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Houston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
40 Years of Experience- Hundreds of Millions Won
No Fees Unless We Win
Attorney for Car Crashes Caused by Drunk Drivers in Houston, TX
If you’re in a car accident in Houston caused by a drunk driver, it’s important to know your rights and act quickly to get the compensation you deserve. Houston car accidents are unfortunately common, and legal help is crucial for victims facing the aftermath of these incidents. Our team of experienced Houston drunk driving accident lawyers is here to help you through this tough time. If a drunk driver has hurt you, call Baumgartner Law Firm for a free consultation at (281) 587-1111.
Drunk driving accidents in Houston (also known as DUI or DWI) are not just bad luck; they’re avoidable tragedies that can cause serious physical and emotional harm. The effects, like brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder, can change your life forever. Drunk driving accident victims must seek legal representation to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve. Car accident lawyers play a vital role in helping victims navigate insurance claims, understand their legal rights, and pursue compensation for injuries resulting from serious traffic collisions.
Consulting a top-rated Houston personal injury lawyer provides you with local expertise and guidance tailored to Houston residents, ensuring your rights are protected under Texas law. Our firm offers complimentary consultations, allowing potential clients to understand their legal options, ask questions, and assess their case with no financial obligation.
Call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION. (281) 587-1111
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ABOUT GREG BAUMGARTNER
A Passion For Justice. The Experience For Win.
Greg Baumgartner, founder of Baumgartner Law Firm, has dedicated 40 years to representing victims of drunk driving accidents and holding negligent parties accountable throughout Houston. As experienced Houston drunk driving accident lawyers, our team combines deep local knowledge with proven results in complex cases involving intoxicated drivers, bars, and nightclubs.
We have extensive experience representing victims in cases where a drunk driver caused the accident, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable
Greg has earned a perfect 10 AVVO rating and is recognized as one of Texas’s top personal injury attorneys, securing millions in compensation for drunk driving accident victims across the state. With dual law degrees (less than 1% of all attorneys) and training from the prestigious Trial Lawyers College, he brings unmatched expertise to every drunk driving case, including claims against establishments that overserve alcohol.
When a drunk driver has injured you, you deserve more than just another case number. Our legal team treats every client like family, applying decades of experience in drunk driving accident law to fight for maximum compensation from all responsible parties, including bars, restaurants, and clubs that served alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons. We understand Texas dram shop laws and have the resources to hold both drunk drivers and negligent establishments accountable.
Contact our Houston drunk driving accident law firm today for a free consultation and let us fight to secure the full financial compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Call us 24/7. Let’s start fighting together,
Greg Baumgartner
Lead Trial Lawyer at Baumgartner Law Firm
What Damages Can I Get in a Drunk Driving Case?
When you seek compensation in a drunk driving lawsuit, it’s important to have clear medical reports from your doctors. These medical records will assess the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life. We will collect all your medical bills, hospital bills, and proof of lost wages, as these will be considered when determining the amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive. In a car accident lawsuit, thorough medical documentation and details about the types of injuries sustained are crucial evidence for your claim.
Another important factor is the available insurance coverage. We will review your insurance policy to determine the coverage available for your claim. The process of filing car accident claims can be complex, and having legal guidance is vital to ensure all necessary steps are taken.
In drunk driving cases, you might also get punitive damages as part of your accident claim. These extra payments are intended to compensate for the drunk driver’s actions, thereby increasing the value of your claim.
Compensation may also include personal injury damages, which cover a range of harms and expenses related to your injuries.
Our top-rated personal injury lawyers in Houston have a strong record of helping drunk driving victims get the full compensation they deserve.
We are experienced in handling insurance claims and can help ensure you receive proper compensation from the insurance company. After a car crash, legal support is essential to protect your rights and maximize your recovery. Working with an experienced car accident lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Compensation can address not only your financial losses but also the physical pain and suffering you have endured as a result of the accident.
We are committed to providing compassionate support and expert legal help throughout the process.
Types of Damages in Texas Drunk Driving Cases:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- Mental anguish
We also often seek punitive damages to punish drunk drivers in DWI accident cases.
Our Houston DWI accident lawyer is skilled at identifying other potentially responsible parties, such as bars or clubs, that may also be liable.
We have never lost a DWI motor vehicle accident case and have recovered millions for our clients hit by drunk drivers.
Our Client in Houston Wins a $5 Million DWI Accident Settlement
Our client, who was stopped, was rear-ended by a drunk driver, causing serious injuries and leading to a car accident claim. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and took months to recover. The defense disputed the severity of his injuries. We filed a lawsuit and fought endlessly for full compensation. A Houston auto accident lawyer from our firm secured the settlement for our client.
The case settled right before a verdict.
Result: $5,000,000
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Contact the Undefeated Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Houston with Decades of Expertise and a Proven Track Record
Why a Lawsuit May Be Necessary After a Drunk Driving Accident in Houston
You might need to sue after a drunk driver hits you. Even if they get in trouble with the law, that doesn’t help you get money for your injuries. Drunk driving auto accidents often result in serious injury, requiring extensive medical care and legal action to secure fair compensation.
To get paid for your harm or for losing a family member, a lawyer may need to file a lawsuit for you. Litigation is often needed when drunk drivers cause crashes.
It is also important to obtain a police report after a drunk driving accident, as it helps establish fault and supports your personal injury claim.
While a criminal case can delay a civil lawsuit for damages, a guilty verdict can often help your case against the drunk driver. Even if the driver is not convicted, you can still file a civil lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries.
That’s where we come in. We sue drunk drivers!
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to seek compensation from your own insurance company.
When seeking compensation, you may face challenges dealing with the driver’s insurance company or the drunk driver’s insurance company, as they may try to minimize your claim or fail to cover all damages. It is important to understand your rights and consider legal advice before engaging with these insurance companies.
When our accident lawyers in Houston handle your case, we will:
- Gather and preserve important evidence.
- Find out where the driver got drunk.
- Investigate your case and find witnesses.
- Ensure you receive the medical assistance you need.
- Consult with expert witnesses if necessary.
- Build a strong case.
- Handle all talks and negotiations with the insurance company. or insurance adjuster
- Take your case to court if needed.
We will also hire expert witnesses, such as toxicology, dram shop experts, life care planners, and accident reconstruction experts, to prove your case or show the extent of your injuries and damages. We front the cost of retaining expert witnesses and only reimburse those expenses if we win your case.
Most DWI or DUI injury accident lawsuits settle before going to trial. Studies of Texas jury verdicts show that people in Texas do not like drunk drivers in their communities.
Our Houston DUI accident lawyer will do whatever it takes to maximize your compensation. Call us for a free consultation at (281) 587-1111.
What Does It Cost to Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Houston?
Every case we accept is handled on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront charges or costs to you when you hire our car accident lawyer in Houston. We advance all claim and litigation expenses and only get paid for our work, as well as reimbursed for claim expenses, if we win your case. Our fees vary between 33/13% to 40% of the total recovery. All fees and expenses related to your personal injury case are deducted from the settlement or recovery.
What Can I Do If the Drunk Driver Did Not Have Insurance?
Unfortunately, many drunk drivers do not have liability coverage for the accident. In this situation, you have a few options for paying for your injuries and damages:
- Check your automobile insurance policy to see if you have uninsured motorist coverage.
- If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, you may file a claim with the Texas Crime Victims’ Fund.
- Work with the DA to get restitution
- Determine if another party may be partly liable, like a bar or club.
Sometimes others may be legally at fault for a drunk driving crash. This could be a bar, an employer, or someone who owns a vehicle. You should call a Houston drunk driving accident attorney to learn about your rights and choices.
What are the Consequences of Drunk Driving in Texas?
Texas law defines a drunk driving offense as having a blood alcohol content of .08 or more, or not having the normal use of your mental and physical faculties due to drug or alcohol use.
The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Texas is 0.08% for adult drivers, and exceeding this threshold can result in serious legal consequences.
The consequences of Texas drunk driving can have significant impacts on both the criminal and civil fronts.
When it comes to the criminal and legal consequences of driving under the influence, individuals can face charges for DUI or DWI. If convicted, they may be subjected to hefty fines, imprisonment, and the suspension of their driver’s license. The severity of these penalties depends on prior incidents and convictions, with a third DWI being classified as a felony that often leads to prison time. These criminal charges aim to hold drunk drivers accountable for their actions and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.
If a drunk driver causes a fatal accident, the legal and financial consequences are even more severe. Texas law imposes significant liability for fatal accidents, including the possibility of facing wrongful death lawsuits and being responsible for damages such as financial support for surviving family members.
In civil cases, a negligent driver who causes a drunk driving accident can be held liable for damages suffered by victims.
Drunk driving crashes have something many other car accidents don’t. This additional element is the possibility of exemplary damages, also known as punitive damages. These damages come from the reckless act of driving while drunk.
Even though insurance coverage may not apply to punitive damages in Texas, a drunk driving accident case is valued substantially higher due to the potential of a significant jury verdict.
Read More: How a Criminal DWI is Different from a Drunk Driving Injury Case in Texas?
Why Choose Baumgartner Law Firm for Your Drunk Driving Accident Case?
Millions Recovered
Baumgartner Law Firm has extensive experience handling Houston personal injury cases and has recovered millions of dollars for victims hit by drunk drivers in car accidents.
Helping Texans Since 1985
We have been helping people injured in drunk driving accidents in Texas since 1985.
Nationally Rated
Our firm is nationally recognized and considered one of Texas’s best personal injury lawyers.
No Upfront Fees
All motor vehicle accident cases are taken on a contingent fee basis, meaning no upfront money is required.
Maximizing Compensation
Our Houston drunk driving accident lawyer is skilled at getting the most compensation from insurance companies and is committed to helping clients recover compensation for their injuries.
Free Consultation
Contact us today to discuss your personal injury claim with our car accident attorneys.During your free consultation, we can also provide guidance on personal injury litigation and explain the legal process involved in Houston and Harris County.
Experienced Attorney
Attorney Greg Baumgartner holds dual law degrees and has been highly rated by peers for decades, as well as recognized by Super Lawyers, Justia, and has received a perfect 10 rating on Avvo, Martindale, and many other platforms.
We are a top DUI accident lawyer
At Baumgartner Law Firm, we have handled hundreds of Houston drunk driving cases, including many serious drunk driving car accident cases where victims suffered severe injuries due to intoxicated drivers. We have won many multi-million-dollar results for our clients.
If you were in an accident caused by a drunk driver, call the Houston drunk driving accident lawyer at Baumgartner Law Firm for a free consultation.
Why Drunk Driving Settlements Are Higher Than Other Car Accident Injury Claims
If a drunk driver hurts you, you’ll likely get more money than in other car accident cases. Harris County juries tend to award higher amounts when drunk drivers are involved. Drunk driving settlements are often higher than those in typical car accident cases due to the reckless behavior involved. You can also ask for punitive damages, which can make the other party pay much more.
In these situations, filing a personal injury lawsuit can help victims recover damages and hold negligent parties accountable.
In car accident lawsuits, factors such as the severity of injuries, evidence of negligence, and whether the at-fault driver was intoxicated can all influence the settlement amount.
Who Can Be Liable for DWI Accidents?
When looking into a DWI crash, we focus first on building a personal injury or wrongful death case. We also check if other parties share blame for the injuries. Our drunk driving lawyers work to find all who may be at fault for the accident.
After a DWI accident, it is important to file an insurance claim to seek compensation for your losses. We also pursue compensation from the drunk driver’s insurance company, holding the drunk driver legally responsible and seeking damages for our clients.
Bars, Clubs, and Social Hosts- Dram Shop
Texas law can hold places that serve alcohol liable for injuries caused by drunk drivers they served. Bars, restaurants, and other alcohol sellers may be responsible if they serve minors or visibly drunk people. Social hosts who give alcohol to minors can also be liable. For these third parties to be held accountable, the injuries must be a foreseeable result of the person's drunkenness. These "dram shop" claims can be tough to win. However, our lawyers have won many major lawsuits against bars.
Employers and Others Negligently Entrusting the Vehicle
If you loan your car to a drunk driver, you might be held liable in a personal injury case. This is called negligent entrustment. At Baumgartner Law Office, our DUI accident lawyer has won cases against employers who gave company cars to dangerous or drunk drivers. Consulting with an attorney can help identify when additional parties can be held responsible for the losses suffered in a Houston DUI accident.
Why Call the Police After an Accident If You Believe the Other Driver is Drunk?
Calling the police after an accident, especially if you think the other driver is drunk, is very important for several reasons:
- Quick Response: Police officers can arrive quickly and perform tests such as field sobriety and breathalyzer tests to determine whether the driver is drunk.
- Proof of Impairment: The police can gather evidence that proves the driver was impaired, which is crucial for building a strong case.
- Arresting the Driver: If the police determine the driver is drunk, they can arrest them, preventing them from causing more harm on the road.
- Legal Support: An arrest provides a solid legal basis for a DWI injury claim and can help you get the compensation you deserve.
- Criminal Charges: Prosecutors can use the evidence gathered by the police to press charges against the impaired driver, supporting your case for financial recovery after the accident.
Calling the police ensures an official record of the driver’s impairment, which can be critical in criminal and civil proceedings.
Why You Should Get Medical Care After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
Getting medical care after getting hit by a drunk driver is vital to your health, and also a legal claim for compensation after the injury. Here are some of the local hospitals with 24-hour emergency rooms.
Determining Fault in a Houston Drunk Driving Accident
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Baumgartner Law Firm
Call an Award-Winning Drunk Driving Accident
Attorney in Houston for Help
Talk with a top-rated Drunk Driving accident lawyer by calling (281) 587-1111
Fill out an online consultation request for a FREE consultation.
Texas Drunk Driving Accident Statistics for 2024
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, many car accidents in Texas are related to drunk driving, highlighting the scale of the problem.
Total DUI-Related Crashes
Texas recorded a rise in personal injury cases related to car accidents this year. 22,737 DUI-alcohol-related crashes in 2024. These include all reported crashes where a driver was under the influence of alcohol, from minor incidents to fatal wrecks.
Fatalities
There were 1,053 deaths caused by drunk driving crashes statewide in 2024. On average, this equates to roughly three lives lost every day due to an impaired driver on Texas roads. DUI-related fatalities made up about one-quarter of all traffic deaths in Texas last year.
Injuries
Alcohol-related crashes resulted in approximately 13,500 people being injured across Texas in 2024.
Houston 2024 DWI Accident Statistics
Total Crashes (Houston Area)
In the Houston area, drunk driving remains a serious concern. Harris County (which encompasses Houston) saw 3,357 DUI-related crashes in 2024 – the highest for any county in Texas.
Fatalities
Drunk driving claimed 165 lives in Harris County in 2024. This tragically high number affirms Houston’s longstanding struggle with impaired driving.
Houston and Harris County Injuries by Drunk Drivers
DWI crashes in Harris County Texas recorded a significant number of car wrecks, injuring nearly 1,900 people in 2024.
Complimentary DUI Accident Case Consultations
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Frequently Asked Questions
Houston Drunk Driving Accident FAQs
How Do I Report a Drunk Driver in Houston?
The Texas Department of Public Safety has established a special hotline for reporting a drunk driver. Call 1 (800) 525-5555 to report a suspected drunk driver or if you are stranded on the side of the road. In case of an auto accident, call 911 immediately for assistance.
Your call can be anonymous and may save a life. If you suspect a drunk driver- report it!
Read more: How to Report a Drunk Driver in Houston
How Much Can I Sue a Drunk Driver For?
There are no limits on the amount of actual damages you can seek for personal injury or wrongful death in Texas.
Car accident victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, physical impairment, and future medical care resulting from the accident.
Punitive are punishment damages that are limited by law in Texas. Contact Baumgartner Law Firm for a consultation about your rights and options after a DUI injury accident. Call us today at (281) 587-1111.
Does an Arrest for DWI Impact the Compensation I Can Get?
If the person who hit you is arrested for DWI, the odds of your case requiring a trial drop substantially. Insurance companies know how to minimize payouts in personal injury claims, so having a lawyer is essential. Harris County juries have little patience for drunk drivers. An arrest for DWI or intoxicated manslaughter often delays 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. (281) 587-1111.
Can I Get Punitive Damages in My Drunk Driving Accident Case?
Courts may award punitive damages in personal injury cases to punish wrongdoers. These damages are fitting for lawsuits against drunk drivers. Only reckless acts like drunk driving warrant punitive damages. Our law firm has won punitive damages in many cases against drunk drivers.
How to Find the Best Lawyer for My Accident with a Drunk Driver?
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 38 years, and our track record remains undefeated. Look to local bar associations, friends and family can help you find the best Houston car accident lawyer near you.
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. We offer a free consultation- Call (281) 587-1111.
Complimentary DUI Accident Case Consultations
Drunk driving crashes can lead to big payouts. Taking the right steps after being hurt by a drunk driver helps you get the most money. Call Baumgartner Law Firm for a free talk about any Houston drunk driving injury case. You won’t be under any duty to hire them.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?
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Contact a Top-Rated Houston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer For a Free Case Evaluation
Contact our Houston injury attorney for a free, no-obligation initial consultation. Our Houston law firm represents crash victims in Harris County and Southeast Texas. We have won hundreds of millions for Drunk Driving crash victims and can help you, too!
Baumgartner Law Firm
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy
Houston, Texas 77069
(281) 587-1111
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