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Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
Drunk drivers make a choice — and innocent people pay the price. If you or a loved one was hurt by an impaired driver, you deserve an advocate who will hold them accountable. At Patterson Law Group, we fight aggressively for victims of drunk driving accidents. No fee unless we win.
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No Obligation • No Cost Unless We Win
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- 5.0 Google Rating
- Injury Focused Since 1995
- No Fee Unless We Win
- Available 24/7
- Family-Owned Firm
The Drunk Driving Problem in Texas
The Numbers Are Staggering
Drunk driving remains one of the deadliest and most preventable causes of crashes in Texas.
People killed by impaired drivers in Texas last year alone
Serious injuries caused by drunk drivers on Texas roads
DUI-related crashes during a single spring break period in Texas, causing 30 fatalities
The legal blood alcohol concentration limit in Texas — any amount above is a criminal offense
Why It's So Dangerous
How Alcohol Impairs a Driver's Ability
Every drink degrades the skills needed to operate a vehicle safely. Even small amounts of alcohol can have devastating consequences behind the wheel.
Impaired Judgment & Coordination
Alcohol distorts perception and the ability to make sound decisions. Distances, speeds, and vehicle controls become misjudged, making steering, braking, and accelerating unreliable.
Slowed Reaction Time
Alcohol causes the brain to process information more slowly and diminishes reflexes. In emergencies where every fraction of a second counts, impaired drivers simply cannot react in time.
Reduced Visual Acuity
Alcohol negatively impacts the ability to see clearly and focus. Blurred vision, difficulty judging depth perception, and impaired night vision make driving after drinking extremely hazardous.
Loss of Concentration
Alcohol reduces a driver's ability to maintain attention on the road, other vehicles, and changing conditions. Even a momentary lapse at highway speeds can result in catastrophic consequences.
Why Choose Patterson Law Group
We Hold Drunk Drivers Accountable
Drunk driving accidents are not just accidents — they’re the result of a choice. Someone chose to drink and get behind the wheel. We make sure they’re held fully accountable, and that you and your family get every dollar of compensation you’re owed.
Travis Patterson
Founder, Patterson Law Group
Small Caseloads, Big Results
We limit our cases so every client gets the personal care and resources their claim deserves. You'll never feel rushed or overlooked — your story matters to us.
Direct Attorney Access
From day one, you'll work directly with an attorney — not a call center. Your lawyer will be accessible throughout your entire case for questions, updates, and guidance.
Pursuing Maximum & Punitive Damages
DUI cases may qualify for punitive damages on top of standard compensation — damages designed to punish the drunk driver's reckless behavior. We fight for every dollar available.
Proven Results
Millions Recovered for Accident Victims
We have a track record of securing significant settlements for victims of serious vehicle
collisions across Texas.
Distracted driver / company vehicle collision with significant injury
Company vehicle failure to yield right of way
Highest wrongful death settlement in Texas in 2024
Results shown represent gross settlement amounts before attorney fees and expenses. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Serious Injuries
Common Drunk Driving Accident Injuries
Because drunk drivers often fail to brake or take evasive action, these crashes tend to happen at full speed with devastating force.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
High-speed, unbraked collisions with impaired drivers cause severe head trauma, from concussions to permanent brain damage requiring lifetime care.
Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis
The violent force of a drunk driving crash frequently damages the spine, potentially causing partial or complete paralysis and lifelong disability.
Internal Organ Damage
The extreme blunt force of these high-impact collisions can rupture organs and cause life-threatening internal bleeding requiring emergency surgery.
Broken Bones & Crush Injuries
Multiple fractures, shattered limbs, and crush injuries are common when a drunk driver slams into another vehicle at full speed without braking.
Severe Burns
Drunk driving crashes often cause vehicle fires from fuel line ruptures, resulting in catastrophic burns that require skin grafts and reconstructive surgery.
Wrongful Death
When a drunk driver takes a life, we fight relentlessly to hold them accountable and secure full compensation for the grieving family.
Texas Law
DWI Penalties in Texas
Texas takes drunk driving seriously. But criminal penalties are separate from your right to civil compensation — even if the driver is convicted, you still need an attorney to recover damages.
1st Offense
Class B Misdemeanor
Up to $2,000 fine, 3–180 days in jail, and license suspension up to 1 year
2nd Offense
Class A Misdemeanor
Up to $2,000 fine, 3–180 days in jail, and license suspension up to 1 year
3rd Offense
Third-Degree Felony
Up to $2,000 fine, 3–180 days in jail, and license suspension up to 1 year
Client Reviews
What Our Clients Say
5.0 ★★★★★ on Google • Patterson Law Group
Frequently Asked Questions
Drunk Driving Accident FAQ
Can I sue a drunk driver even if they're facing criminal charges?
Yes. Criminal charges and a civil lawsuit are completely separate legal proceedings. Criminal charges are brought by the state to punish the driver. A civil lawsuit is your right to recover financial compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering — regardless of the criminal case outcome.
Can I get punitive damages in a drunk driving case?
Potentially, yes. Texas allows punitive (exemplary) damages in cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct. Because the decision to drive drunk is a conscious choice, courts may award punitive damages on top of compensatory damages to punish the driver and deter future behavior.
Can I sue the bar or restaurant that served the drunk driver?
In some cases, yes. Under the Texas Dram Shop Act, a bar, restaurant, or other establishment can be held liable if they served alcohol to a person who was obviously intoxicated and that person then caused an accident. These claims can add significant additional compensation to your case.
How much does it cost to hire Patterson Law Group?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is completely free with no obligation.
What evidence is important in a drunk driving accident case?
Key evidence includes the police report and DWI arrest records, blood alcohol test results, bar or restaurant receipts, surveillance footage, witness statements, and the driver’s prior DWI history. We move quickly to preserve this evidence before it’s lost or destroyed.
They Made a Choice. Now Make Yours.
Hold the drunk driver accountable. Let our family help your family.
At Patterson Law Group, we understand how catastrophic and disruptive accidents are. Since 1995, our family-owned firm has been dedicated solely to personal injury law, fighting for the rights of injured Texans and their families.
Fort Worth
2409 Forest Park Boulevard
Fort Worth, TX 76110
San Antonio
926 Chulie Drive
San Antonio, TX 78216
Arlington
2310 West Interstate 20 # 100
Arlington, TX 76017