Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Galveston, TX
The consequences of a drunk driving accident are usually immediate and preventable. While victims are left with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and medical or automobile bills, the perpetrator will immediately have their license suspended, spend time in jail, and face fines and other legal penalties. At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, a Galveston drunk driving accident lawyer can navigate these unfortunate and uncertain times.
When you have been involved in a drunk driving car accident, it is important that you understand your rights and the options available to you. Insurers and opposing parties will attempt to deny liability, making extensive investigation and knowledgeable representation critical in any drunk driving accident case. A Galveston car accident lawyer can pursue justice and accountability, along with a comprehensive settlement to cover any damages suffered.
How a Galveston Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Can Help You
At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, your Galveston drunk driving accident attorney can protect your interests throughout your case. From gathering evidence to negotiations to litigation, if necessary, hire a drunk driving accident lawyer you can trust.
The results of a drunk driving accident can be long-lasting and devastating for anyone involved. Even in the fortunate cases, where the injuries sustained are not severe, and the damages are few, the expenses and emotional trauma can persist long after the bruises have healed or the hangover has subsided. Your Galveston drunk driving accident lawyer can provide crucial advocacy throughout your case, including in areas such as:
- Evidence organization and review. Your attorney can review police reports, witness statements, photo or video evidence, and medical records to build a case based on the facts. We can also verify the manner in which intoxication was measured, checking that the police followed all regulations as well.
- Pursuing damages and securing compensation for any injuries or damage sustained. Damages include billing for medical treatments, property damage, missed income or wages, and immeasurable losses, like pain and suffering.
- Mediating or negotiating on your behalf. This can avoid lengthy and sometimes expensive litigation in the courtroom.
- Representation before a judge. If litigation is required to settle your drunk driving accident case, we can advocate for you in court.
Our attorneys have over 35 years of legal experience in representing Texas drivers, so we understand the nuances in injuries and damages that can be incurred in a drunk driving accident. Trust in The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates to seek the fair and comprehensive settlement that you deserve.
If mediation or negotiation is not a viable option for your Galveston drunk driving accident case, hearings and litigation can take place at the Galveston County Courthouse.
If You Have Been Involved in a Texas Drunk Driving Accident
Galveston has a population of over 53,500 people as of 2025. With traffic from the busy tourism and transportation industries, Galveston’s roads are extremely well-traveled. This also makes them some of the most dangerous, especially when you take into consideration that not everyone sharing the road with you might be sober.
With more than one in four traffic deaths throughout Texas in 2025 having been caused by the negligence of a drunk driver, one can see why Texas has some of the strictest laws for driving while under the influence. If you have been involved in a car accident involving a drunk driver on Texas highways or roads, you should follow these steps to safeguard your rights and safety:
- Do not flee the scene of the accident.
- Get the contact and insurance information of everyone involved in the incident.
- Call 911 to get law enforcement and emergency medical services to the scene, even if there are no immediate signs of severe injury. A police report is vital to any car accident case, let alone one involving a drunk driver.
- Seek immediate medical attention to get on record all injuries or trauma, whether visible or not. This can also set a baseline of care in case an underlying issue makes itself known later.
- Gather photo and video evidence of the scene of the accident.
- Keep a record of all medical bills, missed wages, and other damages suffered.
When you can do so, hire legal representation you trust to represent your needs, protect your legal rights, and pursue a fair and comprehensive settlement that aligns with your desired outcome.
Impaired and Drunk Driving Laws in Texas
In Texas, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with ablood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, and doing so comes with various fines and penalties. These depend on the number of offenses previously incurred or the severity of the accident, as outlined by theTexas Department of Transportation:
- The penalties for a first offense of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol include fines up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail, a one-year suspension of the offender’s driver’s license, and a Class B misdemeanor charge.
- The penalties for a second offense include fines up to $4,000, a maximum of one year in jail, a two-year driver’s license suspension, and a Class A misdemeanor charge.
- The penalties for a third or subsequent offense include fines up to $10,000, a maximum of 10 years in prison, a two-year license suspension, and a third-degree felony charge. The installation of an IID device could also be mandated by a judge.
Other special cases covered underTexas Penal Code Chapter 49 include enhanced penalties for:
- A blood alcohol concentration of 0.15% or higher. This could result in a Class A misdemeanor.
- A zero-tolerance policy for minors under the legal drinking age of 21. If a minor is found to be driving while under the influence, their penalties can include fines, enrollment in an alcohol education program, and a suspension of their driver’s license.
To better understand the legal implications of the drunk driving accident in which you were involved, speak with a Galveston drunk driving accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates.
FAQs
Q: Should I Get a Lawyer for a DWI Accident in Texas?
A: If you have been injured by an intoxicated driver in Texas, it is highly recommended that you seek legal representation, as they can work to pursue the full scope of compensation you are due. A lawyer can review your case and handle the tight filing deadlines associated with your case. An attorney can represent you through negotiations and litigation if necessary. They can also analyze complex evidence to support your argument.
Q: Can You File a Claim Against the Insurance Company of a Drunk Driver?
A: In most cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance will cover damages to the other parties injured, including any of their property that was damaged in the accident. However, if the insurer disputes liability or offers a settlement that does not cover the extent of the damages, you can file a claim against them to recover your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. If the drunk driver is convicted, it could strengthen your civil case against the insurer.
Q: What Is the Ideal Defense Against a Drunk Driver?
A: If you fear that a driver might be operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, report erratic driving to the police by calling 911. If you are sharing the road with a drunk driver, keep your distance and drive defensively. This can secure your safety and that of any passengers in your car. Wear your seatbelt, create space between your car and theirs, and do not attempt to pass the suspected drunk driver.
Q: What Makes a DUI Case Weak?
A: A weak DUI case typically lacks substantial evidence. To successfully seek compensation, you need to show how the other driver’s negligence caused your injuries. Your case is far weaker if you don’t:
- Seek medical attention to record your injuries.
- Have photographic or video evidence of the crash scene and your injuries.
- Contact the police so they can make a report about the incident.
A skilled drunk driving accident attorney can collect and present evidence to advocate for all you deserve.
Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
After being involved in a drunk driving accident, the recovery process can sometimes feel endless. From the incoming medical bills to lost wages to pain and suffering, the damages suffered do not have to be a burden to bear alone. Let a Galveston drunk driving accident attorney review your case today to see what settlement options are available for you.
With over 35 years of experience in representing Texas drivers, we can use our extensive knowledge of the Texas drunk driving accident laws and legal system to pursue a fair settlement, all while seeking justice and accountability where it is due. You deserve the compassion and guidance of The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates. Contact our offices today to set up a consultation.