Houston DWI Accident Lawyer
Driving while intoxicated (DWI), is not only illegal – it’s dangerous. Countless people have been made victims of drunk driving accidents. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, one person dies every nine hours and six minutes in an alcohol-related car accident.
Here are some sobering statistics about DWI:
- 963 people died in Texas from drunk driving in 2020
- 2,114 people were seriously injured by drunk drivers in Texas in 2020
- Texas has one of the worst rates of alcohol-related traffic fatalities in the country
What is Driving While Intoxicated?
In Texas, driving while intoxicated (DWI) means operating a motor vehicle in a public place while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Under Texas law, a person is legally intoxicated if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. However, a driver can be charged with DWI at any BAC level if they do not have the normal use of their mental or physical faculties due to alcohol or drugs.
Alcohol affects your ability to drive safely in many ways. Even small amounts can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and reduce coordination. As BAC increases, so does the risk of a serious or fatal car accident. The effects of alcohol on driving ability include blurred vision, difficulty steering, reduced ability to track moving objects, and impaired perception of speed and distance.
Texas takes DWI offenses seriously, with penalties that increase for repeat offenses and for incidents involving injuries or fatalities. Understanding the dangers of intoxicated driving is essential for keeping our roads safe and protecting the lives of everyone on the road.
Victims of Driving While Intoxicated
Victims of drunk driving accidents often suffer devastating injuries that can change their lives forever. These injuries may include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal organ damage, and severe burns. In the worst cases, drunk driving accidents result in wrongful death, leaving families to cope with the sudden loss of a loved one.
The expenses associated with a drunk driving accident can be overwhelming. Victims may face mounting medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages from time away from work, and ongoing care needs for permanent disabilities. Beyond the financial burden, victims and their families often experience significant emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
At Maida Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping victims of drunk driving accidents seek the compensation they deserve. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and work tirelessly to hold intoxicated drivers accountable for the harm they cause. We work on a contingency basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
DWI Accident FAQs
In Texas, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for drivers 21 and older, 0.04% for commercial vehicle drivers, and any detectable amount for drivers under 21. However, a driver can be charged with DWI at any BAC level if their driving is impaired.
DWI penalties in Texas vary by offense. A first DWI can result in a fine up to $2,000, 3 to 180 days in jail, and license suspension for up to a year. A second offense carries fines up to $4,000 and 30 days to one year in jail. A third offense is a felony with fines up to $10,000 and 2 to 10 years in prison.
A DWI conviction can strengthen your personal injury case because it demonstrates the driver was intoxicated. However, a criminal conviction is not required to win a civil case. Even if the drunk driver is not convicted, you can still pursue a civil claim for your injuries and damages.
Statistics show that drunk driving accidents are most common during late-night and early-morning hours, particularly on weekends and holidays. Major holidays like New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving weekend see significant increases in alcohol-related crashes.
Injured by a Drunk Driver?
Our experienced Houston auto accident attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (713) 785-9484 for a free case evaluation.