Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Houston
Injured by a Drunk Driver? Get Trial-Ready Representation in Houston
When a drunk driver crashes into you or someone you love, the injuries, bills, and disruption aren’t just an accident. They’re the result of a choice. If you were harmed by an intoxicated driver in Houston, Alexander J. Houthuijzen, Attorney-at-Law can evaluate your legal options and explain what comes next.
We focus on helping people who feel overwhelmed by the legal system and by insurance companies. Our goal is to protect your rights, explain your options in plain language, and give you a real voice in every major decision about your case. Personal injury matters are handled on contingency, so you pay no upfront legal fees unless we win your case.
For a free consultation, reach us by calling (713) 600-9902 or through our contact form.
Understanding Drunk Driving Liability Laws in Texas
A collision involving an intoxicated driver can lead to separate criminal and civil proceedings. Under Texas Penal Code Section 49.04, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a crime, but the criminal case against the driver doesn’t provide compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, or other losses. Compensation is pursued through a civil personal injury claim. A criminal charge or conviction doesn’t itself determine the outcome of that claim, and both proceedings can move on separate tracks.
When evaluating an injury claim, we look at the intoxicated driver’s conduct and any other facts that may affect civil liability, including whether an alcohol provider bears responsibility under Texas law.
In a civil personal injury claim involving intoxication, liability must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it’s more likely than not that the defendant’s conduct caused your harm. A civil negligence claim generally requires proof of duty, breach, causation, and damages under the applicable facts. We focus on building each of those elements with the evidence available in your case.
- Duty of Care: Every driver has a duty to operate their vehicle safely. Choosing to drive while impaired may be evidence of a breach of that duty.
- Evidence of Impairment: Potential evidence includes the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) results, police body-camera footage, field sobriety evidence, witness accounts, and other available records.
- The “Obvious Intoxication” Standard: In Dram Shop claims, the question is whether it was apparent to the alcohol provider that the patron was obviously intoxicated to a dangerous degree. Toxicological evidence and witness accounts can be relevant to that analysis, depending on what is available and admissible in the case.
- Causation: We work to show that intoxication caused the collision through crash reports, scene evidence, photographs, surveillance footage, and vehicle data when available. The usefulness of any particular evidence depends on the facts, how it was preserved, and applicable procedural rules.
The Texas Dram Shop Act
One potential source of liability in a Houston intoxicated-driving injury case is the Texas Dram Shop Act, codified at Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Section 2.02. This law permits a civil claim against a bar, restaurant, or other alcohol provider when it was apparent that the person served was obviously intoxicated to the extent of presenting a clear danger to the recipient and others, and that intoxication was a proximate cause of the resulting damages. Two specific requirements apply:
- Obvious Intoxication: The establishment served alcohol to a patron who was obviously intoxicated to the extent of presenting a clear danger to the patron and others.
- Proximate Cause: The intoxication was a proximate cause of the collision and resulting injuries.
Proving a Dram Shop claim requires more than showing that alcohol was served. The statutory obvious-intoxication and proximate-cause standards must be met based on the specific facts of the case. When those facts are present, the driver and an alcohol provider may both be defendants in a civil action.
Compensation & Damages in Houston Drunk Driving Cases
A drunk driving accident can leave you with mounting medical debt and lasting physical consequences. We work to identify and pursue every category of damages supported by your facts and applicable Texas law.
Economic damages are the measurable financial losses resulting from the crash:
- Medical Expenses: Includes emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and future rehabilitation costs.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the time you missed at work while recovering.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your career, we seek the value of future lost income supported by the evidence.
- Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any personal items destroyed in the wreck.
Non-economic damages address the personal cost of the accident:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma you have endured.
- Disfigurement and Physical Impairment: Compensation for scarring or the loss of use of a limb.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for a spouse or family members for the loss of companionship and support.
When an intoxicated driver causes catastrophic harm or a fatal crash, the civil claim may involve significant long-term medical costs or wrongful death damages. In those situations, we discuss how Texas law treats claims on behalf of family members and estates and what evidence is needed to present those losses effectively.
Exemplary Damages
In some cases, Texas law permits exemplary damages, sometimes called punitive damages, in addition to standard compensation. These are designed to address conduct involving reckless disregard for the safety of others. Whether exemplary damages apply depends on the applicable proof requirements and the specific facts of your case, not on the drunk driving charge alone. We assess whether that basis exists and discuss it with you as part of your overall claim strategy.
The Legal Process: Timeline of a Houston Personal Injury Claim
The timeline depends on the facts of your case, the parties involved, and how insurance negotiations develop.
- Early Investigation: We act promptly to collect crash reports, intoxication records, witness information, available video, and other evidence that may become harder to obtain over time.
- Statute of Limitations: Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, a personal injury lawsuit must generally be filed no later than two years after the cause of action accrues, subject to exceptions and case-specific rules. Cases involving government entities may carry additional notice requirements with different timeframes. We track these deadlines carefully and advise you about any that apply to your situation.
- Discovery Phase: Both sides exchange written requests, records, and depositions. In a drunk driving case, this may include testimony from the driver, witnesses, and individuals connected to any alcohol-serving establishment involved.
- Negotiation with Insurers: Insurance companies may make early settlement offers. We evaluate offers carefully against the full scope of your injuries, damages, and available evidence before advising you on how to respond.
- Trial Advocacy: If negotiations don’t produce a fair result, we’re prepared to take the case to court and advocate for you before a jury.
Texas-Licensed Since 2016 & Ready for Trial
At Alexander J. Houthuijzen, Attorney-at-Law, we combine trial preparation with personal service. Attorney Alexander J. Houthuijzen has been licensed in Texas since 2016 and was selected to Rising Stars in 2025.
We take a trial-oriented approach, preparing every intoxicated-driving injury case as if it may go to court. This means developing evidence for negotiations and potential litigation rather than pressuring clients to accept quick, inadequate settlements. When an offer fails to reflect the harm caused, we’re prepared to move forward and advocate for fair compensation.
We treat clients as active participants, not case numbers. We emphasize direct communication, shared strategy discussions, and clear explanations at every stage. We also offer Spanish-language services for clients and families who prefer to communicate in Spanish.
Talk with Alexander J. Houthuijzen, Attorney-at-Law About Your Drunk Driving Case
If a drunk driver has turned your life upside down, you don’t have to handle the legal fallout alone. Speaking with our team can clarify your options, explain how to communicate with insurers, and help you make informed decisions about your recovery and future.
As a trial-focused firm based in downtown Houston, we combine aggressive representation with clear, personal communication. Personal injury cases are handled on contingency, and your first consultation is free, so there’s no upfront cost to learn what legal options may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Your Team Help My Family Member Who Was Injured by a Drunk Driver?
Yes, family members often reach out when an injured person is in the hospital or unable to manage details. We can explain the process, gather basic information, and schedule a time to speak with the injured person when appropriate.
To schedule your free consultation, call (713) 600-9902 or contact us online today.
Why Choose Alex the Defender?
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Free Initial Consultations for Personal Injury Cases
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Focused On Clients' Best Interest
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Compassionate & Caring
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Personalized Attention