El Paso Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk driving accidents are some of the most devastating crashes on Texas roads. When a driver chooses to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, they put everyone at risk. Victims of these accidents often face life-changing injuries, significant financial burdens, and emotional trauma. At Harmonson Law Firm, our dedicated legal team is here to fight for your rights and hold negligent drivers accountable. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a drunk driver, an experienced El Paso drunk driving accident attorney can help you pursue justice and compensation.

To schedule a free consultation, call or contact us online today.

Texas Drunk Driving Laws

Texas has strict laws regarding driving under the influence of alcohol. A driver is considered legally intoxicated if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. However, even if a driver’s BAC is below 0.08, they can still be arrested and charged if alcohol has impaired their driving ability.

Some important aspects of Texas DUI/DWI laws include:

• Zero Tolerance for Minors: Drivers under 21 are prohibited from having any detectable amount of alcohol in their system.
• Commercial Drivers: The legal limit for commercial drivers is 0.04% BAC.
• Criminal Penalties: Penalties for driving while intoxicated include fines, jail time, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education programs.

While the criminal justice system seeks to punish drunk drivers, it does not address the financial, physical, and emotional harm caused to victims. That’s where civil claims and lawsuits come in. Our El Paso drunk driving accident lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

How Alcohol Impairs Your Ability to Drive

Alcohol consumption significantly reduces a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Even small amounts of alcohol can negatively affect judgment, reaction time, and coordination. Key ways alcohol impacts driving include:

• Slowed Reaction Time: Drivers under the influence take longer to respond to sudden hazards.
• Poor Judgment: Intoxicated drivers are more likely to engage in risky behavior such as speeding or running red lights.
• Reduced Coordination: Impaired motor skills make it harder to steer, brake, or maintain control of the vehicle.
• Blurred Vision: Alcohol can affect eye movement and focus, making it difficult to see clearly at night or in traffic.

Unfortunately, these impairments often lead to serious collisions, including head-on crashes, T-bone accidents, rollovers, and pedestrian accidents.

Proving Liability Against a Drunk Driver

In Texas, proving liability in a drunk driving accident case requires showing that the driver’s intoxication caused the crash and your resulting injuries. Evidence that may be used includes:

• Police Reports: Officers often document signs of intoxication and BAC test results.
• Breathalyzer or Blood Test Results: Proof that the driver was over the legal limit.
• Witness Testimony: Bystanders may have seen the driver drinking or driving erratically.
• Surveillance or Dashcam Footage: Video evidence showing reckless driving or the moments leading up to the crash.
• Criminal Conviction: While not required for a civil case, a criminal DWI conviction can strengthen your claim.

Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to gather all available evidence. We work tirelessly to establish liability and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.

Dram Shop & Social Host Liability in TX

Texas law also recognizes that parties other than the drunk driver may share responsibility for a drunk driving accident. Under the Texas Dram Shop Act, bars, restaurants, and other alcohol-serving establishments can be held liable if they overserve a visibly intoxicated customer who then causes a crash.

Additionally, social hosts—such as individuals hosting private parties—can sometimes be held accountable if they provide alcohol to minors who later cause an accident.

These laws ensure that all negligent parties are held responsible for contributing to drunk driving accidents. Our firm has experience pursuing dram shop and social host liability claims to maximize compensation for victims.

Drunk Driving Accident FAQs

What compensation can I recover after a drunk driving accident?

You may be entitled to damages such as medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some cases, punitive damages.

Do I need to wait for the criminal case to end before filing a lawsuit?

No. You can pursue a civil claim regardless of whether the drunk driver is convicted in criminal court. The burden of proof is different in civil cases, and our attorneys can proceed independently.

What if the drunk driver was uninsured?

If the driver does not have insurance or lacks sufficient coverage, you may still recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy or by pursuing claims against other liable parties, such as a bar or social host.

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

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this period could bar you from recovering compensation.

Why should I hire an El Paso drunk driving accident lawyer?

An attorney will protect your rights, handle negotiations with insurance companies, gather crucial evidence, and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf. Without legal representation, you risk settling for far less than you deserve.

Speak with an El Paso Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today

Drunk driving accidents can leave victims facing overwhelming challenges. You should not have to bear the financial burden caused by someone else’s reckless decision. At Harmonson Law Firm, we are committed to helping victims and families secure justice and full compensation.

Contact us today at for a free consultation with an experienced El Paso drunk driving accident lawyer.