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If a drunk driver caused the crash that injured you, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Driving under the influence is both illegal and reckless, and when it leads to a collision, the at-fault driver can be held civilly liable for the harm they caused, separate from any criminal charges they may face.

Austin drunk driving attorney Matt Breeland represents victims of drunk driving crashes throughout the Austin area. Call Breeland Injury Law today at 512-764-3380 for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss what happened and what your legal options look like.

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How Alcohol Affects a Driver’s Ability to Operate a Vehicle Safely

Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measures how much alcohol is in a person’s system, and in Texas, a BAC of .08 or higher makes it illegal to operate a vehicle, though a driver can still face DWI charges at a lower BAC if impairment is evident.

Even small amounts of alcohol impair the skills needed to drive safely:

  • A BAC around .02 begins to affect vision and the ability to track multiple things at once
  • Around .05, coordination and reaction time suffer, making it harder to steer and respond to hazards
  • At .08, concentration, speed control, and short-term memory are all compromised
  • By .10, many drivers struggle to stay in their lane or brake properly
  • At .15 and above, a driver poses a serious danger to everyone else on the road

There is no “safe” level of alcohol before getting behind the wheel, impairment begins well before a driver reaches the legal limit.

For a free legal consultation with an Austin drunk driving accident lawyer, call 512-764-3380

Drunk Driving Crashes Are a Serious Problem in Texas

Drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal and serious-injury crashes in Texas. Travis County alone sees hundreds of alcohol-related crashes every year, many resulting in life-changing injuries or death. These numbers don’t capture the medical bills, lost income, and emotional toll that follow for victims and their families.

If you were hurt by a drunk driver, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath on your own. Matt Breeland can evaluate your case and explain the compensation you may be entitled to pursue.

The Impact of a Drunk Driving Crash

Injuries from a drunk driving collision can range from minor to catastrophic, and symptoms don’t always appear right away. Common injuries include:

  • Cuts, bruising, and burns
  • Head, neck, and spinal injuries
  • Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Broken bones and joint damage
  • Internal injuries
  • Emotional trauma, anxiety, and PTSD

Beyond the physical toll, these injuries often disrupt a victim’s ability to work, care for their family, and manage daily life — while medical bills continue to mount.

Victims of drunk driving accidents may be able to recover compensation for:

  • Medical expenses, past and future
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

If a loved one was killed by a drunk driver, Texas law also allows surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other damages.

When Someone Else Shares the Blame: Dram Shop Liability

In some cases, the driver isn’t the only party responsible. Under Texas’s dram shop law, a bar, restaurant, or other establishment that serves alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated can be held liable if that person later causes a crash. Matt can help determine whether an establishment’s over-service played a role in your accident and whether that opens up an additional path to compensation.

Don’t Wait to Take Action

Texas law gives injury victims a limited window to file a claim, generally two years from the date of the crash under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and witnesses become harder to reach as time passes, so it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

Call an Austin Drunk Driving Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation

You don’t have to face the insurance companies alone after a drunk driving crash. Call Breeland Injury Law, PLLC at 512-764-3380 or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Matt and his team will review your case and help you understand the best path forward to recover the compensation you deserve.

When You’re Injured You Deserve an Advocate.
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