Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer in Lubbock, TX
Drunk driving crashes in Lubbock, Texas, cause devastating injuries that demand aggressive legal action. In my years representing victims across Lubbock and the South Plains, I’ve seen firsthand how these preventable tragedies devastate families.
The drunk driver made a choice that day. Now, as an experienced Lubbock drunk driver accident lawyer, I make it my mission to ensure they’re held fully accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Texas law recognizes drunk driving accidents differently than standard crashes. The driver’s criminal charges create unique opportunities to strengthen your civil case. I use evidence from the DWI investigation, coordinate with prosecutors when beneficial, and pursue every available source of compensation—including bars and restaurants that overserved.
This comprehensive approach has helped me secure substantial recoveries for clients facing catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and permanent disabilities.
You need an experienced drunk driver accident attorney in Lubbock who understands both the legal complexities and the personal toll of these cases. James Perrin handles every aspect of your claim personally, from investigating the crash scene to negotiating with insurance companies to presenting your case at trial if necessary.
My office works quickly to preserve critical evidence like bar surveillance footage and credit card receipts before they disappear. While you focus on recovery, Perrin Law focus on building the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.
Why Hire a Lubbock Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer at Perrin Law
Being struck by a drunk driver changes everything in an instant. I represent people whose lives were upended by someone’s decision to drive while intoxicated. I prepare every case as if it will go to trial because insurance companies respect attorneys who are ready to fight in court.
As your Lubbock car accident lawyer, you work directly with me—not a paralegal or case manager. I answer your calls personally and guide you through every step of this difficult process. My approach is simple: hold the drunk driver accountable while securing maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
You shouldn’t have to worry about legal fees while recovering from your injuries. That’s why I work on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless I win your case.
Contact me today to schedule your free case review and learn how I can help you move forward.
How Drunk Driving Accident Claims Work in Texas
When a drunk driver causes a crash, two separate legal processes begin. The criminal case is handled by prosecutors who may charge the driver with DWI or intoxication assault. Your civil case is completely different—it’s about getting you compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
You don’t need to wait for the criminal case to finish before pursuing your civil claim. As your Lubbock drunk driving accident attorney, I can start building your case immediately while the criminal proceedings move through the courts. This parallel approach often leads to faster settlements.
Is Drunk Driving Negligence Per Se in Texas?
Drunk driving is negligence per se in Texas. This legal concept means that when someone violates a safety law and causes harm, they’re automatically considered negligent. If the driver’s blood alcohol was above the legal limit, you don’t have to prove they were careless—the law does that for you.
This makes your case much stronger because we can focus on proving the extent of your damages rather than spending time establishing fault.
Are Punitive Damages Available After a DUI Crash?
Texas allows punitive damages in drunk driving cases. These are extra damages designed to punish the drunk driver for their reckless behavior and send a message to others. Punitive damages can significantly increase your total compensation beyond what’s needed to cover your actual losses.
The court awards punitive damages when the defendant’s conduct was especially harmful or malicious. Choosing to drive while intoxicated often meets this standard.
Who Pays After a Drunk Driving Crash in Lubbock
Multiple sources of compensation may be available after your crash. Even if the drunk driver has no insurance or flees the scene, a Lubbock drunk driver accident attorney can help you explore every option for financial recovery.
At-Fault Driver and Liability Insurance
The drunk driver’s auto insurance is typically the first source of compensation. Texas requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, though many carry only the minimum amounts. I handle all negotiations with their insurance company so you can focus on healing.
Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts by questioning your injuries or claiming you share fault. Having an experienced attorney protects you from these tactics and ensures you receive fair compensation.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist and PIP Options
Your own insurance policy can provide crucial coverage when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage pays when the other driver has no insurance. Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage kicks in when their policy limits are too low to cover your damages.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for immediate medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. As your drunk driver injury lawyer in Lubbock, I can help you navigate these coverages and maximize your benefits.
Can I Sue the Bar That Overserved the Drunk Driver?
Texas Dram Shop laws allow you to hold bars, restaurants, and other establishments liable for overserving alcohol. This provides an additional source of compensation, especially important when the drunk driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage.
To win a dram shop case, we must prove the establishment was negligent in their alcohol service. Here are the main scenarios where establishments can be held liable:
- Overserving visibly intoxicated customers: When staff continues serving someone who is obviously drunk and dangerous.
- Serving minors: Establishments are strictly liable for serving anyone under 21.
- Violating TABC regulations: Breaking state alcohol service rules can support your claim.
Evidence We Move Fast to Preserve Against Bars
Time is your enemy in dram shop cases because critical evidence disappears quickly. I act within days of your accident to preserve the proof needed to hold establishments accountable.
Surveillance footage is often critical evidence, so it’s important to preserve recordings promptly. Credit card receipts, employee schedules, and witness statements also become harder to obtain as time passes.
I immediately send preservation letters to any establishment that may have served the drunk driver. This legal notice requires them to save all relevant evidence for your case.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a DUI Crash?
Drunk driving accidents often cause severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and time away from work. As your Lubbock DUI accident lawyer, I fight to recover full compensation for both your current losses and future needs.
Medical Bills and Future Care
Your medical expenses start with the ambulance ride and emergency room treatment, but they don’t end there. You’re entitled to compensation for all medical care related to your injuries, including surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and medical equipment.
Future medical care is often the largest component of your claim. I work with medical experts to calculate the cost of ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and any permanent care you may need.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
You can recover compensation for all income lost due to your injuries. This includes wages, salary, bonuses, and benefits you missed while unable to work. If you’re self-employed, I can help document your lost business income.
When injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your ability to earn money, you can also recover damages for diminished earning capacity. This compensation addresses the long-term financial impact of your injuries.
Pain, Suffering, and Mental Anguish
The physical pain and emotional trauma from a drunk driving accident can be overwhelming. You’re entitled to compensation for the physical discomfort, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life you’ve experienced.
Many drunk driving victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or become afraid to drive. These psychological injuries are just as real as broken bones and deserve full compensation.
Property Damage and Rental Car Help
While you focus on recovering from your injuries, I also handle your property damage claim. This ensures you’re fairly compensated for vehicle repairs or total loss value, plus the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being fixed or replaced.
How Texas Comparative Responsibility Affects Your DUI Case
Texas follows a comparative responsibility rule for personal injury cases. This means your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you’re completely barred from recovery if you’re found more than 50% at fault.
In drunk driving cases, the intoxicated driver typically bears the vast majority of fault. As the best drunk driving accident lawyer in Lubbock for your situation, I work to minimize any attempt by insurance companies to shift blame onto you.
Insurance adjusters may claim you were speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, or otherwise contributed to the accident. I gather evidence to counter these arguments and protect your right to full compensation.
Passenger Claims in Drunk Driving Crashes
If you were a passenger injured in a drunk driving accident, you have strong legal rights regardless of whose vehicle you were in. Even if you were riding with the drunk driver, you can still file a claim for your injuries.
The only potential defense is if you voluntarily got into a vehicle knowing the driver was extremely intoxicated and dangerous. However, this defense is rarely successful, especially when passengers had limited alternatives.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Crash in Lubbock
The actions you take immediately after a crash can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do to protect your health and legal rights.
Get Medical Care Immediately
Your health is the top priority, even if you feel fine initially. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries, and some symptoms don’t appear for hours or days. Seek immediate medical attention at University Medical Center, Covenant Medical Center, or another local hospital.
Document all medical treatment you receive, including follow-up appointments with specialists. This medical record becomes crucial evidence of your injuries and their impact on your life.
Call Police and Preserve the Report
Always call 911 so police can respond and create an official accident report. The responding officer may conduct field sobriety tests and document signs of intoxication, which provides valuable evidence for your civil case.
Get the report number from the officer and request a copy of the completed report once it’s available. This document serves as an official record of the crash and the officer’s observations.
Document Everything at the Scene
If you’re physically able, gather as much evidence as possible before leaving the accident scene:
- Photograph vehicle damage from multiple angles
- Take pictures of the accident scene, including skid marks and debris
- Document any visible injuries you sustained
- Get contact information from witnesses
- Note the other driver’s behavior and any signs of intoxication
Contact Perrin Law Before Talking to Insurance
Don’t give recorded statements to any insurance company before speaking with me. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to minimize your claim or get you to accept fault.
I handle all communication with insurance companies from the moment you hire me. This protects you from saying something that could hurt your case while ensuring your rights are fully protected.
How Long Do You Have to File a DUI Crash Claim in Texas
Texas law gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline, called the statute of limitations, is strictly enforced—miss it and you lose your right to compensation forever.
Don’t wait until the deadline approaches to take action. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and your case becomes harder to prove as time passes. When you need a free consultation with a DUI accident lawyer, I’m here to help you understand these critical deadlines.
Wrongful Death Deadlines and Special Damages
If you lost a loved one in a fatal drunk driving accident, the same two-year deadline applies to wrongful death claims. These cases can be filed by the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased.
Wrongful death claims allow families to recover unique damages like loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and the financial support their loved one would have provided. These cases require immediate attention to preserve evidence and protect your family’s rights.
How I Build and Prove a Drunk Driving Case
My investigation goes far beyond the police report to uncover every piece of evidence that strengthens your case. I work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists to build the strongest possible claim.
Independent Investigation and Expert Analysis
While police focus on criminal charges, my investigation centers on maximizing your civil recovery. I hire accident reconstruction experts to analyze the crash scene, vehicle damage, and physical evidence to prove how the accident happened.
Medical experts help establish the full extent of your injuries and their long-term impact on your life. Economic experts calculate your lost earning capacity and future financial needs. This comprehensive approach ensures no aspect of your damages is overlooked.
Working With TABC and Criminal Prosecutors
I coordinate with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) when establishments may have illegally served the drunk driver. TABC investigations can provide valuable evidence for dram shop claims against bars and restaurants.
While I work alongside criminal prosecutors when helpful, I don’t wait for their case to conclude. Your civil claim moves forward independently, often resulting in faster resolution and compensation.
Recent Results and Proven Experience
My decades of experience handling drunk driving cases have resulted in significant recoveries for clients throughout West Texas, as reflected in client testimonials. I’ve successfully pursued complex dram shop claims, secured substantial settlements for catastrophic injuries, and taken cases to trial when insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation.
Every case is unique, and past results don’t guarantee future outcomes. However, my track record demonstrates my commitment to fighting for maximum compensation and holding drunk drivers accountable for their actions.
No Upfront Costs or Attorney Fees
I handle all drunk driving accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless I successfully recover compensation for you. I also advance all case expenses, including expert witness fees, court costs, and investigation expenses.
This arrangement allows you to pursue justice without worrying about legal costs while you’re recovering from your injuries. You can focus on healing while I handle the legal fight.
Consult With Our DUI Accident Law Firm in Lubbock, Texas
You’ve already been through enough trauma—getting legal help shouldn’t add to your stress. I’m available 24/7 to discuss your case and can meet you at your home or in the hospital if you’re unable to travel to my office.
During your free consultation, I’ll explain your legal rights, answer your questions, and outline the next steps in your case. There’s no obligation, and you’ll leave with a clear understanding of your options.
Call me or contact me online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.
Serving Lubbock and West Texas Communities
From my Lubbock office, I proudly represent clients throughout the South Plains and West Texas. I serve communities in Lubbock County, Crosby County, Hale County, Lynn County, and surrounding areas.
My familiarity with local courts, judges, and legal procedures gives my clients an advantage. I understand how cases are handled in our community and use this knowledge to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accident Claims
Do I Need a DWI Conviction to Win My Civil Drunk Driving Case?
No, you don’t need a criminal conviction to win your civil case. Civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases, so I can prove the driver was intoxicated using evidence that might not be sufficient for a criminal conviction.
Can I Sue a Bar or Restaurant Under Texas Dram Shop Law if They Overserved the Drunk Driver?
Yes, Texas dram shop laws allow you to hold establishments liable for overserving visibly intoxicated customers or serving minors. These claims provide additional compensation sources beyond the drunk driver’s insurance.
What Punitive Damages Are Available After a Drunk Driving Accident in Texas?
Texas allows punitive damages in drunk driving cases to punish reckless behavior and deter others from driving while intoxicated. These damages can significantly increase your total compensation beyond covering your actual losses.
What if the Drunk Driver Was Uninsured or Left the Scene of the Accident?
Your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage can provide compensation when the at-fault driver lacks insurance or flees the scene. I help you navigate these claims and maximize your benefits under your own policy.
Can Passengers Recover Compensation if They Knew the Driver Had Been Drinking?
Yes, passengers retain the right to compensation even if they knew the driver had consumed alcohol. The only potential defense is if the passenger voluntarily rode with someone they knew was extremely intoxicated and dangerous.
How Do Criminal DWI Charges Affect the Timeline of My Civil Injury Claim?
Your civil claim proceeds independently of criminal charges and doesn’t have to wait for the criminal case to conclude. I can start building your case immediately while criminal proceedings move through the courts.
Should I Give a Recorded Statement to the Drunk Driver’s Insurance Company?
No, never give a recorded statement to any insurance company without first consulting an attorney. These statements are often used to minimize your claim or deny coverage entirely.
How Quickly Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Drunk Driving Accident?
Contact an attorney immediately after your accident. Critical evidence like surveillance footage from bars and nearby businesses is often erased within days or weeks of the incident.
What Are Your Attorney Fees for Handling My Drunk Driving Accident Case?
I work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless I successfully recover compensation for you. I also advance all case expenses, so you have no upfront costs.
How Long Does It Typically Take to Resolve a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?
Case timelines vary depending on the severity of injuries and complexity of the case. Simple cases may resolve in months, while complex cases involving catastrophic injuries or dram shop claims can take longer to ensure maximum compensation.
You’ve been through enough. Let me handle the legal fight while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life. Contact me today for your free consultation and take the first step toward getting the justice and compensation you deserve.