Willie Powells is considered to be one of the finest injury lawyers practicing in Houston. Your case will be in the hands of an attorney who genuinely cares about you, your family, and your future.
Houston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Drunk Driving Accident Claims in Texas
Drunk drivers are a menace on the roadways. Unfortunately, it is also one of the leading causes of traffic accident deaths in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-impaired driving killed 11,654 people in 2020, an increase of 14% from the previous year. This equates to about 32 people killed in drunk driving accidents nationwide every day, or one person every 45 minutes.
At the Law Offices of Willie D. Powells III, we are tough advocates for victims of drunk driving accidents. Our Houston drunk driving accident lawyer, Willie D. Powells III, is committed to holding drunk drivers accountable and recovering the maximum compensation available under the law for the injured.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you need immediate legal assistance. Drunk driving is irresponsible and illegal. We believe that drunk drivers should be held accountable for the injuries and suffering they have caused. You have the right to demand compensation for your losses, and we can help you navigate the complicated legal system to pursue the justice you deserve.
Contact us online or call (281) 881-2457 to request a complimentary consultation with a member of our team today. Hablamos español.
Hear from past clients who worked with our team.
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Mr. Willie Powells was always available to answer any question or concerns that arose at any time of day or night during the time he was handling my case, as well as after. The Firm has a wonderful staff as well as lawyer(s).
- Former Client -
Willie Powells represented me a couple years ago when I was rear-ended. His professionalism, compassion and persistence to ensure that I was made whole were exemplary. I trust Willie to always have our family’s welfare in mind while making legal deci
- Former Client -
Mr. Willie Powells is an amazing business partner and friend. He has been an amazing instrument to me and my family during our disaster of Hurricane Harvey. I recommend him and this law firm to anyone and everyone.
- Former Client -
They’re very professional and on top of everything. Their service and competence is impeccable and definitely Houston’s best! I highly recommend Mr. Powells law firm to represent you, you won’t be let down.
- Former Client -
Willie Powells was very responsive to my calls, questions, and concerns. He constantly kept me updated with my case and was able to give me the results I needed. He really cares about his clients! Highly recommended.
- Former Client
How Does Alcohol Affect Driving Ability?
Alcohol reduces brain function and impairs thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination—abilities essential to operating a motor vehicle. As blood alcohol levels rise, effects on the central nervous system increase.
The weight of alcohol in a certain volume of blood is known as blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The risk of an accident increases dramatically with a BAC of 0.08 grams of alcohol per deciliter of blood. For this reason, 0.08 is the legal limit in Texas, meaning anyone found to be operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or above can be arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI).
Minors, or individuals under the legal drinking age of 21, can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) if they are found to have any detectable alcohol in their system, and commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders may face criminal consequences if they are found to be operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or above.
Some of the effects of alcohol on the body include:
- Poor muscle coordination, affecting speech, vision, hearing, balance, etc.
- Reduced reaction time
- More difficulty detecting danger
- Impaired judgment, self-control, reasoning, and memory
Because of these effects, impaired drivers are far more likely to cause car accidents than those who drive sober. Drunk driving accidents also tend to have more devastating effects, as well, since impaired drivers often do not brake or attempt to avoid the accident in any way before it happens.
Severe Consequences of Drunk Driving: Injuries and Trauma
Drunk driving accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Severe cuts, bruises, and abrasions
- Accidental amputation
- Broken bones/fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Internal bleeding
- Organ and soft tissue damage
- Head, neck, and back injuries
- Whiplash
Sadly, many drunk driving accidents are fatal. Even when victims do survive, they are likely to face a lifetime of physical, emotional, and financial challenges as a result of their injuries.
Ready to take action? Contact our Houston drunk driving accident lawyers today to get started.
Understanding Your Rights: Civil vs. Criminal Actions in Texas
It is against the law in Texas to drive or operate a motor vehicle of any kind, including boats and other watercraft, with a BAC of 0.08 or higher. It is also a crime to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated or impaired by alcohol or drugs, regardless of BAC.
Understanding the difference between civil and criminal actions is crucial for those involved in drunk driving incidents. Criminal charges are brought by the state and can result in penalties such as fines, license suspension, or jail time. These actions serve a public justice function. On the other hand, civil actions are initiated by victims seeking compensation for damages and losses suffered. This compensation is critical to cover expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In Texas, there are Two Main Drunk Driving Offenses:
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI): DWI applies to anyone over the age of 20 who operates a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or above, as well as adults in this age group who are found to be impaired by alcohol or drugs while operating a motor vehicle.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Minors (people under the age of 21) can be charged with DUI in Texas if they are found to be operating a motor vehicle with any detectable trace of alcohol in their system, as well as impairing drugs.
A drunk driver who causes an accident with injuries will likely be arrested and charged with DWI or DUI. This is an entirely separate action from a civil suit to recover compensation, although evidence in the criminal case may be used to support your claim.
Dram Shop Laws and Drunk Driving Accidents
The Texas Dram Shop Act is contained in the Alcoholic Beverage Code, Title 1, Chapter 2. It spells out the liability of establishments that serve alcohol for drunk driving accidents and other personal injury claims arising from the actions of an intoxicated person served in those establishments.
If a bar, restaurant, establishment, or vendor continues to serve a person who is obviously intoxicated, and that person causes a drunk driving accident, the victim may sue the establishment or vendor for damages in addition to bringing a lawsuit against the drunk driver. In other words, you may have a claim against a bar, restaurant, or another establishment or vendor if you were injured by a drunk driver who was overserved.
Our team at the Law Offices of Willie D. Powells III can review your case and determine whether you may have a dram shop or social host liability claim. We explore all possible avenues of compensation and leave no stone unturned when it comes to maximizing the value of our clients’ recoveries.
FAQs About Drunk Driving Accident Claims in Houston, TX
What should I do immediately after being hit by a drunk driver in Houston?
Call 911 right away to report the crash and request medical assistance. If possible, gather evidence such as photos, videos, and witness contact information. Make sure to get the police report, as it will be critical in proving the driver was intoxicated.
Can I sue a drunk driver for damages in Houston?
Yes. In Texas, if you are injured by a drunk driver, you may file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Criminal charges against the drunk driver do not prevent you from pursuing a civil claim.
What types of compensation are available in a drunk driving accident claim?
Victims may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages (if the crash was fatal)
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the drunk driver’s reckless behavior.
Can a bar or restaurant be held liable for overserving a drunk driver in Texas?
Yes. Under Texas’s Dram Shop Law, establishments that serve alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person who later causes a crash may be held liable for damages.
How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident claim in Houston?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this time frame may prevent you from recovering compensation.
How can an attorney help with a drunk driving accident claim?
Our Houston drunk driving accident attorney can gather evidence (such as police and toxicology reports), negotiate with insurance companies, identify all liable parties, and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
