If you or someone you love was hurt by a driver under the influence, you deserve an Austin drunk driving accident lawyer who will fight for every dollar of compensation you are owed.
At Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC, we have been standing up for injured Texans since 2001, and we know how devastating a drunk driving accident can be. You should not have to pay for someone else's reckless decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. Our legal team is ready to take on the insurance companies, hold the responsible parties accountable, and help you move forward with your life. We offer free, confidential consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call us at (512) 477-7333 today to discuss your case and legal options.
Austin Drunk Driving Accident Guide
- Austin Drunk Driving Accident Guide
- Why Choose the Austin Drunk Driving Lawyers from Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC?
- How Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case
- Understanding Texas DWI Laws and Your Right to Compensation
- Who Can Be Held Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident?
- Types of Compensation Available After a Drunk Driving Crash
- The Statute of Limitations for Drunk Driving Accident Claims in Texas
- What to Expect When You Call Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC
- Questions Answered by Our Austin Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
- Talk to an Austin Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today
Why Choose the Austin Drunk Driving Lawyers from Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC?
Not every personal injury firm is the same. When you are dealing with serious injuries caused by an impaired driver, you want a law firm that focuses only on personal injury law. That is exactly what we do at Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC.
Here is what sets us apart:
- We focus solely on personal injury. Unlike many Texas firms that treat accident cases as a sideline, personal injury is all we do. This means we stay current on every law, trend, and legal strategy that can help your drunk driving accident case.
- Over $500 million recovered for our clients. Our track record speaks for itself. We have the experience and resources to take on tough cases and win.
- Your case is handled by an attorney. Your claim will never be passed off to a paralegal, assistant, or clerk. You work directly with a lawyer who knows your case inside and out.
- We come to you. If your injuries keep you from traveling, we are happy to meet you at your home or hospital, any day of the week, including evenings.
- A network of medical and investigation resources. We have an in-house investigator and relationships with medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists who can strengthen your claim.
You are not just another case number to us. At Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC, you are like family, and we treat every client's case as a top priority. If you were hurt by a drunk driver anywhere in the Austin area, from downtown near Sixth Street to neighborhoods along I-35, we are here for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case
After a collision with an intoxicated driver, you may feel like the situation is straightforward since the other driver broke the law. Unfortunately, getting fair compensation is rarely that simple. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to pay you as little as possible, even when their policyholder was clearly at fault.
An experienced Austin drunk driving accident lawyer from Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC can help by:
- Investigating the crash thoroughly, including police reports, toxicology results, and witness statements
- Identifying all responsible parties, which may include the drunk driver, a bar or restaurant, or even an employer
- Calculating the full value of your claim so nothing is left on the table
- Handling all communication with insurance companies on your behalf
- Filing your lawsuit within the legal deadline and preparing your case for trial if needed
When you have a dedicated attorney on your side, you can focus on healing while we handle the legal fight. That is exactly what our team does every single day.
Understanding Texas DWI Laws and Your Right to Compensation
In Texas, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by alcohol or drugs to the point of losing normal use of mental or physical faculties. For drivers under 21, Texas has a zero-tolerance policy, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol can lead to charges.
It is important to understand that the criminal DWI case and your civil personal injury case are two separate legal matters. Even if the drunk driver is never convicted of a crime, you can still pursue a civil claim for compensation.
The standards of proof are different. In a civil case, your attorney only needs to show that the other driver's intoxication was a cause of the accident and your injuries.
This is a key reason to work with a personal injury firm that understands both sides of these cases. Our team at Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC knows how to use evidence from the criminal proceedings, such as BAC test results and arrest records, to build the strongest possible civil claim on your behalf.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident?
Many people assume that only the impaired driver can be held responsible after a crash. In Texas, that is not always the case. Depending on the circumstances, other parties may share liability.
The Drunk Driver
The person who chose to drink and drive is the most obvious responsible party. They can be held liable for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages through a personal injury claim.
Bars, Restaurants, and Other Alcohol Providers
Texas has what is known as a "dram shop" law, found in Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Section 2.02. Under this law, a business that sells or serves alcohol can be held liable if it served alcohol to a person who was obviously intoxicated to the point of being a danger to themselves or others, and that person's intoxication caused your injuries.
This means that if a bar on Sixth Street or a restaurant along South Congress kept serving drinks to someone who was visibly impaired, and that person then caused a crash, the establishment may owe you compensation as well.
Social Hosts
Texas social host liability is more limited. Generally, a private party host cannot be sued for serving alcohol to adult guests. However, if an adult aged 21 or older provides alcohol to a minor under 18, and that minor's intoxication leads to an accident, the host can be held responsible.
Identifying every liable party is critical because it can significantly increase the amount of compensation available to you. Our attorneys at Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC, investigate every angle to make sure no responsible party is overlooked.
Types of Compensation Available After a Drunk Driving Crash
The injuries from a drunk driving accident are often severe because impaired drivers tend to be traveling at high speeds and have delayed reaction times. If you were hurt by a drunk driver in Austin, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses, including:
- Medical expenses, such as emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and future medical care
- Lost income, including wages you have already missed and future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work
- Pain and suffering, which covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries
- Property damage, including repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Loss of enjoyment of life, if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once loved
- Wrongful death damages, if you lost a family member in a drunk driving crash
In some cases, Texas courts may also award punitive damages. Unlike other types of compensation, punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless behavior. Choosing to drive while intoxicated is the kind of conduct that may warrant these additional damages.
Every case is different, and the value of your claim depends on the specific facts and circumstances. Our Austin drunk driving accident attorneys will review your case during a free consultation and give you an honest assessment of what your claim may be worth.
The Statute of Limitations for Drunk Driving Accident Claims in Texas
Texas law gives you a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. If you are filing a wrongful death lawsuit, the two-year clock starts on the date of the person's death.
Missing this deadline almost always means losing your right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case may be. Insurance companies know about this deadline, and some will try to delay the process, hoping you will run out of time.
The sooner you contact a drunk driving accident attorney, the better. Early action allows your legal team to preserve important evidence, interview witnesses while their memories are fresh, and begin building a strong case right away.
What to Expect When You Call Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC
We understand that reaching out to a law firm can feel like a big step, especially when you are dealing with injuries and stress. We want to make the process as easy as possible for you.
When you call our office, here is what happens:
- You speak with a real person who listens to your story with compassion and respect.
- We schedule a free, confidential consultation at a time and place that works for you, whether that is at our Austin office, your home, or even your hospital room.
- An attorney reviews the details of your accident and injuries and explains your legal options in plain, simple language.
- If we take your case, you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Whether your accident happened on MoPac during rush hour or on a quiet road near Lake Travis on a Saturday night, we are here to help.
Questions Answered by Our Austin Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Here are some common questions we hear from people who have been injured by drunk drivers in Austin.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% responsible for the accident. Your award would be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 10% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 10%.
How long does a drunk driving accident case typically take to resolve?
Every case is different. Some claims settle within a few months, while others may take a year or longer, especially if the case goes to trial. Factors that affect the timeline include the severity of your injuries, the number of parties involved, and how willing the insurance company is to offer a fair settlement.
What if the drunk driver does not have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options. Your own auto insurance policy may include uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage that can help cover your losses. Additionally, if a bar or other alcohol provider contributed to the situation, a dram shop claim could provide another source of compensation.
Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC?
No. We handle all drunk driving accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing unless we win your case. The consultation is free and confidential.
Talk to an Austin Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today
You did nothing wrong, and you should not have to carry the financial burden of someone else's reckless choice. At Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC, we have spent more than two decades fighting for accident victims across Austin and Central Texas, and we are ready to fight for you, too.
Call us today at (512) 477-7333 for a free, confidential consultation. We are available around the clock, and if you cannot come to us, we will come to you. Let us review your case and help you understand your options. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start working to get you the compensation you deserve.
Fill out the form below for a free case review or call 512-477-7333. We’ll always be available when you need us – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.