Drunk driving accidents often result in life-changing injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens. If an intoxicated driver has harmed you or someone you love, you may feel uncertain about what to do next.
At the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec, we are here to help. Since 1996, we have supported individuals and families across Houston by pursuing the compensation and accountability they deserve.
You may face significant challenges after such a traumatic experience, including medical costs, lost wages, and psychological stress. Our team is ready to guide you through each step of the legal process while fighting for a fair outcome.
Key takeaways
- You can file a personal injury claim against a drunk or impaired driver in Houston, regardless of whether they face criminal charges, to recover compensation for your losses.
- Liability may extend beyond the driver, including bars under Dram Shop laws or employers, depending on the circumstances of the crash.
- Victims may recover damages for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages, especially in cases involving reckless or egregious behavior.
Can You Sue a Drunk Or Impaired Driver in Houston?
A drunk or impaired driver is someone operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances that reduce their ability to drive safely. In Texas, a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered legally intoxicated, and impairment can also result from prescription or illicit drugs.
A drunk or impaired driver accident can give rise to both criminal and civil cases. Criminal charges, like a DWI or DUI, are pursued by the state and can result in fines, license suspension, or even jail time. Civil claims, on the other hand, are filed by victims seeking compensation for injuries, property damage, lost wages, and other losses.
In short, yes, you can sue a drunk or impaired driver in Houston, even if they are already facing criminal charges or have been convicted. A criminal conviction may support your civil case, but you do not need one to succeed in a personal injury lawsuit. That’s because the standard of proof in a civil case is lower; you only need to show it is more likely than not that the driver’s negligence or impairment caused your injuries. Our Houston drunk driving accident attorneys can help evaluate your situation and guide you on the best path to hold the responsible party accountable while seeking the compensation you need.
How the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec Supports DWI and Drunk Driving Accident Victims
At the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec, we do more than handle paperwork. Since 1996, we have guided Houston families through the aftermath of drunk or impaired driving accidents, combining aggressive legal advocacy with practical support so you can focus on healing.
We take a methodical approach to every case, including:
- Investigating the crash: Reviewing police reports, witness statements, toxicology results, video footage, and accident reconstruction analyses to establish liability.
- Evaluating damages: Assessing medical expenses, lost wages, therapy and rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and property damage.
- Pursuing full accountability: Seeking punitive damages when the driver’s conduct is particularly reckless.
- Exploring Dram Shop claims: Holding bars or establishments responsible if they served alcohol to someone already visibly intoxicated.
- Managing communications: Handling insurance companies and other parties so you can focus on recovery.
Our goal is to fight for the maximum compensation while providing personalized support at every step, whether your drunk driving accident case is settled through negotiation or goes to trial.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Car Accidents
Crashes involving intoxicated drivers often happen at high speeds or involve unpredictable maneuvers. As a result, injuries are frequently severe and can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Burns or lacerations from vehicle fires
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
These injuries often require extended hospitalization, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. Because the consequences can be both physically and financially devastating, it is critical to pursue compensation that reflects not only your current losses but also future needs.
What Types of Compensation Can DWI and DUI Accident Victims Recover?
If you have been injured in an impaired or drunk driving crash, Texas law allows you to pursue compensation for a wide range of losses, including:
- Medical bills: Past, current, and future costs for hospitalization, surgeries, therapy, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages and earning potential: Compensation for income lost during recovery and any reduction in your ability to earn in the future.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the crash.
- Pain and suffering: Emotional distress, physical pain, and diminished quality of life resulting from the accident.
- Punitive damages: In cases involving particularly reckless or egregious behavior, additional damages may be awarded to punish the driver and deter similar conduct.
Our legal team works to ensure every aspect of your financial and emotional recovery is considered. In tragic cases where a drunk or impaired driving accident results in death, our attorneys can help families file wrongful death lawsuits. This allows families to seek compensation for lost financial support, funeral expenses, and the emotional impact of their loved one’s death.
Common Questions About DUI and DWI Accidents
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation With Our Houston DUI and DWI Accident Lawyers
If you or someone close to you was injured in a DWI or DUI accident, do not wait to explore your legal options. Our team at the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec is here to listen to your story, explain your rights, and take action on your behalf.
Contact us to schedule your free consultation. We proudly serve clients across Harris County and throughout Texas, and we handle DUI/DWI cases and other personal injury matters on a contingency fee basis, so you owe us no legal fees unless we win your case. Let us help you move forward with clarity and strength.
