Is DWI Only for Alcohol in Texas, and Can I Sue?

 Posted on December 30, 2024 in Car Accidents

Driving while drunk is not only illegal, it can also be deadly. In Texas, a person with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent is considered intoxicated and can be charged with a DWI if driving. A Fort Bliss soldier was recently charged with DWI after colliding with a motorcycle in El Paso. The motorcyclist died from his injuries, and his bike was ripped apart into multiple pieces by the impact forces.

Is driving while intoxicated only charged when the driver is drunk, or does it include other types of substance abuse? Can I sue after a wreck caused by an intoxicated driver? Working with an experienced El Paso, TX personal injury attorney significantly increases your chance of winning your compensation claim.

What Does Texas Law Say About Intoxication?

In Chapter 49 of the Texas Penal Code, intoxication is defined as suffering physical or mental impairments from:

• Controlled substances

• Alcohol

• Drugs

• Dangerous drugs

• Any other substance that produces impairments

• A combination of these substances

It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated due to the pronounced safety risks. Some over-the-counter and prescription medications can impair users, so "drugs" does not only apply to illegal drugs.

How Does Intoxication Affect Drivers?

Traffic accidents are often caused by the impairments of drugs or alcohol, which include:

• Difficulty concentrating

• Blurred vision

• Poor judgment

• Aggressive or reckless behaviors

• Poor motor control and coordination

Intoxicated motorists often drive erratically, with weaving, excessive or fluctuating speeds, abrupt braking, and running stop lights. These errors can be deadly as they can produce wrecks that injure and kill.

Do Intoxicated Drivers Try to Avoid Collisions?

Intoxicated motorists may not understand their behaviors are dangerous. They might not realize they are about to collide with another vehicle, pedestrian, or stationary object, so they may not attempt to reduce speed or adjust steering. In other cases, these drivers make overcorrections. The resulting wrecks may include multiple vehicles, high-speed impacts, and catastrophic or fatal injuries.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer for My DWI Accident Claim?

After a DWI collision, injured victims can seek compensation through a personal injury claim. Eligible survivors of fatal wreck victims can pursue a wrongful death action. Even when the cause of a wreck is obvious, like intoxicated driving, insurance companies may deny your claim or offer an extremely low settlement amount.

Partnering with a competent attorney allows you to heal while we handle all the legal aspects of your case. Our experience and focused legal knowledge give us a clear advantage, and people with effective legal representation typically receive substantially more compensation.

Request Your Free Consultation With a Dedicated Sierra Blanca, TX DWI Accident Lawyer

If a DWI wreck injures you or takes the life of a loved one, the intoxicated driver needs to be held liable for his negligence. James Kennedy, P.L.L.C. can help you seek justice and the maximum available amount of compensation. Contact us online or call 915-544-5200 to speak to one of our determined El Paso County, TX personal injury attorneys. Se Habla Español.