Experienced Texas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Seeking Justice

At Harper Law Firm, we’ve dedicated our practice to helping truck accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. We’re not a “billboard law firm” or settlement mill that quickly processes cases for minimal compensation. Instead, we’re trial lawyers who thoroughly investigate every truck accident, understand federal trucking regulations, and aren’t afraid to take on major trucking companies and their high-powered legal teams.

Texas highways like I-35, I-10, I-45, and I-20 see thousands of commercial trucks daily, transporting goods across the state and nation. Unfortunately, this heavy truck traffic combined with Texas’s vast distances and varied weather conditions contributes to serious truck accidents that can destroy lives in an instant.

Why Choose Harper Law Firm for Your Texas Truck Accident Case?

Being injured by a drunk driver is one of the most infuriating experiences a person can face. Unlike typical accidents caused by momentary negligence or honest mistakes, drunk driving represents a conscious choice to endanger innocent lives. When someone chooses to drink and drive, they’re not just breaking the law – they’re gambling with other people’s lives and futures.

At Harper Law Firm, we understand the unique anger, frustration, and trauma that comes with being victimized by a drunk driver. These aren’t just accidents – they’re preventable tragedies caused by selfish, reckless behavior. If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver in Texas, we’re here to help you seek justice and hold the responsible parties accountable.

As experienced Texas drunk driving accident lawyers, we know that these cases involve more than just typical negligence claims. Drunk driving accidents often qualify for punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. We also understand how to coordinate with criminal prosecutors while pursuing your civil case, and we know how to identify all potentially liable parties beyond just the drunk driver.

Why Choose Harper Law Firm for Your Texas Drunk Driving Case?

Understanding of Both Criminal and Civil Aspects

Drunk driving cases involve both criminal charges against the driver and civil liability for damages. We understand how these two proceedings interact and how to:

• Coordinate with criminal prosecutors when helpful
• Use criminal evidence in your civil case
• Pursue your civil case even if criminal charges are reduced or dismissed
• Ensure that criminal plea agreements don’t unfairly limit your civil recovery

Experience with Punitive Damages

Unlike typical car accident cases, drunk driving accidents often qualify for punitive damages in Texas. We know how to:

• Prove the level of intoxication and reckless behavior necessary for punitive damages
• Present evidence of the driver’s conscious disregard for safety
• Maximize punitive damage awards within Texas legal limits
• Use the threat of punitive damages to negotiate better settlements

Identifying All Liable Parties

Drunk driving cases may involve liability beyond just the intoxicated driver, including:

• Bars and restaurants that over-served the driver (dram shop liability)
• Social hosts who provided alcohol to obviously intoxicated persons
• Employers who knew about alcohol problems but allowed driving
• Vehicle owners who lent cars to known drunk drivers

True Litigation Experience

We’re not a settlement mill that quickly processes cases for minimal compensation. We’re trial lawyers who prepare every case for trial and aren’t afraid to take drunk drivers and their insurance companies to court when they won’t offer fair compensation.

Texas Drunk Driving Statistics and Legal Landscape

Alarming Texas DWI Statistics

Texas consistently ranks among the worst states for drunk driving fatalities:

• Texas leads the nation in drunk driving deaths annually
• Over 1,000 people die in Texas drunk driving accidents each year
• Approximately 25,000 DWI arrests occur in Texas annually
• San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Austin see thousands of DWI arrests yearly
• Weekend nights and holidays see the highest rates of drunk driving accidents

Texas DWI Laws and Penalties

Texas has strict DWI laws with severe criminal penalties:

• First offense: Up to 180 days in jail, $2,000 fine, license suspension
• Second offense: Up to 1 year in jail, $4,000 fine, longer license suspension
• Third offense: 2-10 years in prison, $10,000 fine, felony conviction
• Intoxication assault: When DWI causes serious bodily injury
• Intoxication manslaughter: When DWI causes death

Legal Blood Alcohol Limits in Texas

• 0.08% BAC: Legal limit for drivers 21 and older
• 0.04% BAC: Legal limit for commercial drivers
• Any detectable amount: Zero tolerance for drivers under 21
• No safe level: Even below legal limits can support negligence claims

Texas also has a “no refusal” policy during certain periods when police can obtain warrants for blood tests from suspected drunk drivers.

Common Types of Drunk Driving Accidents in Texas

Head-On Collisions

Drunk drivers often drift into oncoming traffic, causing devastating head-on collisions. These accidents are particularly deadly because:

• Combined speed of both vehicles increases impact force
• Drunk drivers may not brake before impact
• Passenger compartments are crushed in frontal impacts
• Airbags and safety systems may not prevent all injuries

Wrong-Way Accidents

Intoxicated drivers sometimes enter highways or roads going the wrong direction, leading to:

• High-speed collisions with oncoming traffic
• Multi-vehicle accidents as drivers try to avoid the wrong-way vehicle
• Fatal accidents due to the force of head-on impacts
• Difficulties for other drivers to avoid the intoxicated driver

Rear-End Collisions

Drunk driving impairs reaction time and judgment, leading to rear-end accidents when:

• Intoxicated drivers fail to notice stopped or slowing traffic
• Following distances are inadequate due to impaired judgment
• Alcohol affects depth perception and speed estimation
• Distracted driving combines with intoxication

Single-Vehicle Accidents

Drunk drivers often lose control of their vehicles, causing:

• Rollover accidents
• Collisions with fixed objects like trees or poles
• Run-off-road accidents
• Crashes into buildings or other structures

While these may seem like they only affect the drunk driver, passengers and bystanders can be seriously injured.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Intoxicated drivers pose extreme dangers to pedestrians and cyclists:

• Reduced ability to see and react to pedestrians
• Impaired judgment about stopping distances
• Failure to yield at crosswalks and intersections
• Driving on sidewalks or in bicycle lanes

Intersection Accidents

Drunk drivers frequently cause intersection accidents by:

• Running red lights or stop signs
• Failing to yield right-of-way
• Making improper turns
• Misjudging gaps in traffic

How Alcohol Impairs Driving Ability

Physical Impairment Effects

Even at relatively low blood alcohol levels, alcohol impairs:

• Vision: Blurred vision, reduced peripheral vision, difficulty focusing
• Coordination: Poor hand-eye coordination, reduced fine motor control
• Balance: Difficulty maintaining vehicle position and control
• Reaction time: Slower responses to traffic situations and hazards

Cognitive Impairment Effects

Alcohol significantly affects mental processes including:

• Judgment: Poor decision-making about speed, following distance, and risk
• Concentration: Difficulty focusing on multiple driving tasks simultaneously
• Information processing: Slower analysis of traffic situations
• Memory: Difficulty remembering traffic rules and appropriate responses

Progressive Impairment by BAC Level

• 0.02% BAC: Some loss of judgment, relaxation, slight body warmth
• 0.05% BAC: Exaggerated behavior, reduced small-muscle control, impaired judgment
• 0.08% BAC: Poor muscle coordination, difficulty detecting danger, impaired reasoning
• 0.10% BAC: Clear deterioration of reaction time and control
• 0.15% BAC: Substantial impairment of motor control, muscle coordination, and attention

Why “I Only Had Two Drinks” Doesn’t Matter

Many drunk drivers claim they only had a small amount to drink, but:

• Alcohol affects everyone differently based on weight, gender, food consumption
• Many people underestimate how much they’ve consumed
• Even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving ability
• The legal limit is not a “safe” limit for driving
• Civil liability can exist even below the legal limit

Serious Injuries Common in Drunk Driving Accidents

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Drunk driving accidents often cause severe brain injuries because:

• Intoxicated drivers don’t brake before impact, increasing force
• Head-on and high-speed collisions are common
• Victims may suffer both impact injuries and secondary injuries from brain swelling
• Even “mild” concussions can have long-lasting effects on work and daily life

Brain injury symptoms may include memory problems, concentration difficulties, personality changes, and chronic headaches.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The violent forces in drunk driving accidents can cause:

• Complete or partial paralysis
• Loss of sensation and motor function
• Need for wheelchairs and assistive devices
• Extensive rehabilitation and therapy
• Home modifications and ongoing care
• Significant impact on relationships and quality of life

Burn Injuries

Drunk driving accidents may involve fires due to:

• Fuel system damage in high-impact collisions
• Electrical system damage causing fires
• Drunk drivers being less able to escape burning vehicles
• Victims being trapped or unconscious after impact

Burn injuries often require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and result in permanent scarring and disfigurement.

Internal Injuries

High-impact drunk driving accidents frequently cause:

• Internal bleeding requiring emergency surgery
• Damage to organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs
• Abdominal injuries that may not be immediately apparent
• Chest injuries including collapsed lungs and heart damage

Psychological Trauma

Being victimized by a drunk driver often causes lasting psychological effects:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety and depression
• Fear of driving or being a passenger
• Anger and feelings of victimization
• Sleep disorders and nightmares
• Need for ongoing mental health treatment

The fact that the accident was completely preventable often makes the psychological trauma worse.

Texas Dram Shop Laws and Third-Party Liability

What Are Dram Shop Laws?

Texas Dram Shop laws hold bars, restaurants, and other alcohol vendors liable when they serve alcohol to people who then cause drunk driving accidents. Under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Section 2.02, establishments can be liable if they:

• Served alcohol to a person who was “obviously intoxicated”
• The intoxication was a proximate cause of the damages
• The service of alcohol contributed to the person’s intoxication

Proving “Obviously Intoxicated”

To hold a bar or restaurant liable, we must prove the person was “obviously intoxicated” when served. Evidence may include:

• Testimony from servers, bartenders, or other patrons
• Security camera footage showing intoxicated behavior
• Credit card receipts showing excessive alcohol purchases
• Blood alcohol testing results and expert testimony about consumption
• Evidence of slurred speech, staggering, or aggressive behavior

Social Host Liability

Texas also has limited social host liability laws under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Section 2.03. Social hosts (private individuals) can be liable if they:

• Provided alcohol to someone under 21 years old
• Knew the person was under 21
• The minor’s intoxication was a proximate cause of damages

Adult social hosts generally aren’t liable for providing alcohol to other adults, but there may be exceptions in certain circumstances.

Employer Liability

Employers may be liable for drunk driving accidents caused by their employees when:

• The employee was acting within the scope of employment
• The employer knew about alcohol problems but allowed driving
• Company policies encouraged or permitted alcohol consumption before driving
• The employer provided alcohol at company events

Vehicle Owner Liability

In some cases, vehicle owners who lend their cars to drunk drivers may be liable through:

• Negligent entrustment if they knew the driver was intoxicated
• Permissive use statutes that hold owners liable for damages
• Family car doctrine when family members cause accidents

Punitive Damages in Texas Drunk Driving Cases

What Are Punitive Damages?

Unlike compensatory damages that reimburse victims for their losses, punitive damages are designed to:

• Punish the wrongdoer for particularly egregious conduct
• Deter the defendant and others from similar behavior
• Express society’s condemnation of drunk driving
• Provide additional compensation when compensatory damages seem inadequate

When Punitive Damages Are Available

Texas allows punitive damages when the plaintiff proves by “clear and convincing evidence” that the defendant acted with:

• Malice: Intent to cause substantial injury or harm
• Fraud: Intentional misrepresentation or concealment
• Gross negligence: Extreme departure from ordinary care that involves an extreme degree of risk

Drunk driving often qualifies as gross negligence because it involves a conscious disregard for the safety of others.

Factors That Support Punitive Damages

Evidence that strengthens punitive damage claims includes:

• High blood alcohol content (significantly above legal limit)
• Previous DWI convictions or alcohol-related incidents
• Particularly reckless behavior (excessive speeding, wrong-way driving)
• Combination of intoxication with other risky behaviors
• Ignoring obvious signs of intoxication before driving

Texas Punitive Damage Limits

Texas caps punitive damages at the greater of:

• $200,000, or
• Two times economic damages plus non-economic damages up to $750,000

These caps don’t apply to certain intentional torts, but they do apply to most drunk driving cases.

Strategic Use of Punitive Damages

Even when punitive damages may be limited, the threat of punitive damages can:

• Motivate insurance companies to offer better settlements
• Demonstrate the egregiousness of the defendant’s conduct
• Provide leverage in settlement negotiations
• Send a message that drunk driving won’t be tolerated

Challenges in Texas Drunk Driving Accident Cases

Criminal vs. Civil Proceedings

Drunk driving cases involve both criminal charges and civil lawsuits, which can create complications:

• Different standards of proof (beyond reasonable doubt vs. preponderance of evidence)
• Timing issues when criminal cases are pending
• Plea agreements that may affect civil liability
• Constitutional protections that may limit available evidence

Insurance Coverage Issues

Insurance companies often try to avoid paying drunk driving claims by arguing:

• Policy exclusions for intentional or criminal acts
• Driver wasn’t covered under the policy
• Coverage limits are insufficient for the damages
• Other insurance should pay first

Asset Recovery Problems

Many drunk drivers lack sufficient assets or insurance to pay large judgments:

• Minimum insurance coverage may be inadequate for serious injuries
• Drivers may be uninsured or underinsured
• Personal assets may be limited or protected from creditors
• Criminal restitution orders may interfere with civil collection

This is why identifying other liable parties (bars, employers, vehicle owners) is crucial.

Statute of Limitations Considerations

While you generally have two years to file a drunk driving lawsuit in Texas:

• Criminal proceedings may affect when the clock starts running
• Discovery of injuries may extend deadlines in some cases
• Different deadlines may apply to different defendants
• Government liability may have shorter notice requirements

The Investigation Process in Drunk Driving Cases

Criminal Investigation Evidence

We work to obtain evidence from the criminal investigation including:

• Police reports and officer testimony
• Field sobriety test results and videos
• Breathalyzer or blood test results
• Booking photos and jail videos
• 911 calls and emergency response records

Establishing Pre-Accident Drinking

We investigate where and how much the drunk driver consumed by:

• Obtaining receipts from bars and restaurants
• Interviewing servers, bartenders, and witnesses
• Reviewing security camera footage
• Analyzing credit card and cell phone records
• Working with experts to reconstruct alcohol consumption

Accident Reconstruction

Drunk driving accidents often involve complex reconstruction to determine:

• Vehicle speeds at impact
• Whether the drunk driver attempted to brake or steer
• The sequence of events leading to the collision
• How intoxication affected the driver’s response
• Whether the accident could have been avoided

Medical Evidence Development

We work with medical experts to establish:

• The full extent of your injuries and their relationship to the accident
• Future medical needs and life care planning
• How injuries affect your ability to work and enjoy life
• The connection between the accident and any psychological trauma

Damages Documentation

Comprehensive documentation of damages includes:

• All medical expenses and future treatment costs
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage and replacement costs
• Pain and suffering documentation
• Impact on family relationships and quality of life

Types of Compensation in Texas Drunk Driving Cases

Economic Damages

These compensate for measurable financial losses including:

• Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, ongoing care
• Lost wages: Income lost during recovery
• Lost earning capacity: Reduced ability to earn income in the future
• Property damage: Vehicle repair or replacement
• Home modifications: Wheelchair accessibility, medical equipment
• Transportation costs: Medical appointments, alternative transportation

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate for subjective losses such as:

• Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional distress
• Mental anguish: Psychological trauma and anxiety
• Disfigurement: Permanent scarring or physical changes
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in previous activities
• Loss of consortium: Impact on spousal and family relationships

Punitive Damages

As discussed above, punitive damages may be available to punish the drunk driver and deter similar behavior. These damages are in addition to compensatory damages.

Wrongful Death Damages

When drunk driving results in death, surviving family members may recover:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses related to the final injury
• Loss of the deceased’s future earnings and benefits
• Loss of inheritance expectations
• Loss of care, maintenance, and services
• Mental anguish and grief of surviving family members
• Loss of companionship, society, and comfort

How Harper Law Firm Maximizes Recovery in Drunk Driving Cases

Thorough Investigation of All Liable Parties

We don’t just focus on the drunk driver. We investigate:

• Bars and restaurants that may have over-served the driver
• Social hosts who provided alcohol
• Employers who may have contributed to the situation
• Vehicle owners who negligently allowed use of their cars
• Any other parties whose negligence contributed to the accident

Aggressive Pursuit of Punitive Damages

We understand how to prove the gross negligence necessary for punitive damages by:

• Documenting the driver’s blood alcohol level and behavior
• Investigating prior alcohol-related incidents
• Presenting evidence of particularly reckless conduct
• Working with experts to explain the dangers of drunk driving

Coordination with Criminal Proceedings

We strategically coordinate with criminal prosecutors when beneficial while maintaining independence in your civil case. This includes:

• Obtaining criminal evidence for civil use
• Ensuring criminal plea agreements don’t unfairly limit civil recovery
• Using criminal convictions to prove liability in civil court

Comprehensive Damages Analysis

We work with medical and economic experts to fully document:

• All current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• The full impact of injuries on your life and relationships
• Pain and suffering documentation
• Life care planning for serious injuries

Strategic Settlement Negotiations

Our reputation as trial lawyers who aren’t afraid to take cases to court often leads to better settlement offers because insurance companies know we:

• Thoroughly prepare every case for trial
• Have the resources to prosecute complex cases
• Understand how to present drunk driving cases to juries
• Won’t accept inadequate settlement offers

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Drunk Driving Accidents

What if the drunk driver is convicted criminally but receives a light sentence?

Criminal penalties and civil liability are separate issues. Even if the drunk driver receives a light criminal sentence, you can still pursue full civil damages including punitive damages. Criminal conviction actually helps prove liability in your civil case.

Can I sue if the drunk driver was below the legal limit?

Yes. Civil liability can exist even when blood alcohol is below 0.08%. Any amount of alcohol that impairs driving ability can support a negligence claim, and we can use accident reconstruction and expert testimony to prove impairment.

What if the drunk driver doesn’t have insurance or enough insurance?

We investigate all possible sources of recovery including:

• Your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Dram shop liability against bars or restaurants
• Employer liability if applicable
• Vehicle owner liability
• The driver’s personal assets

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Generally two years from the date of the accident, but it’s crucial to contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights. Some claims may have shorter deadlines.

What if I was also drinking before the accident?

You may still recover compensation under Texas comparative negligence law as long as you were 50% or less at fault. However, your recovery would be reduced by your percentage of fault, which is why experienced legal representation is crucial.

Can I recover punitive damages against a bar that over-served the drunk driver?

Punitive damages are generally available only against the drunk driver, not against bars under Texas dram shop law. However, you can still recover compensatory damages from bars that over-served obviously intoxicated patrons.

What if the drunk driver fled the scene (hit and run)?

Hit-and-run drunk driving cases are particularly challenging but not impossible. We can:

• Work with police to identify the driver through witness statements and evidence
• Use surveillance cameras from nearby businesses
• Pursue uninsured motorist coverage if the driver isn’t found
• Seek enhanced punitive damages if the driver is eventually caught

How do drunk driving cases differ from regular car accident cases?

Drunk driving cases are unique because they involve:

• Criminal charges that can provide evidence for your civil case
• Potential for punitive damages beyond normal compensation
• Possible liability of third parties who provided alcohol
• Enhanced damages due to the intentional nature of drunk driving
• More complex insurance coverage issues

Preventing Drunk Driving Accidents in Texas

Personal Responsibility and Prevention

While we fight for victims after accidents occur, prevention remains the best protection. Texas drivers can help prevent drunk driving by:

• Never drinking and driving, regardless of the amount consumed
• Planning alternative transportation before drinking (designated drivers, rideshare, taxis)
• Intervening when friends or family members attempt to drive drunk
• Supporting stronger drunk driving laws and enforcement
• Being aware of the signs of drunk drivers on the road

Recognizing Drunk Drivers on the Road

Signs that another driver may be intoxicated include:

• Erratic driving patterns: Weaving, drifting, or straddling lane lines
• Speed problems: Driving much slower or faster than traffic flow
• Delayed reactions: Slow responses to traffic signals or signs
• Poor judgment: Making dangerous turns or lane changes
• Vehicle control issues: Nearly hitting objects, other cars, or curbs

If you see a suspected drunk driver, safely pull over and call 911 to report the vehicle and location.

Texas Anti-Drunk Driving Initiatives

Texas has implemented various programs to combat drunk driving:

• No Refusal Weekends: Periods when police can quickly obtain warrants for blood tests
• Sobriety Checkpoints: Random stops to check for intoxicated drivers
• Ignition Interlock Programs: Devices that prevent cars from starting if alcohol is detected
• Enhanced DWI Courts: Specialized courts focused on repeat offenders
• Public Education Campaigns: “Drink. Drive. Go to Jail.” and similar awareness efforts

The Role of Technology in Prevention

Modern technology offers new tools to prevent drunk driving:

• Rideshare Apps: Uber, Lyft, and other services provide easy alternatives
• Alcohol Detection Apps: Help estimate blood alcohol content
• Smart Car Features: Some vehicles can detect impaired driving
• Voluntary Ignition Interlocks: Available for high-risk drivers

The Emotional and Social Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents

Impact on Victims and Families

Drunk driving accidents don’t just cause physical injuries – they devastate families and communities:

• Survivor Guilt: Victims may struggle with why they survived when others didn’t
• Financial Stress: Medical bills and lost income create enormous pressure
• Relationship Strain: Injuries and trauma can affect marriages and family relationships
• Career Impact: Many victims can’t return to their previous employment
• Social Isolation: Disabilities may limit social activities and relationships

Community Impact

Drunk driving accidents ripple through entire communities:

• Emergency Response Costs: Police, fire, and medical resources
• Healthcare System Burden: Emergency rooms and trauma centers
• Economic Impact: Lost productivity and increased insurance costs
• Traffic Safety Concerns: Accidents create ongoing safety issues
• Emotional Trauma: Witnesses and first responders also suffer

Supporting Drunk Driving Victims

Beyond legal representation, drunk driving victims need:

• Medical Care: Immediate and ongoing treatment for injuries
• Mental Health Support: Counseling for trauma and adjustment issues
• Financial Assistance: Help with immediate expenses during legal proceedings
• Family Support: Resources for spouses and children affected by injuries
• Community Support: Understanding employers, friends, and neighbors

Working with Harper Law Firm on Your Drunk Driving Case

Our Initial Case Evaluation Process

When you contact Harper Law Firm about a drunk driving accident, we begin with:

• Free Consultation: No-cost evaluation of your case and legal options
• Evidence Review: Analysis of police reports, medical records, and other documentation
• Liability Assessment: Determination of all potentially responsible parties
• Damages Evaluation: Preliminary assessment of your current and future losses
• Strategic Planning: Development of a case strategy tailored to your situation

Our Investigation and Case Development

We conduct thorough investigations that may include:

• Accident Scene Analysis: Visiting the scene and documenting conditions
• Witness Interviews: Speaking with all witnesses while memories are fresh
• Evidence Preservation: Ensuring crucial evidence isn’t lost or destroyed
• Expert Consultation: Working with accident reconstruction and medical experts
• Criminal Case Monitoring: Tracking the criminal case for useful evidence

Our Approach to Settlement vs. Trial

While we prefer to resolve cases through fair settlements when possible, we prepare every case for trial:

• Settlement Negotiations: Aggressive negotiation backed by trial preparation
• Mediation Participation: Using alternative dispute resolution when appropriate
• Trial Preparation: Complete preparation for court presentation
• Jury Selection: Careful selection of jurors who understand the impact of drunk driving
• Trial Advocacy: Experienced courtroom representation focused on maximum recovery

Client Communication and Support

Throughout your case, we provide:

• Regular Updates: Frequent communication about case progress and developments
• Personal Access: Direct contact with your attorney, not just support staff
• Explanation of Process: Clear explanations of legal procedures and options
• Emotional Support: Understanding of the trauma and frustration you’re experiencing
• Resource Referrals: Connections to medical providers, counselors, and support services

Serving Drunk Driving Accident Victims Throughout Texas

Harper Law Firm represents drunk driving accident victims throughout Texas, with particular experience in areas with high rates of drunk driving incidents:

Major Metropolitan Areas

• San Antonio: Our home base with extensive local court experience and community connections
• Houston: Texas’s largest city with thousands of DWI arrests annually
• Dallas-Fort Worth: Major metropolitan area with significant drunk driving problems
• Austin: State capital with active nightlife and university-related drinking issues

Tourist and Entertainment Areas

• South Padre Island: Popular spring break destination with alcohol-related accidents
• Galveston: Tourist area with beach-related drinking and driving
• Lake Areas: Recreational areas where boating and driving while intoxicated occur
• River Walk and Downtown Areas: Entertainment districts with elevated drunk driving risks

Rural and Highway Areas

• Interstate Corridors: I-35, I-10, I-45, and other major highways with drunk driving accidents
• Rural Communities: Smaller towns where drunk driving may be less aggressively prosecuted
• Border Areas: Regions with cross-border alcohol-related incidents
• Oil Field Areas: Communities with transient workers and elevated drinking rates

College Towns and University Areas

• College Station: Texas A&M University area with student-related drunk driving
• Denton: University of North Texas area
• Lubbock: Texas Tech University area
• Other University Towns: Any area with elevated college drinking and driving incidents

The Difference Between Settlement Mills and True Litigation Firms

How Settlement Mills Handle Drunk Driving Cases

Many personal injury firms advertise heavily but handle cases like an assembly line:

• Quick Settlements: Rush to settle cases without full investigation
• Minimal Investigation: Limited effort to identify all liable parties
• Low Damage Valuations: Accept insurance company valuations without challenge
• Avoid Trial: Pressure clients to accept inadequate offers rather than go to trial
• High Volume, Low Value: Process many cases for small individual recoveries

Harper Law Firm’s True Litigation Approach

As genuine trial lawyers, we approach drunk driving cases differently:

• Thorough Investigation: Complete investigation of all aspects of your case
• Aggressive Case Development: Fighting for maximum compensation from all sources
• Trial Preparation: Every case prepared as if it’s going to trial
• Expert Resources: Access to the best experts and investigative resources
• Personal Attention: Individual attention to your specific needs and circumstances

Why This Difference Matters for Drunk Driving Victims

Drunk driving cases deserve special attention because:

• Punitive Damages: These require sophisticated legal arguments and evidence presentation
• Multiple Defendants: Dram shop and other third-party claims require specialized knowledge
• High Stakes: Serious injuries demand maximum compensation, not quick settlements
• Deterrent Effect: Proper prosecution helps deter future drunk driving
• Justice Concerns: Victims deserve lawyers who understand the moral outrage of drunk driving

Financial Considerations and Fee Structure

Contingency Fee Representation

Harper Law Firm represents drunk driving accident victims on a contingency fee basis:

• No Upfront Costs: You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation
• We Advance Expenses: We pay for expert witnesses, investigations, and other case costs
• Fee Only on Recovery: Our fee is a percentage of what we recover for you
• Alignment of Interests: We’re motivated to maximize your recovery

Case Expenses and Costs

Drunk driving cases may require significant expenses for:

• Expert Witnesses: Accident reconstruction, medical, and economic experts
• Investigation Costs: Private investigators, evidence preservation, witness interviews
• Medical Record Review: Obtaining and analyzing extensive medical documentation
• Court Costs: Filing fees, deposition costs, and trial expenses
• Technology: Accident reconstruction software, medical animations, and trial presentations

Maximizing Net Recovery

Our goal is to maximize your net recovery after all fees and expenses by:

• Efficient Case Management: Controlling costs while maintaining quality representation
• Strategic Expert Use: Using the right experts at the right time
• Settlement vs. Trial Analysis: Weighing costs and benefits of continued litigation
• Multiple Recovery Sources: Identifying all available insurance and assets
• Negotiating Liens: Reducing medical liens and other claims against your recovery

Contact Harper Law Firm for Your Texas Drunk Driving Case

If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver in Texas, you need experienced legal representation that understands both the legal complexities and emotional trauma of these cases. Drunk driving accidents are different from typical car accidents, and they require lawyers who understand how to pursue punitive damages, identify third-party liability, and coordinate with criminal proceedings.

Harper Law Firm has the experience, resources, and commitment to hold drunk drivers accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve. We understand your anger and frustration, and we channel that into aggressive legal representation designed to get you justice.

Why Time Is Critical

Don’t wait to contact us because:

• Evidence can disappear quickly after drunk driving accidents
• Witness memories fade over time
• Insurance companies begin building their defense immediately
• Criminal proceedings may affect available evidence
• Statutes of limitations limit how long you have to file suit

What We Offer

When you choose Harper Law Firm, you get:

• Free Consultations to evaluate your case and explain your rights
• No Fees Unless We Win your case
• Statewide Representation throughout Texas
• Personal Attention from experienced drunk driving accident attorneys
• True Litigation Experience when insurance companies won’t offer fair settlements
• Comprehensive Investigation to identify all liable parties and maximize recovery

Getting Started

Taking the first step is easy:

1. Call us for your free consultation
2. Bring available documents like police reports and medical records
3. Ask questions about your case and legal options
4. Get answers about the legal process and what to expect
5. Make informed decisions about how to proceed

Don’t let drunk drivers and their insurance companies escape responsibility for their reckless actions. You deserve justice, and we’re here to fight for it.

Call Harper Law Firm today for your free consultation. We’re here to hold drunk drivers accountable and help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.