Haltom City DWI Accident Injury Lawyer

The risks of driving while drunk or high are well-documented, and yet many people make the choice to get behind the wheel while impaired regardless. The car accidents caused by drunk drivers tend to be more severe as well, since impaired motorists tend to be less aware of their surroundings.

At Jerry D. Andrews, P.C., we have represented clients in injury claims for decades, and we take DWI accident claims seriously. Attorney Jerry Andrews is board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Personal Injury Trial Law, and he has achieved many successful case results in high-stakes injury cases over the years. We will do everything we can to assist in your recovery, fighting for a full settlement or verdict that addresses your damages.

How Do You Prove Impairment in a DWI Accident Claim?

Any evidence the police collect after a drunk or drugged driving wreck can serve as evidence for your DWI accident claim. Officers may note signs like slurred speech, the smell of alcohol, or open containers in the vehicle. Field sobriety tests, breath tests, and blood tests can show the driver's level of impairment, and body camera or dashcam footage can capture the driver's behavior in the minutes after the crash.

A civil injury claim is separate from the criminal DWI case. You do not need to wait for a conviction to file, and the driver does not need to be convicted for you to recover compensation. A civil claim only requires showing that it is more likely than not that the driver's negligence caused your injuries. That said, a guilty plea or conviction can serve as strong evidence in your favor. Our attorney can also gather bar receipts, credit card statements, and witness accounts that show how much the driver drank before getting behind the wheel.

Can You File a Lawsuit Against a Bar or Restaurant That Overserved a Driver in Texas?

You can file a lawsuit against a bar or restaurant that overserved a driver in Texas under the state's dram shop law. A business that sells alcohol can be held liable when it serves someone who is clearly drunk to the point of being a clear danger to themselves and others, and that intoxication then results in a wreck. Signs like stumbling, slurred speech, or loud and aggressive behavior can help show that staff should have stopped serving.

These claims have limits. A business may avoid liability if it required employees to complete state-approved seller training and did not encourage them to break the law. Private hosts are generally not liable for serving adult guests, though they can be responsible for knowingly serving alcohol to minors. Adding a bar or restaurant to a claim can open access to additional insurance coverage, which can be important when injuries are severe.