Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in League City, TX
Being involved in a drunk driving accident can upend your life in an instant, and the physical injury, financial impact, and emotional trauma can linger long after the initial incident. If you or someone you know has suffered damages in a drunk driving accident, a League City drunk driving accident lawyer can seek restitution on your behalf.
For over 35 years, The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates has represented countless drunk driving accident victims. Our firm pursues fair and comprehensive settlements that not only cover damages but also uphold the rights and safety of our clients. Your League City car accident lawyer can review your case and represent your interests, letting you focus on your recovery while we advocate for all you deserve. Hire a drunk driving accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates to seek full compensation for your case.
Drunk Driving Accidents in Texas
From the massive Texas highways to packed city streets to dusty backroads, Texas drivers are at risk of seriously injuring themselves and others when operating their vehicles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident, regardless of fault, you should follow these steps:
- Immediately call 911.
- Follow any directives given by the police and other medical emergency services.
- Seek medical attention to record any injuries sustained in the accident, regardless of severity. Often, invisible injuries in car accidents, such as concussions, may go unnoticed without proper care.
- Gather evidence of the scene, be it photos, videos, or other witness testimony.
- Avoid making any statements on the record without proper legal representation. The at-fault party’s insurers could use any statements you make in future mediation or litigation.
After a thorough review of your case, a League City drunk driving accident attorney from The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates can press your case to pursue damages. Evidence is crucial in any drunk driving case, and your attorney can work to include all your losses in your claim, seeking coverage for:
- Current and future medical bills related to the injuries you sustained in the drunk driving accident, such as surgeries, rehabilitation, therapy, physical therapy, or long-term treatment
- Backpay for lost wages or a reduced capacity to earn an income, which is often the result of a car accident or the following recovery
- Property damage sustained in the accident
- Physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress, otherwise known as pain and suffering
When you are injured, you should focus on recovery. While the nature and severity of every drunk driving accident are different, an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates can explore all the compensation options available to you. That way, they can advocate for a full recovery of your losses.
League City Drunk Driving Accident Laws
Texas is considered an at-fault state for drunk driving accidents, meaning the person found responsible for the accident is also liable for the damages sustained by all parties involved. Drunk driving accidents tend to be straightforward in that either the accused party was breaking the law and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, or they were not.
If someone is found guilty of drunk driving in Texas, a long list of penalties could await. Drunk driving offenses are broken down into four main categories, each with its own strict penalties.
First Offense
- Fines up to $2,000
- Jail time served up to 180 days
- A one-year suspension of their driver’s license
Second Offense
- Fines up to $4,000
- A minimum of one month to a maximum of one year in jail
- A two-year suspension of their driver’s license
Third Offense
- Fines up to $10,000
- A minimum of two years to a maximum of 10 years in prison
- A two-year suspension of their driver’s license
- Possible mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), which prevents the car from starting if alcohol is detected on their breath.
Impaired Driving With a Child Passenger
- Charges of child endangerment if the passenger is under 15 years of age
- Additional fines up to $10,000
- A maximum of two years in jail
- An additional 180-day suspension of their driver’s license
Repeat offenders beyond a third offense risk the permanent revocation of their driver’s license, further fines and penalties, and a criminal record.
It is also illegal to possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage in the driver or passenger areas of a motor vehicle while on Texas roads, whether it is parked or in operation. It is a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine.
While the blood alcohol level of intoxication in Texas adults is 0.08%, if someone under 21 years of age is found to be driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the accepted BAC is 0%, so any traces found in their system are illegal under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission laws. Underage DUI is punishable with other severe penalties.
The Legal Processes for a Druk Driving Accident
With these penalties, one can see why the at-fault party in your crash will fight against accepting any liability in your case. They, their legal representatives, and their insurers are going to work tirelessly to escape any responsibility for the incident. You need an attorney who can push back even harder for your rights.
The at-fault party is also likely facing a criminal case, which can prove useful to any civil case you file. For one, the evidence used in the criminal case can help your attorney establish civil liability. Even if the criminal case goes in the drunk driver’s favor, you can still seek damages, as your civil claim is a separate process.
If your damages cannot be civilly secured through negotiation, your case can go to trial at the Galveston County Courthouse.
Per the Centers for Disease Control’s most recent data, 59% of those who lost their lives to fatal drunk driving accidents across America in 2022 were the impaired drivers themselves. Despite the risk to their own life and the lives of those who share the roads and sidewalks with them, many Texas drivers still choose to get behind the wheel after drinking. If you have suffered from a drunk driving accident, the attorneys at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates can represent you today.
FAQs
Q: What Happens If You Get Into an Accident While Drunk?
A: Getting into an accident while driving drunk can lead to severe injury and legal penalties. Not only can drunk driving cause potentially fatal injuries, but the fines and penalties associated with various drunk driving charges can have long-lasting consequences on the driver’s life. On top of a DUI charge and fines, they could face felonies, jail time, license revocation, and increased insurance rates. If you are inebriated, it is not worth the risk.
Q: What Is the New Law in Texas for DUI?
A: Texas implemented many new laws in 2026 that aim to toughen up penalties for driving under the influence. These laws are intended to further deter drivers from getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Among other terms, these laws include:
- Mandatory felony charges for repeat DUI offenders
- Higher fines and mandatory jail time for blood alcohol content over 0.15%
- Restricted alcohol sales for individuals charged with an extreme DUI, which generally involves a minimum BAC of .15%
Q: Does Insurance Still Pay If You Were Drunk?
A: Car insurance in Texas will usually still pay for damages and injuries if you were drunk when involved in an accident, though the coverage is typically limited to liability. While you should always review your specific policy, liability insurance will usually cover injuries and damage sustained by others, but your insurer might deny coverage for your own car if you were at fault or driving under the influence. Per the discretion of your insurer, your policy rate might also rise.
Q: Does Your Insurance Go Up If a Drunk Driver Hits You?
A: You should always review your specific insurance policy. However, if a drunk driver hits you and they are found to be at fault, your insurance should not go up. In this scenario, the at-fault drunk driver’s insurance would be responsible for damages. Texas is considered an at-fault state, but some insurance companies might still raise rates if any claim is filed. Shopping around for insurance can help you find that coverage and carrier that works for you.
Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
The aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be overwhelming, as one faces the legal and financial strains that can accompany any accident. Still, you do not have to face them alone or without compensation. When you are involved in a drunk driving accident, time is crucial. A League City drunk driving accident attorney can efficiently gather evidence and build a claim to seek your desired and deserved outcome.
Drunk driving accidents are governed by complicated laws and nuanced defenses. A skilled drunk driving accident attorney knows how to navigate the various tactics used throughout these cases. Let a drunk driving accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates represent you and your drunk driving accident case with compassion, support, and transparency. Contact us today for a consultation.