Austin Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
40+ Years
of Combined Experience
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with over 400 Reviews
Over $150M
Won for Clients That Have Become Family
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Date Last Updated: April 25, 2025
Drunk drivers endanger themselves and everyone else on the road. The emotional and physical toll of a drunk driving collision can feel overwhelming.
If you are a victim of a drunk driving accident, you need a skillful lawyer who has a solid grasp of the relevant laws. Our Austin drunk driving accident lawyers have extensive experience handling DUI accident cases.
We combine legal knowledge with a compassionate approach to achieve positive results in every case. You can count on us to handle your case and keep you informed every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more in a free consultation.
Why Choose the Attorneys at Shamieh Law?
At Shamieh Law, we focus on personal injury cases and have years of experience helping clients injured by drunk drivers. Our Austin law firm includes a team of award-winning attorneys with extensive experience and legal knowledge. We take a client-focused approach to each DWI case because we understand each case is different.
Our work defending the rights of injury victims has not gone unnoticed. Over the years, our drunk driving accident attorneys in Austin have been recognized by multiple publications and organizations, including:
- Super Lawyers
- Texas Lawyer
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- The Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys
Our Philosophy: Winning With Awareness
Our mission is to provide top-of-the-line legal representation while maintaining the highest ethical standards. Our “Winning With Awareness” philosophy is what sets us apart. Our approach is not just about securing monetary outcomes but ensuring that all results are achieved ethically and respectfully. We treat everyone with dignity and compassion, starting with our clients and extending to our staff, opposing attorneys, judges, and everyone we interact with throughout each case. We find this approach serves our clients very well.
Settlements We've Won for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents in Austin
When injured by a drunk driver, you need a law firm that can deliver the justice and accountability you deserve. At Shamieh Law, our track record speaks volumes about our skill in handling car accident cases, including those involving drunk drivers. Visit our case results page to see the settlements and verdicts we have achieved, including:
Testimonials From Our Austin Clients
Nothing speaks louder than the voices of our satisfied clients. Our client reviews provide a glimpse of the real-world impact our services have on their lives and our commitment to justice and client well-being. Here is what some of our clients have to say about our exceptional services:
What Compensation Is Available Through a Drunk Driving Claim?
When you’re injured at little to no fault of your own, the law provides avenues to secure compensation from the at-fault party. If your case proceeds to court, there are three types of damages the court may award you. In drunk driving and other auto accident cases, compensation normally comes in the following three forms:
Economic damages
These are quantifiable financial losses you incurred from your accident. These damages aim to restore you to your previous financial state. They can compensate for things like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Lost future wages
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are more subjective and relate to the emotional impact of the accident. Though it is more difficult to quantify, these damages can significantly raise the value of your claim. Non-economic damages may compensate for things like:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Punitive damages
Courts order punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, to punish at-fault parties for misbehavior. Although punitive damages are rarely awarded, they can provide a significant amount of compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File a DUI Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
The statute of limitations to file an Austin drunk driving accident claim is two years from the date of injury or death. Though there are some exceptions to the rule, it is best to consult with an experienced Austin DWI attorney to make sure one applies in your case.
The statute of limitations is a law that limits how long you have to file your personal injury lawsuit in Texas. If you miss the strictly enforced deadline, the presiding court will likely dismiss your case.
How Is Liability Determined in an Austin Drunk Driving Case?
Liability in your drunk driving case is not limited to the intoxicated driver. Depending on the circumstances, Texas law allows you to sue multiple parties for the same accident. After a drunk driving accident in Austin, you may be able to sue the following parties:
- The intoxicated driver
- The “social host” who provided alcohol
- The business that sold the alcohol (see the Texas Dram Shop Act)
- The driver’s employer if they were drinking and driving during the “course and scope of their employment.”
Drunk Driving Laws in Texas Penal Code
As we all know, drunk driving is criminal behavior that endangers everyone on the road, including the drunk driver. The Texas Penal Code explains as follows:
- Definition of “Intoxicated” – You are intoxicated if the consumption of alcohol, drugs, or a controlled substance leaves you without the normal use of mental or physical faculties.
- Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limit – The legal BAC is 0.08 percent.
- Open Container Law – Texas prohibits possessing an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions we receive about drunk driving accidents in Austin include:
What Are Common Injuries Sustained in Austin DUI Accidents?
Drunk driving can result in a wide range of serious injuries. Some are catastrophic in nature. Many times, they are fatal. Common injuries we see in our practice include:
- Bruises, strains, sprains, and tears
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Amputation and permanent disfigurement
- Wrongful death
How Will My Austin Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit Be Structured?
Your Austin drunk driving accident lawyer will first try to reach a fair out-of-court settlement when insurance is available. That said, a full-fledged lawsuit may ultimately be necessary to secure the full and fair compensation you are entitled to.
- Insurance Claims: Filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance is the first step in a drunk driving accident. Our Austin DWI accident attorneys are ready to negotiate and seek fair compensation from the insurance companies.
- Personal Injury Lawsuits: When insurance is insufficient to cover your damages or a fair out-of-court settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit is the next step. Through a lawsuit, you can claim economic damages, such as medical bills, and non-economic damages, including pain and suffering.
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits: When a drunk driving accident results in a fatality, surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Of course, money can never right this kind of wrong. However, surviving loved ones can recover legal damages meant to compensate for things like funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and future earnings of the person killed.
How Common Are Drunk Driving Accidents in Austin?
Drunk driving is a significant issue in Austin and throughout Texas. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there are approximately three deaths related to drunk driving per day in our state.
According to the City of Austin, drunk driving and associated fatalities remain very concerning. Similarly, Travis County reported 27 drunk driving-related deaths last year and many more cases of injuries.
While drunk driving remains a problem, endeavors such as increased law enforcement during high-risk times and increased rideshare services have shown promise in reducing drunk driving accidents in Austin.
Can You Pursue Compensation If the Drunk Driver Faces Criminal Charges?
Yes. If you’re involved in a drunk driving accident in Texas, you can still pursue compensation even if the driver faces criminal charges. Criminal and civil cases are separate. While the state prosecutes the driver for penalties like fines, suspension, or imprisonment, you can file a civil lawsuit for damages and compensation.
After a conviction, the court may order restitution, and in cases where the victim is a parent, Texas courts may also order child support for victims’ children.
A Drunk Driving Accident Can Change Your Life. Let Our Team Help You Out.
After being injured in a drunk driving accident in Austin, you need a trusted attorney you can rely on. Our knowledgeable drunk driving accident attorneys will handle your case every step of the way—from initial investigation to negotiating a settlement and representing you in court if necessary.
We work hard to give you peace of mind so you can focus on your recovery while we fight for full and fair compensation on your behalf. If you’ve been in an accident with a drunk driver, call (512) 888-3333 or contact us online today for your free legal consultation.
