Midland Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Injured in a Crash Caused by an Intoxicated Motorist?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, you know the devastating consequences alcohol-related crashes can have. Medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and emotional trauma often follow in the aftermath of these reckless accidents. At Hanna Allen, PLLC, we are committed to fighting for the rights of victims and their families. Our Midland drunk driving accident attorney can help you seek justice, hold negligent parties accountable, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Contact our office today at (432) 220-3331 for a free consultation with a skilled Midland drunk driving accident lawyer. 

Texas DUI Laws

In Texas, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a criminal offense defined as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the legal limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol can lead to charges under the state’s zero-tolerance law.

From a civil standpoint, if a drunk driver causes an accident, they can be held financially liable for injuries and damages they cause. Victims have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim, regardless of the outcome of the driver’s criminal case.

Liability in drunk driving accidents can extend beyond the impaired driver. Texas law also recognizes dram shop and social host liability, meaning bars, restaurants, or even private individuals who over-serve alcohol may share responsibility when an intoxicated person injures others.

How Alcohol Impairs Your Ability to Drive

Alcohol affects the body in ways that make safe driving nearly impossible. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair a driver’s ability to react quickly and make sound decisions. Common impairments include:

• Reduced reaction time – Alcohol slows the body’s response to hazards like sudden stops or lane changes.
• Poor judgment – Intoxicated drivers often take unnecessary risks, such as speeding or ignoring traffic signals.
• Blurry vision and reduced coordination – Alcohol affects depth perception, balance, and motor skills, which are essential for safe driving.
• Decreased concentration – Drunk drivers have trouble focusing on the road and may drift between lanes or miss critical signs.

When alcohol impairs a driver’s faculties, their chances of causing a serious or fatal accident increase significantly. Victims should not have to pay the price for someone else’s reckless choice to drink and drive.

How to Prove Liability Against a Drunk Driver

Successfully holding a drunk driver accountable requires strong evidence and legal skill. Our Midland drunk driving accident lawyer can gather the necessary proof to build your case, such as:

• Police reports and arrest records showing intoxication levels, field sobriety test results, and criminal charges.
• Witness testimony from bystanders, passengers, or others who observed the driver’s behavior.
• Breathalyzer or blood test results confirming the driver’s BAC.
• Surveillance or dash cam footage showing the crash or erratic driving prior to the collision.
• Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists to demonstrate how impairment caused the wreck.

Even if the drunk driver is not convicted in criminal court, you can still pursue a civil claim. The standard of proof is different in civil cases—victims must show liability by a “preponderance of the evidence,” which means it is more likely than not that the driver’s negligence caused the accident.

Texas Dram Shop & Social Host Liability

Texas is one of the states that allows injury victims to hold alcohol providers accountable under certain circumstances.

• Dram Shop Liability: Bars, restaurants, and other establishments can be held liable if they serve alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated and that person later causes an accident.
• Social Host Liability: Adults who knowingly provide alcohol to minors under 18 can also be held responsible if that minor causes an alcohol-related crash.

These laws are designed to prevent over-service of alcohol and to encourage responsible practices among businesses and individuals. A skilled drunk driving accident lawyer in Midland can help determine whether dram shop or social host liability applies to your case.

Drunk Driving Accident FAQs

Do I need a criminal conviction to file a claim against a drunk driver?

No. A personal injury claim is separate from a criminal case. Even if the driver avoids conviction, you may still pursue damages through civil court.

What damages can I recover after a drunk driving accident in Texas?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some cases, punitive damages to punish egregious misconduct.

How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident claim in Texas?

Generally, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is two years from the date of the accident. Acting quickly allows your lawyer to gather evidence while it is still fresh.

Can I sue the bar that served the drunk driver?

Yes, under Texas dram shop laws, you may have a claim against the establishment if they served alcohol to someone who was clearly intoxicated.

How can a Midland drunk driving accident lawyer help me?

An attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, file claims against all responsible parties, and take your case to trial if necessary to ensure you receive full compensation.

Speak with a Midland Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Drunk driving accidents are some of the most preventable tragedies on Texas roads. If you or someone you love has been injured because of a reckless, intoxicated driver, you deserve justice. At Hanna Allen, PLLC, we stand up for victims and their families, fighting to hold negligent drivers—and sometimes the establishments that enabled them—accountable.

To take the first step, call (432) 220-3331 for your free, confidential consultation.