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The Stephens Law Firm Accident Lawyers

Houston Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer

Joe is one of the few Texas lawyers that is double board certified.

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Content Reviewed by: Joe Stephens

Last Updated: August 14, 2025

Driving while intoxicated is dangerous and illegal. If you or someone you love has been injured by someone operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, you need a Houston drunk driving accident lawyer who will fight for your rights. As an experienced DWI accident attorney, Joe Stephens of The Stephens Law Firm can guide you through the claims process and help you pursue compensation.

Table of Contents

When choosing a lawyer for a drunk driving victim, experience and credentials matter. Joe Stephens is one of the top trial lawyers in Texas and one of only 10 to be Double Board Certified. His certifications in personal injury and civil trial law demonstrate his courtroom expertise and ability to advocate for those hurt in accidents.

Joe is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has earned the Super Lawyers designation every year since 2008. He has an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a 10/10 “Superb” rating on Avvo.

Joe Stephens has experience when it comes to accidents caused by a driver who was under the influence of alcohol. If you or someone you know has been injured or killed by a drunk driver, Joe Stephens will fight for you to get the compensation you deserve for this inexcusable accident. We will not represent DWI offenders. We only represent the victims who were injured by the drunk driver.

Past Results

Experience as a drunk driving accident attorney is imperative when pursuing a fair verdict or settlement for a DWI victim. Joe has the track record a victim needs to fight with confidence.

What Our Houston Clients Are Saying

When I spoke to him, it is like speaking to a friend. He got me the money and the help that I needed.

LUIS E. | Client, Truck Accident

If you have been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, the legal process is your chance to hold them accountable. 

5 Steps for a Victim Filing a Drunk Driving Accident Claim

A lawyer can support you through the following steps, improving your chances of a fair settlement and easing your stress along the way:

  1. Seeking medical attention: Obtaining timely medical attention is key to making a successful legal claim. By pursuing treatment and following your provider’s recommendations, you demonstrate how your injury has affected your life.
  2. Gathering evidence for the claim: A strong case rests on clear and objective documentation, such as police reports, medical records, and accident scene photos. You may be able to provide some of this evidence from your records, while Joe draws on his strong local network to source additional proof.
  3. Filing the claim: We submit your claim to the insurance company, sharing details of what happened and key documentation. The insurer reviews the claim and submits an initial offer.
  4. Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurers may try to deny or minimize your claim to protect their bottom line. Joe will handle all communication with insurers and stand up for what you deserve.
  5. Going to trial if necessary: To minimize delays in getting the compensation you deserve, Joe prepares every case as if it will go to trial. From sourcing expert witnesses to preparing testimony, Joe makes sure things move forward smoothly.

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a criminal offense, which means the at-fault party might also face state charges. Criminal and civil cases can proceed simultaneously, which means you don’t need to wait for a criminal case to resolve before you file.

What Money Can You Obtain From a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?

Drunk driving accidents can be financially and emotionally stressful. Filing a claim allows you to hold the drunk driver accountable and ease the strain on your budget. You may potentially receive: 

  • Economic damages: Compensation for out-of-pocket expenses, such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and anticipated medical costs
  • Non-economic damages: Compensation for intangible yet impactful losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
  • Punitive damages: Awards that directly penalize the defendant for grossly negligent actions, such as driving under the influence

The circumstances of the accident will determine the amount and type of damages available. For example, if the victim passed away and had a minor child, Texas statute HB 393 requires that the court order restitution payments. Those payments continue monthly until the child is 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later.

Joe applies his extensive knowledge of injury law as he fights to get you every dollar you deserve. Consultations are free, and you pay nothing unless Joe wins your case. 

Common Injuries Lawyers See in Drunk Driving Lawsuits

A drunk driving accident in Houston, TX, can cause severe and even catastrophic damage. While not exhaustive, the following list includes some of the most common car accident injuries among our clients: 

  • Broken bones: Forceful impacts can cause severe fractures, some of which may require surgery and keep a victim out of work for months or longer.
  • Soft tissue injuries: Car crashes often cause injuries to the soft tissues, including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This damage can impact a victim’s mobility in the short or long term.
  • Spinal cord and back injuries: Damage to the vertebrae, discs, and joints may cause severe pain and limit movement. If the injury affects the spinal cord, the patient may experience temporary or permanent paralysis.
  • Head and brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, involve structural damage that alters neurological function. Symptoms range from cognitive, emotional, and memory issues to severe disability requiring 24/7 care.
  • Burns: Accident-related fires or contact with hot car components can cause painful and disfiguring burns. 
  • Amputations: High-speed impact or entrapment inside a car can lead to limb loss. Patients often require extensive physical and occupational therapy to adapt.
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Doctors recognize CRPS as one of the most painful injuries. It causes severe pain and swelling in the affected limb and may result in permanent disability.
  • Wrongful Death: When drunk driving takes a life, a wrongful death lawsuit can help families find justice and move forward with less financial stress.

Houston Drunk Driving Accident FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Resolve DUI Accident Claims?

The timeline for a car accident lawsuit depends on the case. More straightforward matters, where fault is straightforward and offers from insurers are fair, can be resolved in several weeks to a few months. If there are any disputes or challenges in securing evidence, the process can take up to 18 months.

Yes, you can file an injury lawsuit even if the defendant is facing criminal charges. It’s essential to work with a Houston drunk driving accident attorney who will take the civil claim as seriously as the criminal matter, working with police and experts to build a strong case.

Joe Stephens works on a contingency basis. There are no legal fees until he wins your case. If you collect compensation, the cost will be an agreed-upon percentage of your award. There are no surprises, and you never walk away with less than when you came to us.

Under Texas law, you typically have two years from your accident date to file a personal injury claim. In a wrongful death case, the statute of limitations begins on the date of the person’s passing. Some exceptions exist, such as injury to a minor child.  

Texas Drunk Driving Laws

In Texas, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. Commercial drivers are prohibited from driving with a BAC of 0.04 percent or higher.

What Is the Dram Shop Law in Texas?

A “dram shop” is a business that sells alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises. Examples include bars, pubs, and restaurants. In Texas, a dram shop may be held liable for damages resulting from an intoxication-related incident—for example, if a shop employee or owner served or sold alcohol to a person who was visibly intoxicated, and that intoxication caused the incident.

Houston Drunk Driving Accident Claims Statistics

According to state and local data:

  • Intoxication caused 32 percent of all traffic deaths in Houston in 2022, a 14 percent increase over the prior year. 
  • Impaired driving was the third most common cause of traffic deaths, behind unsafe maneuvers (42 percent) and speeding (33 percent). 
  • Intoxication was a factor in 14,389 Texas traffic deaths from 2014 to 2023.
  • Between 2018 and 2022, 30.9 percent of traffic deaths in Harris County involved alcohol, significantly higher than the national average.

Interested in learning more? We’ve collected these Texas car accident statistics to keep you informed.

Contact a Houston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near You

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights. The Stephens Law Firm is here to guide you through the process with understanding and a commitment to pursuing the compensation you deserve.

You don’t have to fight this alone. Call Joe today at 281-201-0035 or contact us online to get your free case evaluation. 

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