If a truck driver causes a collision while drunk, dealing with the consequences could feel overwhelming. The pressures of funding medical care, answering insurance calls, and taking time off work can quickly accumulate. If you are feeling uncertain about what to do next, speaking with an attorney could bring some clarity.
We could investigate, preserve evidence, and ensure your rights are protected. Choosing a private firm rather than trying to manage things on your own could allow you to focus on your recovery. We could guide you through your options and outline how the law applies to drunk driving truck accidents in Houston.
Why Are Drunk Driving Truck Accidents Complex?
Driving a large vehicle requires extra caution, and alcohol consumption increases the risk of an accident. Truck crashes often involve several overlapping legal issues. State law may hold the driver responsible for violating Driving While Intoxicated laws. If the driver was working at the time of the accident, an employer could be accountable under the principle of respondeat superior. A bar or restaurant that overserved the driver may be subject to a claim under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02, known as dram shop liability.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules also play a role. Alcohol tests carried out after a crash, driver qualification files, and Hours of Service records could be critical in building a case. A Houston attorney from Mostyn Law could examine truck logbooks, electronic control modules, dispatch notes, and dash camera footage of the crash to demonstrate that the driver was intoxicated. They could send preservation letters early to prevent such evidence from being lost or destroyed.
Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001 outlines the state’s modified comparative responsibility system. Your recovery is limited if a court finds you more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. This rule shapes how evidence is presented and how liability is argued. Damages could include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In cases involving intoxication, exemplary damages may also be available. For families, wrongful death and survival statutes provide additional legal options.
Protecting Your Rights and Taking Practical Steps
The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Texas is two years. Acting quickly could make a significant difference in gathering key evidence, such as 911 recordings, police body-worn camera video, and toxicology reports. Consistent medical care and keeping accurate records are also important for showing the extent of the harm you sustained.
If an intoxicated driver caused a truck crash that injured you, a Houston attorney may:
- Notify the trucking company and insurer to preserve evidence
- Request post-crash testing results and employment files
- Collect black box data and onboard video
- Review coverage and liability
- Bring in experts to explain impairment and trucking standards
Each of these steps could strengthen your case and keep the process consistent, fact-driven, and focused on protecting your rights.
Contact a Houston Attorney if You Experienced a Truck Collision Involving an Intoxicated Driver
If you are dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident, having a lawyer explain your options could help you regain control. You could learn what deadlines apply, what evidence matters most, and how damages are assessed under state law.
We have experience guiding clients through complex personal injury cases. Contact Mostyn Law today for more information about drunk driving truck accidents in Houston to understand your options and take action. A consultation could help you make an informed decision about how to move forward.