If you have been injured due to the negligence of a drunk driver, call us at (832) 745-4878 or schedule a free and confidential consultation about your case today.
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Any injury on the roads in Houston can be devastating for families. When the at-fault driver is accused of drunk driving, it is often even harder to stomach. Drunk driving (DUI/DWI) is one of the main causes of accidents on Texas roads and the injuries that result are often severe.
If you or a loved are unfortunate enough to be involved in such an accident, you may be entitled to considerably more compensation than a standard personal injury claim. However, it can be challenging to receive what you are entitled to without legal assistance.
Drunk driving accident injury lawyer, Ryan DeHoyos, has represented many victims of such accidents in the Houston area. The team at the DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, PLLC can provide the support and expertise you need and help you fight for a fair deal either in or out of the courtroom.
If you are injured in an accident caused by a suspected drunk driver, your immediate priority should be your health and safety.
However, you can take several key steps to protect your legal rights and strengthen your potential case. Below is a breakdown of these actions:
Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention right away. Some injuries, especially those related to car accidents, may not present symptoms immediately but can worsen over time.
Ensure that a medical professional documents all injuries, as this will be crucial when pursuing a claim.
Take photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Witness statements are also critical, so try to collect contact information from anyone who saw the crash.
Signs that a driver may be under the influence of alcohol include slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, stumbling, and the smell of alcohol. If you suspect the other driver is drunk, note these observations and share them with law enforcement.
Call the police immediately to report the accident. Officers will administer sobriety tests or a breathalyzer if they suspect the driver is intoxicated. Their report could be essential evidence for your claim.
Once you’ve addressed your immediate health concerns and documented the scene, contact a qualified Houston drunk driving accident lawyer. At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, we will guide you through the legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected every step of the way.
Explore more tips on what to do after a car accident here.
Drunk driving is a severe offense that frequently leads to devastating accidents. It violates a driver’s duty of care to others on the road, often resulting in severe injuries or death.
Victims of these accidents have the right to pursue compensation through insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits. However, navigating the legal system can be challenging without the right representation.
DeHoyos Accident Attorneys specializes in drunk driving accident cases. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and will aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve, whether through a negotiated settlement or litigation in court.Learn more about personal injury claims here.
Anyone who suffers injuries due to the negligence or wrongdoing of other road users has the right to claim damages. A duty of care to others is expected on the roads and drunk driving is a clear breach of that duty.
As such, if you have been injured, you have the right to seek compensation by filing an insurance claim with the drunk driver’s auto insurance company and/or a legal claim in civil court for personal injury.
Even when the negligence of the other driver may seem clear, actually receiving compensation is rarely straightforward. In many cases, the insurance company attempts to shift some of the blame away from its client.
The experienced drunk driving lawyers at the DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, PLLC understand the best strategies for communicating with insurance companies.
We will protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. We never settle for less. After an accident, you should be recovering from your injuries and not worrying about progressing your legal claim. We look after that for you.
Certain types of driving behaviors are common in drunk-driving incidents. These include:
Drunk drivers tend to exhibit erratic behaviors that increase the risk of accidents. Recognizing these behaviors can be critical in building a strong case against the at-fault driver.
Common signs of drunk driving include:
A drunk driver may struggle to maintain a steady course.
Slamming on the brakes frequently, even when unnecessary, can indicate impaired judgment.
Drunk drivers may run red lights or stop signs.
A common sign of impaired reaction times.
Conversely, some drunk drivers drive recklessly fast.
Forgetting basic driving protocols like turning on headlights or using turn signals.
These behaviors not only the driver but everyone on the road. If you’ve witnessed these signs before your accident, they can help demonstrate the other driver’s intoxication.
Drunk driving can lead to various types of crashes, many of which result in severe injuries or fatalities. Some of the most common types of drunk driving accidents include:
Due to impaired judgment, drunk drivers often veer into oncoming traffic, leading to devastating head-on collisions.
Intoxicated drivers may not react quickly enough to slow traffic, causing rear-end accidents.
Impaired vehicle control can result in rollovers, especially at high speeds.
Drunk drivers may fail to notice pedestrians crossing the street, leading to tragic pedestrian accidents.
Driving the wrong way on one-way streets or highways is another dangerous behavior often seen in drunk driving cases.
If you’ve experienced one of these accidents, a Houston drunk driving accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, PLLC, we follow a thorough process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Here’s how we approach drunk driving accident claims:
We will thoroughly investigate the accident’s circumstances, including reviewing police reports, gathering witness statements, and obtaining any available surveillance footage.
Preserving evidence, such as photos from the accident scene and medical records, is essential. We’ll also work to obtain blood alcohol content (BAC) test results or field sobriety test reports, which can strengthen your case.
We will handle all communications with the insurance companies involved, ensuring that they don’t unfairly reduce or deny your claim.
While many cases are settled out of court, we’ll push for the maximum possible settlement. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
Victims of drunk driving accidents can pursue several types of damages, depending on the severity of their injuries. Compensation may include:
Covering both past and future medical treatments.
Compensation for time missed at work due to the accident and any future lost earning potential.
This refers to compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Compensation for long-term or permanent injuries that affect your quality of life.
In cases where the drunk driver was grossly negligent, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter future misconduct.
To learn more about types of compensation in injury cases, visit our personal injury FAQ.
Start by booking a free consultation or call (832) 753-5908.
Drunk driving accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-threatening conditions. Here are some common types of injuries and damages that victims may suffer:
Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious consequences of a drunk driving accident. These injuries can result in long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, and permanent disability.
Spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Victims of these injuries often face lifelong physical challenges and may require extensive rehabilitation.
Internal injuries are not always immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if left untreated. These include damage to internal organs like the liver, spleen, or lungs.
Soft-tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tears of ligaments or muscles, are common in car accidents. While not always visible, these injuries can cause long-lasting pain and mobility issues.
Fractures and broken bones are frequently sustained in serious car accidents, especially in high-speed collisions. Recovery from broken bones can be lengthy, often requiring surgery and physical therapy.
Accidents caused by drunk drivers can leave victims with psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Emotional trauma can be just as debilitating as physical injuries.
Drunk driving is preventable, and there are several proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk:
The simplest way to avoid drunk driving is not to overconsume alcohol in situations where you might need to drive. Drink responsibly and know your limits.
If you know you’ll be drinking, arrange for a designated driver ahead of time. A sober driver ensures that everyone gets home safely.
If a designated driver isn’t available, opt for an Uber, Lyft, or a taxi. With ridesharing apps widely available, there’s no reason to get behind the wheel after drinking.
Ryan A. DeHoyos has been an established face in the courtrooms of Houston for over a decade. In recent years, he has represented local families affected by personal accident injuries in the city and the surrounding areas. Ryan went to South Texas School of Law and graduated with a Doctor of Jurisprudence in 2009.
Upon graduation, Ryan worked for a local law firm and several large businesses to hone his litigation and trial skills, and today he uses this experience and his holistic understanding of legal matters to obtain favorable results for his clients.
His knowledge and understanding of the local court system, the associated procedures, and the personnel involved can benefit your case. When you choose Ryan DeHoyos to manage your case, you can expect the following:
Ryan takes a client-centered approach, ensuring that your needs are always prioritized.
He will aggressively negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company to secure the best possible settlement for you.
Ryan will keep you informed at every stage of the legal process, offering clear and straightforward advice.
Ryan is a “Rising Star” recognized by Super Lawyers, and he is well-versed in handling complex cases involving drunk driving accidents.
Drunk driving continues to be a significant problem in Houston, contributing to numerous accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
Below is a breakdown of drunk driving accidents in Harris County and the greater Houston area based on available data from the Texas Department of Transportation and local news sources:
Year | Total DUI Accidents | DUI Fatalities | Serious Injuries |
2020 | 1,400 | 330 | 500 |
2021 | 1,520 | 350 | 540 |
2022 | 1,530 | 370 | 570 |
According to reports, Harris County consistently ranks as one of the top counties in Texas for DUI-related fatalities, accounting for a significant portion of the state’s annual DUI deaths.
Suppose you’ve been in a drunk driving accident. In that case, the first step is to seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Afterward, contact the police to file an accident report and exchange insurance information with the other driver. Lastly, consult a Houston drunk driving accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Evidence such as police reports, eyewitness statements, and results from a breathalyzer or field sobriety tests can be used to prove the other driver was intoxicated. A Houston drunk driving accident lawyer will help gather this evidence to support your claim.
Yes, Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can still recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Contact Ryan DeHoyos at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, PLLC, for a free consultation and find out how we can help you pursue justice. Call us today at (832) 753-5908 or complete our online contact form.
Ryan DeHoyos is ready to help.We help people throughout the Houston area claim the compensation they deserve from accidents. As well as Houston, we serve The Woodlands, Katy, McAllen, Harlingen, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Pearland, and Sugarland areas.
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“As a client to this Law Firm, I found it to be rewarding base on their work ethics. With there expertise, knowledge, flexibility and being responsive to their client needs. They will see that their client receive the best outcome on there case. There are many people out there that have bad ideas about lawyers, but DeHoyos Accident Attorneys will make sure that you’re not stressed about anything pertaining to your case. I’ll recommend that you seek this Lawyer and Law Firm for any unraveling situation you might face.”
RIDLEY OSBOURNE
“I can’t say enough good things about DeHoyos Accident Attorneys! Mr. Ryan DeHoyos is extremely knowledgeable in his field of Personal Injury. I was injured in a motor vehicle accident last year and Mr. DeHoyos stopped at nothing to get me the compensation I deserved. He kept me updated on my case regularly and guided me to get the medical care I needed. Additionally, his staff is so kind and caring, especially Ashley… Thank you, DeHoyos Accident Attorneys for your professionalism in closing my case…and WINNING big!”
RAVEN DOLBERRY