When a drunk driver causes an accident that leaves you injured, your life changes in an instant. The trauma, injuries, and hardships that follow affect every aspect of your daily routine – from your ability to work to spending time with your family. A Houston drunk driving accident lawyer can help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
At Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law, we understand the anger and frustration you feel knowing your injuries resulted from someone else’s reckless choice to drink and drive. Our dedicated legal team will fight tirelessly to hold the drunk driver accountable and pursue the full compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn of your options to seek maximum compensation for your injuries and losses resulting from a drunk driving accident in Houston.
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Houston Drunk Driving Accident Guide
- Understanding Drunk Driving in Texas
- Houston Drunk Driving Statistics
- Common Injuries and Losses Caused by Drunk Driving Accidents
- How a Houston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer From Our Firm Can Help
- Types of Compensation We Can Help You Recover
- Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident in Houston
- Why Choose Bailey & Galyen to Handle Your Houston Drunk Driving Accident Claim
- Houston Drunk Driving Accident FAQs
- Contact a Houston DUI Accident Lawyer Now
Understanding Drunk Driving in Texas
Texas maintains some of the strictest drunk driving laws in the nation, yet intoxicated drivers continue to cause devastating crashes on Houston roads. Understanding your rights after a drunk driving accident helps you make informed decisions about your case.
Legal BAC Limits
Texas law considers drivers legally intoxicated if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, commercial drivers face a lower limit of 0.04%, and drivers under 21 cannot have any detectable alcohol in their system.
Criminal vs. Civil Cases
A drunk driving accident typically results in both criminal charges against the intoxicated driver and civil claims for damages. The criminal case aims to punish the offender through fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. The civil case focuses on compensating victims for their losses through insurance claims or lawsuits.
Texas Dram Shop Laws
Texas dram shop laws may allow you to pursue additional compensation from bars, restaurants, or stores that served alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person who later caused your accident. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate whether these laws apply to strengthen your case.
Houston Drunk Driving Statistics
Houston reported 4,665 alcohol-related crashes in 2023 alone. These accidents resulted in 345 injuries and 223 fatalities. The highest number of drunk driving crashes occur between midnight and 3:00 am on weekends.
Local law enforcement is taking steps to address the issue. This includes initiatives involving enforcing DUI laws and educating the populace about the dangers of drunk driving.
City officials are also implementing engineering plans to make roads safer. These include improved lighting and better road infrastructure as well as improved signage and a traffic management system that can detect and respond to impaired drivers if they try to drive the wrong way down a road.
Common Injuries and Losses Caused by Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries due to impaired drivers’ delayed reaction times and tendency to cause high-speed collisions.
Physical Injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Multiple fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns
- Amputation
Emotional Trauma
Many drunk driving accident survivors struggle with:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression and anxiety
- Fear of driving or riding in vehicles
- Sleep disturbances
- Relationship difficulties
Fatalities
Tragically, drunk driving remains a leading cause of traffic deaths in Houston. Surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims to recover compensation for:
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Mental anguish
Long-term Impacts
Serious injuries from drunk driving accidents often require:
- Multiple surgeries
- Extended hospital stays
- Lengthy rehabilitation
- Home modifications
- Assistive devices
- Ongoing medical care
- Career changes or disability
How a Houston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer From Our Firm Can Help
The attorneys at Bailey & Galyen work diligently to build the strongest possible case while you concentrate on recovery. We handle all aspects of your claim from start to finish.
Free Initial Consultation
We offer no-cost consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options. Our attorneys will answer your questions and outline potential strategies for pursuing maximum compensation.
Investigation Services
Our legal team conducts thorough investigations to gather compelling evidence, including:
Accident Reconstruction
- Analysis of vehicle damage
- Review of skid marks and debris patterns
- Expert testimony about crash dynamics
- 3D modeling of the collision sequence
Police Report Analysis
- Official BAC test results
- Field sobriety test performance
- Officer observations
- Citations issued
- Criminal charges filed
Witness Interviews
- Statements from other drivers and passengers
- Accounts from nearby pedestrians or business owners
- Information from first responders
- Testimony from medical providers
BAC Test Results Review
- Blood or breath test procedures
- Equipment calibration records
- Chain of custody documentation
- Test timing and administration
Documentation of Damages
As we work to help you get the most compensation available, our attorneys will use various forms of documentation and evidence to support your claim and build a strong case for you. These include:
Medical Records Collection
- Emergency room records
- Surgical reports
- Treatment plans
- Therapy notes
- Medical bills
- Future care projections
Lost Wages Calculation
- Pay stubs and W-2 forms
- Employee benefits information
- Self-employment documentation
- Projected earnings loss
- Retirement impacts
Property Damage Assessment
- Vehicle repair estimates
- Total loss valuations
- Replacement costs
- Rental car expenses
- Personal property losses
Insurance Company Negotiations
Our attorneys skillfully negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your settlement. We:
- Present thorough documentation
- Counter lowball offers
- Highlight aggravating factors
- Demonstrate full damages
- Protect your rights throughout negotiations
Court Representation
When insurance companies refuse fair compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. Our experienced litigators will:
- File your lawsuit before the deadline
- Present compelling evidence
- Question witnesses effectively
- Counter defense tactics
- Argue persuasively for maximum damages
Types of Compensation We Can Help You Recover
A drunk driving accident claim may include various types of compensation to address both economic and non-economic damages.
Current Medical Expenses
- Emergency treatment
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Doctor visits
- Medications
- Medical equipment
- Therapy services
Future Medical Care
- Additional surgeries
- Ongoing treatments
- Long-term therapy
- Medical supplies
- Home health care
- Regular doctor visits
Rehabilitation Costs
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Mental health counseling
- Pain management
- Adaptive training
Lost Income and Missed Work Time
- Regular wages
- Overtime pay
- Bonuses
- Commission
- Business income
- Vacation/sick time used
Reduced Earning Capacity
- Career limitations
- Job changes
- Reduced hours
- Lost advancement opportunities
- Early retirement
- Disability impact
Property Damage
- Vehicle repair/replacement
- Custom vehicle modifications
- Personal items damaged in crash
- Rental car expenses
- Towing fees
- Storage costs
Pain and Suffering
- Physical pain
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lifestyle changes
- Relationship impacts
Punitive Damages
Texas law allows additional punitive damages in drunk driving cases to punish particularly reckless behavior and deter others from driving while intoxicated.
Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident in Houston
Your actions after an accident significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation. Follow these guidelines based on your situation:
If You’re at the Accident Scene
- Call 911 immediately.
- Accept medical attention.
- Don’t confront the drunk driver.
- Take photos if safely possible.
- Get witness contact information.
- Don’t give statements to other driver’s insurance company.
If You’re Already Home or in the Hospital
- Contact our law firm for guidance.
- Don’t speak with insurance adjusters.
- Keep all medical appointments.
- Document your recovery process.
- Save accident-related expenses.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions.
The sooner you contact our attorneys, the sooner we can:
- Preserve evidence
- Interview witnesses
- Review police reports
- Document your injuries
- Calculate your damages
- Protect your legal rights
Why Choose Bailey & Galyen to Handle Your Houston Drunk Driving Accident Claim
When you’re recovering from injuries a drunk driver caused, you need more than just legal representation – you need a law firm with the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for maximum compensation while you focus on healing. Here’s why Bailey & Galyen stands apart in handling Houston drunk driving accident claims:
Proven Track Record of Success
Our attorneys have secured millions in compensation for drunk driving accident victims across Houston and Texas. We understand the complexities of these cases, from gathering crucial evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and pursuing punitive damages against intoxicated drivers.
Deep Understanding of Texas Drunk Driving Laws
Our legal team includes board-certified attorneys, and every one of our lawyers stays current with all aspects of Texas drunk driving legislation, including:
- Criminal and civil liability standards
- Dram shop laws holding bars and restaurants accountable
- Statutory deadlines for filing claims
- Requirements for pursuing punitive damages
- Insurance coverage regulations
Comprehensive Investigation Resources
We leave no stone unturned in building your case:
- Partnering with accident reconstruction experts
- Obtaining police reports and BAC test results
- Gathering surveillance footage and witness statements
- Documenting the full extent of your injuries
- Analyzing the drunk driver’s history of incidents
Full-Service Support for Victims
When you choose Bailey & Galyen, you receive:
- 24/7 availability to answer your questions
- Regular updates on your case progress
- Help coordinating medical care
- Assistance with transportation needs
- Support dealing with insurance adjusters
- Guidance through the entire legal process
No Upfront Fees
We handle drunk driving accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only collect fees if we secure compensation for your injuries. This allows you to focus on recovery without financial worry.
Local Houston Knowledge
Our deep roots in the Houston community give us valuable insights into:
- Local courts and judges
- Houston police procedures
- Area medical facilities
- Insurance company tactics
- Jury tendencies in Harris County
Reputation for Aggressive Advocacy
Insurance companies know our firm’s reputation for:
- Taking cases to trial when necessary
- Never settling for lowball offers
- Pursuing maximum compensation
- Fighting for punitive damages
- Protecting victims’ rights
Personalized Attention
Unlike high-volume law firms, we provide:
- Direct access to your attorney
- Customized legal strategies
- Regular case updates
- Prompt responses to questions
- Compassionate support
Comprehensive Compensation Recovery
We pursue all available damages:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages
- Loss of quality of life
Don’t trust your recovery to inexperience. Contact Bailey & Galyen today for a free consultation with our Houston drunk driving accident attorneys. Let our experience, resources, and dedication work for you while you focus on healing.
Houston Drunk Driving Accident FAQs
How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident claim in Houston?
Texas law generally allows two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain circumstances may shorten this deadline. Contact our attorneys promptly to protect your right to compensation.
What if the drunk driver didn’t have insurance?
Several options may exist for compensation, which can include your uninsured motorist coverage if you have it. Other options include the driver’s personal assets or assets from other responsible parties. We may also explore the possibility of drama shop liability.
We’ll explore every potential source of recovery to try to get the most for your claim.
Does the drunk driver have to be convicted for me to obtain compensation?
No. Civil claims proceed independently from criminal cases. While a conviction strengthens your claim, you can still recover compensation even without a criminal conviction.
How much does it cost to hire a DUI accident attorney?
Bailey & Galyen handles drunk driving accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs, and we collect fees only if we recover compensation for you.
How long will my case take to resolve?
Each case timeline varies depending on:
- Injury severity
- Recovery time
- Insurance response
- Settlement negotiations
- Court scheduling
Our attorneys work efficiently while ensuring you receive appropriate compensation for your injuries.
Contact a Houston DUI Accident Lawyer Now
The aftermath of a drunk driving accident brings tremendous hardship to victims and their families. Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law stands ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve while holding irresponsible drivers accountable.
Don’t let insurance companies minimize your suffering or pressure you into accepting inadequate compensation. Our experienced Houston personal injury lawyer will fight for your rights and interests throughout the legal process.
Contact Bailey & Galyen today at 281-612-5210 for your free consultation. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing and recovery.
Bailey & Galyen Attorneys at Law – Houston Office
18333 Egret Bay Blvd Ste 333
Houston, TX 77058
Phone: 281-771-1725
