Available 24/7 (214) 333-3333
Available 24/7 (214) 333-3333
Available 24/7 (214) 333-3333
Available 24/7 (214) 333-3333
Being hit by a drunk driver is one of the most devastating experiences a person can face. In a single moment, someone else’s reckless decision can shatter your health, your finances, and your sense of safety. At Frenkel & Frenkel, our Dallas drunk driving accident lawyers are here to fight for you. We hold drunk drivers accountable, pursue every avenue of compensation available under Texas law, and stand by your side every step of the way.
If you or a loved one was injured by a drunk driver in Dallas, do not wait. Contact Frenkel & Frenkel today for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 at (214) 333-3333.
Dallas roads see thousands of drunk driving crashes every year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 35 percent of all fatal car accidents in the United States involve a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. In Texas alone, thousands of people are killed or seriously injured in alcohol-related crashes annually, and many of those victims were completely sober when the accident occurred.
Drunk and drug-impaired drivers have severely reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and diminished ability to control their vehicles. This leads to some of the most violent and catastrophic crashes on Dallas streets and highways, including wrong-way collisions, high-speed rear-end impacts, and deadly intersection crashes. When a drunk driver causes an accident, they must be held fully accountable, and so must anyone else who contributed to putting them behind the wheel.
It is also important to understand that a driver does not have to be legally drunk to be impaired. Prescription medications, marijuana, and other substances can all impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. If a driver was under the influence of any substance that affected their driving, they can be held liable for the harm they caused.
Drunk driving crashes tend to be high-impact collisions. Because impaired drivers often fail to brake, swerve, or react at all before impact, the force involved is frequently severe. Victims of these accidents commonly suffer injuries including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries and paralysis, broken and fractured bones, internal organ damage, severe lacerations and road rash, loss of limbs, and permanent disfigurement. Beyond the physical toll, many victims also experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other lasting psychological trauma that can be just as disabling as a physical injury.
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing care. The financial burden can be overwhelming, which is exactly why pursuing full compensation is so critical.
Impaired drivers cause a wide range of crash types on Dallas roads. Rollover accidents occur when a drunk driver loses control and the vehicle flips, often resulting in catastrophic injuries. Wrong-way accidents happen when an intoxicated driver enters a highway or one-way street going the wrong direction, frequently causing devastating head-on collisions. Rear-end collisions are common because impaired drivers cannot react in time to slow or stop. T-bone accidents at intersections occur when drunk drivers run red lights or fail to yield. Sideswipe accidents happen when a driver drifts out of their lane. Multi-vehicle pileups can result when one impaired driver triggers a chain reaction. Single-vehicle accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists are also tragically common, as drunk drivers often fail to see vulnerable road users entirely.
No matter what type of crash you were involved in, if a drunk or impaired driver caused it, you have the right to pursue compensation.
Proving liability is the foundation of any drunk driving injury claim. In Texas, multiple parties can be held responsible for a drunk driving accident, and Frenkel & Frenkel investigates every angle to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Police Reports are among the most important pieces of evidence in a drunk driving case. Officers document signs of intoxication at the scene, including the smell of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and the results of field sobriety tests. A police report that notes suspected impairment can be powerful evidence in your civil claim.
BAC Test Results provide direct evidence of intoxication. In Texas, a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher is the legal limit for adult drivers. A BAC above this threshold is strong evidence of liability. However, even a BAC below 0.08 percent can support a claim if the driver showed signs of impairment.
Eyewitness Statements from people who observed the driver’s behavior before or during the crash can be critical. Witnesses who saw the driver swerving, speeding, or behaving erratically provide valuable testimony that supports your case.
Video Footage from dashcams, traffic cameras, business surveillance systems, and nearby residences can capture the crash itself or the driver’s behavior leading up to it. This type of evidence can be decisive.
Dram Shop Liability is an important and often overlooked avenue of recovery. Under Texas’ dram shop laws, a bar, restaurant, club, or any other establishment that served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then caused an accident can be held liable for the resulting injuries. If the drunk driver was over-served at a Dallas establishment before getting behind the wheel, Frenkel & Frenkel will investigate and pursue that liability aggressively.
Victims of drunk driving accidents in Dallas may be entitled to significant compensation. Frenkel & Frenkel fights to recover the full value of every client’s losses, which can include medical expenses both current and future, lost wages and lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress and psychological trauma, loss of quality of life and enjoyment, property damage and vehicle repair or replacement, and loss of consortium for spouses and family members.
In drunk driving cases specifically, Texas courts may also award punitive damages. Because drunk driving represents gross negligence, juries can award additional damages designed to punish the at-fault driver and deter similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages can significantly increase the total value of your claim, and our attorneys know how to build the case that justifies them.
If a loved one was killed by a drunk driver, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship and parental guidance, and compensation for the grief and suffering the family has endured.
When a drunk driver injures or kills someone, two separate legal processes may follow. The criminal case is handled by the state of Texas and can result in the driver facing fines, license suspension, and prison time. However, a criminal conviction does not automatically compensate you for your injuries.
The civil case is entirely separate and is filed by you, the injured victim, to recover financial compensation for your damages. You do not need to wait for the criminal case to conclude before pursuing your civil claim. In fact, acting quickly is important because evidence can disappear and witnesses’ memories fade. Frenkel & Frenkel handles the civil side of drunk driving cases with the same intensity and preparation that we bring to every serious injury case we take to trial.
The steps you take immediately after a drunk driving accident can have a significant impact on your ability to recover full compensation. First, call 911 and request both emergency medical services and law enforcement. Make sure a police report is filed and insist that the officer administer a field sobriety test on the suspected drunk driver. Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine, because many serious injuries are not immediately apparent. Document the scene by taking photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and your injuries. Gather the names and contact information of any witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Then contact Frenkel & Frenkel as soon as possible so we can begin preserving evidence and building your case.
Frenkel & Frenkel has been fighting for injured Texans for decades, and our track record speaks for itself. Our legal team has recovered millions of dollars in damages for victims of drunk driver injury claims and lawsuits. The founding attorneys, Mark D. Frenkel, Scott B. Frenkel, and Gene Burkett, are each recognized leaders in personal injury law and have been listed as Best Lawyers in D Magazine for years. Frenkel & Frenkel has been voted Favorite Law Firm for ten consecutive years by the readers of Addison Magazine, the longest streak of any business in the magazine’s history. All three founding attorneys hold an Avvo rating of 10, or “Superb,” and Mark D. Frenkel is a past President of the Dallas Trial Lawyers Association.
These are not awards given out by advertisers. They are earned through peer recognition in the legal community, which means other attorneys acknowledge the quality of our work. As trial lawyers, we prepare every serious injury case for court. We do not shy away from large, complex cases, and we handle them in-house with confidence. When you choose Frenkel & Frenkel, you are choosing a firm that is ready to go to the mat for you.
Texas law defines driving while intoxicated (DWI) as operating a motor vehicle on a public road with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher, or while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. For drivers under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol is illegal under Texas’ zero-tolerance policy. Commercial drivers face a stricter limit of 0.04 percent BAC.
Texas also has an intoxication manslaughter statute, which applies when a drunk driver causes a fatal accident. These cases carry serious criminal penalties and also give surviving family members strong grounds for a civil wrongful death claim.
Texas’ dram shop law holds alcohol vendors accountable when they serve alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person who then causes harm. This is a powerful tool that Frenkel & Frenkel uses to pursue maximum compensation for our clients, particularly in cases where the drunk driver had limited insurance coverage.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is generally two years from the date of the accident. Do not wait to take action.
Frenkel & Frenkel proudly serves drunk driving accident victims throughout the Dallas area, including Addison, Carrollton, Irving, Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Garland, Mesquite, Richardson, Grand Prairie, Arlington, and communities throughout Dallas County, Collin County, Denton County, and Tarrant County. Wherever you are in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, our team is ready to help.
Call 911 right away and make sure law enforcement responds to the scene. Request that the officer administer a field sobriety test on the other driver and ensure a police report is filed. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not feel seriously hurt. Document the scene with photos, gather witness contact information, and then call Frenkel & Frenkel before speaking to any insurance company.
If you were injured in an accident caused by a driver who was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you very likely have a valid personal injury claim. You do not need to wait for the criminal case to conclude. Contact Frenkel & Frenkel for a free consultation and we will evaluate your case at no cost to you.
Yes. Under Texas’ dram shop law, an establishment that serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then causes an accident can be held liable for the resulting injuries. This is an important avenue of recovery, especially when the drunk driver has limited insurance coverage. Frenkel & Frenkel investigates dram shop liability in every applicable case.
In Texas, the primary charge for adult impaired driving is DWI, or Driving While Intoxicated. DUI, or Driving Under the Influence, is typically used for minors who have any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. Both can form the basis of a civil personal injury claim if the impaired driver caused an accident that injured you.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, and loss of quality of life. In drunk driving cases, Texas courts may also award punitive damages because drunk driving constitutes gross negligence. If a loved one was killed, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim.
Punitive damages are awarded in addition to compensatory damages and are designed to punish a defendant for especially reckless or egregious conduct. Because drunk driving is considered gross negligence under Texas law, juries frequently award punitive damages in these cases. This can significantly increase the total value of your claim.
In most cases, Texas law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to recover compensation entirely. It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible so that evidence can be preserved and your case can be built while details are still fresh.
Yes. A criminal conviction does not automatically compensate you for your injuries, medical bills, or lost wages. The criminal case is handled by the state and focuses on punishing the driver. Your civil case is separate and is the only way to recover financial compensation for your losses. Having an experienced drunk driving accident attorney on your side ensures you pursue the full value of your claim.
This is more common than many people realize. Frenkel & Frenkel explores every available source of compensation, including your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, dram shop claims against the establishment that served the driver, and any other liable third parties. We leave no stone unturned in pursuing the maximum recovery for you.
Yes. A passenger injured in a vehicle driven by an intoxicated driver has the right to file a personal injury claim against that driver. You do not have to be in a separate vehicle to have a valid claim. If you were injured as a passenger, contact Frenkel & Frenkel to discuss your options.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if you believe you share some responsibility, it is worth speaking with an attorney before assuming you cannot recover.
There is no upfront cost. Frenkel & Frenkel handles drunk driving accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you. Your initial consultation is completely free. Call us at (214) 333-3333 any time, day or night.