Hurt in a Houston Drunk Driving Accident?

This video features Ben Dominguez, a Personal Injury attorney based in Texas.

Attorney Ben Dominguez | 888-981-5244 | Free Consult

For residents of Houston, drunk driving is a serious risk on the road, especially after the bars close on weekend nights. If you or a loved one were hit by a drunk driver, call an attorney immediately to learn more about your legal rights for obtaining compensation. Ben Dominguez is a Houston drunk driving attorney who can help you find answers about the path that lays ahead of you. He offers free consultations, and he works on contingency fees, so you owe no legal fees unless the case ends in your favor. Contact Ben Dominguez by calling 888-981-5244 or by submitting a contact form on this page.

Is drunk driving a big problem in Houston?

In just one month (April 2018), Houston police charged 36 drivers with felony alcohol charges. In that same year, Houston had the state’s largest amount of drunk driving-related deaths for a single Texas city with 89 fatal DUI crashes. As a large metropolitan area, Houston certainly has problems associated with drunk drivers on the road.

Are there certain areas of the city or times of the day when drunk driving is more prevalent?

Drunk driving is a problem throughout Harris County, and drunk driving can occur at nearly any time, including:

  • 6 pm on a Sunday after brunch
  • 6 am on a Monday morning when someone is still intoxicated from the night before
  • Friday evening after someone’s had too many after work beers and coming home from the local tavern

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests that most fatal drunk driving accidents occur between 2 am and 3 am, right after bar closing time.

Does Texas need more laws and regulations to combat drunk driving?

The problem isn’t necessarily with the laws. The state of Texas is doing what it can to crack down on drunk drivers and punish them when discovered. The problem is that people know about the laws, they know they are creating a dangerous situation, and they choose to get behind the wheel anyway.

Do drunk drivers routinely flee the scene of an accident?

Many drivers are scared and nervous after causing a car accident, both sober and drunk alike. However, hit and runs are especially common for drunk drivers as they want to escape the possibility of receiving a DUI or DWI. If you’re hit by anyone, drunk or sober, it’s important to contact the police immediately. The police are trained to deal with intoxicated drivers and they can handle the scene and document the details of the accident.

What options does the victim have if the other driver flees the scene?

If possible, write down the license plate number on either a piece of paper or somewhere in your phone. Grab a photo if you are able. Don’t follow the driver. Do not confront them either, as this could put you in danger. Let the police handle it.

What advice do you have for people hit by drunk drivers?

This applies to anyone hit by a driver of any kind. In maybe 25% of cases, the driver will flee the scene. Otherwise, they will stay there and wait for the officer and present themself as a law-abiding citizen. The police can tell if they are intoxicated by performing a field sobriety test. If so, they will handle all criminal charges related to the drunk driver. If you’re injured, call emergency services and seek medical treatment. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s still a good idea to get checked out. Even minor fender benders can cause whiplash and sometimes concussions.

When should you get an attorney involved?

No need to wait until the criminal charges are concluded. Contact an attorney right away to make sure you go about things the right way. When speaking to insurance, it’s possible that you could make mistakes that would harm your claim. An injury attorney knows how to deal with the insurance companies in a way that gives you your best chance of success. If the other driver’s insurance company suspects that the driver was drunk, they will do anything to get you to release your claim as fast as possible. Your attorney will advocate for your rights and make sure you complete the claims process in the best way possible. Victims of drunk driving accidents especially need legal assistance. Drunk drivers tend to be speeding at the time of the accident, which can make injuries and properties damage worse than other types of crashes not involving substances.

Is it common for the drunk driver to have fewer injuries than the other people involved in the crash?

This does happen occasionally. It could be due to the mix of alcohol and endorphins in the drunk driver’s system.

What is one thing everyone should do after an accident with a potential drunk driver?

Take as many photos as possible. Attorney Ben Dominguez says that he’s had cases where photos won the case. He says these photos could be of the vehicles involved, the scene of the accident. The more photos you have, the better. The other driver might be drunk, but they will still try to claim that it is your fault. You need all the evidence possible on your side to ensure a victory in your favor. Contact Ben Dominguez by calling 888-981-5244 or by submitting a contact form on this page.

Disclaimer: This video is for informational purposes only. In some states, this video may be deemed Attorney Advertising. The choice of lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements.

Legal Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. Use of this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Information entered on this website is not confidential. This website has paid attorney advertising. Anyone choosing a lawyer must do their own independent research. By using this website, you agree to our additional Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.