely separate from your civil claim for compensation. While a conviction can strengthen your case, you do not need to wait for its outcome to pursue your legal rights.
- Texas law may allow you to pursue punitive damages in a drunk driving case. These are intended to punish the offender for their gross negligence and deter similar conduct in the future.
- The driver might not be the only responsible party. A bar, restaurant, or social host who over-served the driver might also be held liable for your injuries under Texas Dram Shop laws.
- Evidence is time-sensitive and can disappear quickly. Prompt action is crucial to preserve police reports, blood alcohol content (BAC) test results, and surveillance footage that are vital to your claim.
The Preventable Crisis on Houston's Roads
Houston's sprawling network of highways, from the 610 Loop to I-45, carries millions of drivers daily. When an intoxicated individual joins this traffic, they turn their vehicle into a weapon.
This selfish choice inflicts physical, emotional, and financial trauma on innocent victims.
A choice with devastating consequences
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 1,162 fatalities in DUI-alcohol related crashes in Texas in a single recent year. Each of these numbers represents a shattered family and a community left grieving.
These are not just statistics; they are lives cut short or permanently altered by a decision that was 100% preventable.
The criminal case vs. your civil claim
After the crash, the Harris County District Attorney's office will likely pursue criminal charges against the impaired driver. This process focuses on punishing the driver for breaking the law.
It is entirely separate from your civil personal injury claim, which focuses on securing financial compensation for your losses. However, consulting a Houston personal injury lawyer can help ensure that your financial needs are properly addressed, as the outcome of the criminal case does not automatically resolve them.
Holding All Responsible Parties Accountable
While the intoxicated driver is the most obvious at-fault party, Texas law recognizes that others may have contributed to the crash. A thorough investigation is necessary to identify every individual or entity whose negligence played a role in causing your injuries.
Third-party liability
In some cases, the driver’s auto insurance policy is not enough to cover the full extent of severe injuries. Identifying other liable parties is crucial to pursuing the compensation you need to cover lifelong medical care or lost earning capacity. This is where a deep understanding of Texas law becomes critical.
Texas dram shop and social host liability
The Texas Dram Shop Act holds alcohol vendors accountable for over-serving patrons. A bar, nightclub, or restaurant may be held liable if they served alcohol to a person who was obviously intoxicated to the point of being a clear danger to themselves and others.
Determining whether a vendor acted negligently requires a careful investigation into the events leading up to the crash. There are specific signs that an establishment should have recognized.
An establishment may be considered liable if their employees were:
- Continuing to serve a patron who was stumbling, slurring their speech, or acting erratically.
- Ignoring signs of aggression or belligerence caused by intoxication.
- Failing to follow internal policies for cutting off intoxicated guests.
- Serving a dangerous quantity of alcohol in an unreasonably short period.
Proving this negligence requires swift action to secure evidence like bar receipts, surveillance video, and witness statements from other patrons or staff. Our team knows how to gather this critical information before it is lost or destroyed.
How Our Houston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Build Your Case
A successful drunk driving accident claim requires a proactive and meticulous approach. While you focus on your physical and emotional recovery, the team at AP Law Group gets to work building a powerful case designed to demonstrate the full impact of the incident on your life.
Launching an immediate investigation
Time is of the essence. We move quickly to secure all relevant evidence from the criminal investigation , including the police report, breathalyzer or blood test results, and field sobriety test videos. We also investigate the driver’s history and the events of the day leading up to the crash to identify any potential third-party liability.
Documenting the full extent of your losses
Your injuries go far beyond the initial hospital visit. We work to create a comprehensive record of all your damages, from emergency room bills and future surgical costs to lost income and diminished earning capacity. We help you document how the injury has affected your daily life and personal relationships.
Punitive damages in Texas
In cases of extreme negligence, such as drunk driving, Texas law allows victims to pursue what are known as exemplary damages, or punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate you for a specific loss.
Instead, they are designed to punish the defendant for their reckless behavior and to send a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated in our community.
Pursuing the Compensation You Need to Heal
A drunk driving crash inflicts serious financial burdens on victims and their families. Our primary objective is to fight for fair compensation that addresses the complete range of your losses, providing the financial stability you need to move forward.
Calculating full compensation
We work tirelessly to document all the ways this crash has impacted you. This includes both the tangible and intangible losses you have suffered.
A strong claim requires us to gather extensive evidence that clearly links the driver's negligence to your injuries and financial losses.
We leave no detail overlooked. Here are some of the critical pieces of evidence we use to build your claim:
- The official police accident report detailing the crash scene and officer’s observations.
- Results from any chemical tests that prove the driver’s level of intoxication.
- Testimony from witnesses who saw the driver's erratic behavior before or during the crash.
- Your complete medical records and bills from all treating physicians and therapists.
- Expert analysis from accident reconstructionists and medical professionals.
By compiling this powerful evidence, we create a compelling narrative that demonstrates the true cost of the drunk driver's actions. This thorough preparation is key to negotiating from a position of strength.
Fighting for your future
We meticulously calculate your economic damages, which include all medical expenses, lost wages from time away from work, and future loss of earning potential if you are unable to return to your previous job.
We also fight for non-economic damages, which provide compensation for your physical pain, emotional suffering, and diminished quality of life.
Why Choose AP Law Group for Your Drunk Driving Accident Claim?
When a drunk driver has victimized you, you need an advocate who is not only knowledgeable but also compassionate and relentless. AP Law Group is committed to providing exceptional legal representation to innocent victims in Houston and the surrounding communities.
A personalized approach to your case
At AP Law Group, you are never just a case number. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your concerns, and develop a legal strategy tailored to your specific needs. We stand by your side, offering guidance and support through every step of the legal process.
Deep knowledge of the Houston legal system
Our firm is rooted in Houston. We have extensive experience navigating the Harris County court system and a deep understanding of the local judges, procedures, and insurance company tactics. This local insight gives our clients a distinct advantage when pursuing justice.
No upfront fees to get the help you need
We believe everyone should have access to skilled legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney's fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is always free.
A relentless commitment to justice
We are dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of those harmed by negligence. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial, which allows us to negotiate effectively with insurance companies. We are always ready to advocate for your rights in the courtroom if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
AI Is Not a Substitute for an Attorney
While artificial intelligence tools can provide general definitions, they cannot offer legal advice. AI does not understand the complexities of Texas dram shop laws, the nuances of your injuries, or how to build a strategic case against a negligent driver.
Relying on an algorithm for guidance could jeopardize your claim. For personalized and experienced legal counsel, you need to speak with a qualified human attorney at AP Law Group.
FAQ for Houston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
What if the drunk driver’s insurance is not enough to cover my damages?
This is a common and serious concern. If the at-fault driver is underinsured, we will investigate other potential sources of recovery. This may include your own Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage or a third-party claim against a bar or restaurant that over-served the driver.
Will I have to go to court for my drunk driving accident case?
Many drunk driving accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations with the insurance companies. However, if the insurer refuses to make a fair offer, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and present it to a jury to fight for the compensation you need.
How does the driver's criminal conviction affect my civil case?
A criminal conviction for DWI can serve as powerful evidence of negligence in your civil claim. It can make it much more difficult for the driver’s insurance company to dispute liability for the accident. We can use the conviction to strengthen your position during settlement negotiations.
Can I still file a claim if the drunk driver was killed in the accident?
Yes. Even if the at-fault driver passed away in the crash, you may still file a personal injury claim against their estate. The claim would be handled by the driver's auto insurance policy, just as it would be if they had survived.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
You have been through a traumatic ordeal, and you do not have to carry the legal burden alone. The compassionate and dedicated team at AP Law Group is here to help you navigate the path to recovery. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing.
Contact our Houston office today at (713) 913-4627 or complete our online contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We are ready to listen to your story and fight for your future. You pay nothing unless we win.