Houston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

There are no limits on the amount of acutal damages you can seek for personal injury or wrongful death in Texas. Punitive or punishment damages are limited by law in Texas. Contact Baumgartner Law Firm for a consultation about your rights and options after a DUI injury accident.

In Houston and throughout Harris County, drunk driving continues to pose a significant problem, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (Texas DOT), in 2022 alone, a staggering 1,163 people lost their lives in car accidents where a driver was under the influence of alcohol. This alarming statistic underscores the severity of the issue and highlights the urgent need for action.

Furthermore, it is disheartening to note that one-fourth of all fatal accidents in Texas last year involved a drunk driver. These incidents cause immeasurable pain and suffering and profoundly impact the community. Houston, in particular, bears the brunt of this problem, witnessing the highest number of DWI injuries and fatal accidents in the state.

In 2021, Harris County reported a staggering 2,261 injuries or suspected injuries in DUI accidents. This figure serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that result from the irresponsible choice to get behind the wheel while intoxicated.

These statistics paint a grim picture of the prevalence of drunk driving in Houston and highlight the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address this issue. Individuals, law enforcement agencies, and the community must work together to combat this dangerous behavior and ensure the safety of our roads and residents’ well-being.

Here are the steps to take if you have been involved in an accident with a drunk driver.

• Ensure you are safe- Move to a safe location away from traffic and call the police.
• Get medical care- if you are hurt.
• Obtain evidence at the scene- take photographs or video, if you can do so safely—vehicles, skid marks, traffic signs, and other relevant details that may help your case.
• Exchange information with the other driver.
• Identify any witnesses and document their contact information.
• Hire an experienced personal injury lawyer in Houston to handle your DWI injury case.

See our car accident checklist.

If the person who hit you is arrested for DWI, the odds of your case requiring a trial drop substantially.  Insurance companies know Harris County juries have little patience for drunk drivers. An arrest for DWI or intoxicated manslaughter often delay a civil case. The evidence gathered by the police can help enhance your damages when the criminal case is over.

While a lawsuit may be required to get the adjuster’s attention, most insurance companies understand the risks to them and their insured if a jury decides the case. Call Baumgartner Law Firm to maximize your injury accident compensation.

No- nothing good can come from giving a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster. What you say will not help you and certainly can hurt your case. Call an attorney and let them be your spokesperson.

As a drunk driving victim, seeking compensation for your injuries is a crucial step towards financial recovery. While it may not be an automatic process, there are steps you can take to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. In such complex and challenging situations, contacting experienced personal injury lawyers who specialize in handling drunk driving cases is highly recommended. Our top-rated personal injury lawyers are here to guide you through this process and answer any questions you may have about your rights and the next steps to take.

One of the essential elements in seeking compensation is providing objective findings from your doctors. These medical reports will help establish the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. Additionally, the total amount of your medical bills and lost wages will be considered when determining the compensation you may be entitled to. It is important to gather all the necessary documentation to support your claim.

Another crucial factor that can influence the value of your case is the available insurance coverage. In drunk driving cases, there may be a potential for punitive damages, which can significantly increase the value of your claim. Our experienced attorneys will thoroughly assess the insurance coverage and work to achieve maximum compensation for your specific circumstances.

Our top-rated personal injury lawyers have a proven track record of successfully representing drunk driving victims and securing fair and just compensation for their injuries. We take pride in our commitment to providing compassionate support and expert legal advice throughout the process.

If you have any questions about your rights or the next steps, we encourage you to contact our team for a case evaluation. We are here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Don’t hesitate to contact us today.

When waiting at the crash scene, gathering as much information as possible from other motorists involved or witnesses who stopped is crucial. This information can greatly aid in documenting the incident. To ensure thoroughness, collect details such as the names and contact information of individuals involved, including passengers, and any available insurance information.

Additionally, learn any eyewitness accounts of what they saw. It is important to ask for a detailed account of what they witnessed, including the events leading up to the crash. Visual evidence can also be invaluable, so take photos of the vehicles involved, their positions, damages sustained, and the surroundings. By diligently gathering this comprehensive information, you will have a good account of the incident, which can assist with insurance claims and your injury claims.

If you suspect that the driver who caused your accident in Houston was under the influence of alcohol, it is important to take the following steps:

1. Assess the driver’s behavior: Pay attention to any signs of impairment like stumbling, slurred speech, bloodshot or watery eyes, and the smell of alcohol. These indicators can help establish the driver’s potential intoxication.
2. Contact the authorities: Immediately call the police to report the accident, particularly if you believe the driver is intoxicated. Law enforcement officers can conduct sobriety and breathalyzer tests to determine if the driver is impaired. If they confirm intoxication, the driver may face criminal charges and be apprehended at the scene.
3. Prioritize medical attention: Your well-being should always come first, regardless of the circumstances. If needed, seek immediate medical attention by calling an ambulance to evaluate your injuries and provide necessary treatment. Even if emergency transportation isn’t necessary, visiting a healthcare professional for a comprehensive assessment is advisable. Prompt medical attention can help with your recovery process and increase the compensation you are entitled to.
4. Gather information: Collect as much information as possible from other motorists involved in the accident or witnesses who stopped at the scene. Take note of their contact details, insurance information, and statements regarding the incident. Documenting the scene through photographs can be valuable in supporting your claim. Capture images of the vehicles involved, relevant road conditions, and other relevant details.
5. Report the incident to your insurance company: Immediately notify your insurance provider about the accident. Provide them with accurate and detailed information regarding your suspicion of the other driver being under the influence of alcohol. They can guide you through the claims process and may require the information you gathered at the scene.
6. Consult a qualified Houston DWI accident attorney: Once you have spoken to the police, received medical attention, and are in a more stable state of mind, it is crucial to contact an experienced attorney who specializes in DWI accidents. They can offer guidance and explore legal options to protect your rights, seek compensation, and potentially hold the intoxicated driver accountable for their actions.

By taking these comprehensive steps, you can protect your legal rights, gather necessary evidence, and potentially secure the compensation you deserve when involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver in Houston.

Impaired drivers cause a range of collisions due to their erratic nature and compromised ability to operate a vehicle safely. The following types of crashes are commonly caused by drivers who are under the influence of alcohol:

1. Head-on collisions: One of the most dangerous types of crashes caused by drunk drivers is head-on collisions. These occur when a drunk driver travels in the wrong direction on the road or when they veer across a double-yellow line, resulting in a high-risk situation where they collide with an oncoming vehicle.

2. Rear-end collisions: Impaired drivers often struggle to maintain proper attention on the road, making them more prone to missing traffic slowing down or stopping ahead of them. As a result, they may crash into the back of other vehicles, causing rear-end collisions. While some may dismiss these crashes as minor fender-benders, they have the potential to cause severe injuries.

3. Rollover crashes: Drunk drivers frequently misjudge their speeds while taking turns, make unsafe lane changes, or overcorrect mistakes while driving. These actions can lead to losing control of their vehicle, resulting in rollover crashes. Not only can the intoxicated driver’s vehicle become involved in a rollover accident, but they can also collide with other vehicles or trigger chain-reaction crashes that harm innocent motorists.

4. T-bone accidents: Intoxicated drivers often run stop signs and red lights. Disregarding the traffic signal leads to T-bone accidents that are often deadly.

It is important to note that regardless of the specific type of collision, any situation involving a drunk driver in Houston has the potential to cause serious injuries to unsuspecting individuals sharing the road.

If you need a Houston DWI accident attorney, finding someone who can provide the expertise and support you require is crucial. At Baumgartner Law Firm, we have been assisting victims of drunk drivers for over 35 years, and our track record remains undefeated.

When searching for a DWI accident attorney, experience is key. Our preeminent rated personal injury attorney, Greg Baumgartner, possesses the knowledge and skills to handle these cases effectively. With his extensive experience, he has won many multi-million dollar drunk driving accident cases.

In addition to experience, we understand the importance of gathering evidence to establish liability and win your case proactively. Our team is committed to collecting the necessary evidence to build a strong defense on your behalf. We believe in fighting tirelessly for our clients, treating them with compassion and empathy throughout the legal process.

At Baumgartner Law Firm, we prioritize your best interests. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t have to worry about upfront costs. You only pay if we win your case, ensuring our dedication and motivation to achieve a successful outcome.

If you seek a Houston DWI accident attorney, we invite you to contact us for a free consultation. Call (281) 587-1111 today to schedule your consultation with attorney Greg Baumgartner, and let us provide you with the comprehensive assistance you need to navigate the complexities of your DWI accident claim.