Have you been injured in a DWI-related car accident in Houston, Texas? Omar Khawaja Personal Injury Lawyers can assist when you call (281) 888-2339. We offer a free consultation with a Houston DWI accident lawyer so you can understand your legal options and receive guidance on how to move forward.
You may also contact the firm online to begin the process. Once we hear from you, we will explain the next steps and outline what to expect as your case progresses. With our contingency fee structure, you will not pay any attorney’s fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Why Hire Omar Khawaja Personal Injury Lawyers After a DWI Accident in Houston, Texas?
When you are navigating the aftermath of a DWI accident in Houston, TX, having a dedicated legal advocate matters. Omar Khawaja Personal Injury Lawyers brings extensive experience and respected credentials to every case our firm handles.
Our firm offers several advantages that set our team apart, including:
- We bring more than 100 years of combined experience to the table, allowing us to evaluate complex cases with insight and precision.
- Our team has recovered more than $100 million for injured clients.
- We have been recognized by Super Lawyers for five consecutive years.
- Our attorneys have proven themselves in the courtroom and are fully prepared to go to trial when a client’s interests call for it.
- We make client-focused service a priority, offering compassionate guidance throughout every stage of the case.
- Our firm understands local laws and procedures thoroughly, which helps us move cases forward.
Drunk driving is an incredibly irresponsible behavior that should not go unpunished. Contact our Houston personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation to learn more about your next steps.
DWI Accidents in Houston, TX
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is one of the leading causes of serious and fatal accidents in Texas. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, over 14,000 people lost their lives in drunk driving crashes in a recent ten-year period.
A driver is legally intoxicated in Texas when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, but impairment can occur even at lower levels. Alcohol and drug use drastically reduce reaction times, coordination, and judgment, all of which are essential to driving safely.
Drunk driving isn’t just negligent; it’s also illegal. The at-fault driver in your case may be facing criminal charges, but keep in mind that personal injury claims are pursued in civil court and have a lower burden of proof. That means you can potentially win your case regardless of whether the defendant is found guilty in their criminal matter.
How Much Is My Houston DWI Accident Case Worth?
Every drunk driving accident is different, and the value of your case will ultimately depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Our car accident lawyers will carefully evaluate every loss you’ve suffered, both financial and emotional, to ensure your claim reflects the full impact of the crash.
Several factors can influence how much your case is worth, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- Insurance policy terms and limits
- The level of your pain and suffering
- Amount of your financial losses
- Strength of the available evidence
At Omar Khawaja Personal Injury Lawyers, we can hire leading expert witnesses to help make your claim as strong as it can be. We can also provide you with more personalized information as to your case’s potential value during your free case review.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Houston DWI Accident?
Texas law allows DWI accident victims to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Together, these are known as compensatory damages, and they are designed to make you financially and emotionally whole again, as best as the law can.
Economic damages cover the financial costs of your accident, including:
- Medical bills, current and future
- Lost wages and loss of future earning ability
- Vehicle repairs and other property damage
- Home modifications
- Rehabilitation
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages compensate you for the personal and emotional impact of the crash, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Anxiety, PTSD, and other conditions
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
In rare cases that go to trial, you may also be able to recover punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish egregious behavior and deter others from acting similarly.
What To Do After a DWI Accident in Houston
The moments after a drunk driving accident can be extremely chaotic, but your actions can have a lasting impact on both your medical recovery and the success of your legal case. If you can, you should:
- Call 911 immediately to report the crash and request medical attention. Law enforcement will investigate the scene and conduct sobriety tests if intoxication is suspected.
- Seek medical treatment right away, even if you think you’re fine. Some injuries, like concussions, don’t always show symptoms immediately.
- Gather evidence at the scene, including photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions, if it is safe to do so.
- Get any eyewitness information that you can, as their contact details and brief statements can strengthen your claim.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney. The insurance companies are out to make a profit, not pay the full value of your claim.
Our DWI accident attorneys in Houston can handle all the communications and settlement negotiations with the opposing party on your behalf. Call us today to set up a completely free initial consultation.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Houston Drunk Driving Accident?
While the intoxicated driver is usually the primary party responsible, other individuals and/or entities may share liability depending on the circumstances.
Our team will conduct a full investigation to identify all potential sources of compensation, which may include:
- The drunk driver, for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Bars, restaurants, or clubs, if they served alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person (known as “dram shop liability” under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code §2.02)
- Employers, if the intoxicated driver was working at the time of the crash
- Vehicle manufacturers, if a mechanical failure or defect contributed to the collision
Holding all of the liable parties accountable can increase the value of your claim substantially, so it’s worth investigating to determine what course of action you should take.
What if I’m Being Blamed for My DWI Crash in Houston?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you’re awarded $500,000 but are found 10% responsible, your recovery would be reduced to $450,000. If you are 51% or more at fault, you will be barred from recovering compensation entirely.
Our personal injury lawyers can help you respond to any allegations of blame to the best of our ability, working to minimize the level of fault you’re assigned, if any.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Houston DWI Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a qualified lawyer shouldn’t add to your financial stress after an accident. That’s why Omar Khawaja Personal Injury Lawyers represents clients on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front to hire us, and our attorneys’ fees only come out if we win compensation for you.
This means you can focus on your health and well-being without worrying about legal bills. Our interests are completely aligned with yours, in that the more you recover, the more we receive as well. During your free consultation, we’ll explain exactly how our fee agreement works so there are no surprises later.
How Long Do I Have To File a DWI Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
Texas law gives most accident victims two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. This rule, known as the statute of limitations, applies to most DWI accident claims. If you fail to file within this window, you may lose your right to recover any compensation at all.
Some exceptions can shorten or extend this deadline. For instance, if the drunk driver was working for a government agency, you may have to file a notice of claim within just a few months. On the other hand, if the victim is a minor, the clock might not start until they reach adulthood.
It’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible after a crash takes place to ensure your claim gets off to the right start and is filed on time.
Contact Our Houston DWI Accident Attorneys To Schedule a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love was injured in a drunk driving crash in Houston, TX, Omar Khawaja Personal Injury Lawyers is ready to help. With over a century of combined legal experience and more than $100 million recovered for accident victims, our firm has the resources and determination to handle even the toughest DWI cases.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Houston DWI accident lawyer. We’re ready to get to work on your claim straight away.