A night out should never end in tragedy.
Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents continue to change lives across San Antonio and throughout Texas. Every year, impaired drivers cause devastating crashes that leave innocent people facing painful injuries, emotional trauma, mounting medical bills, and the loss of loved ones.
While law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to reduce impaired driving, alcohol-related crashes remain one of the leading causes of preventable traffic deaths in Texas.
Whether you’re driving home after work, traveling during Fiesta, or heading out over a holiday weekend, understanding the dangers of drunk driving can help you stay safer on the road.
Drunk Driving by the Numbers
Texas continues to experience one of the highest numbers of alcohol-related traffic fatalities in the nation.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), someone is injured or killed in a crash involving alcohol nearly every day in Texas.
Recent traffic safety data also shows that Texas ranks among the worst states in the country for impaired driving fatalities. Alcohol-impaired drivers are involved in more than 42% of fatal traffic crashes statewide, highlighting the devastating impact drunk driving continues to have on Texas families.
San Antonio also sees a significant number of DWI arrests and alcohol-related crashes throughout the year. Holidays, Fiesta celebrations, sporting events, and weekends often bring increased traffic enforcement as officers work to remove impaired drivers from local roads.
Despite these efforts, many families still become victims of crashes that could have been prevented.
How Alcohol Impairs Driving
Even small amounts of alcohol can affect a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Alcohol may cause:
- Slower reaction times
- Blurred vision
- Poor decision-making
- Reduced coordination
- Difficulty judging speed and distance
- Delayed braking
- Increased confidence and risk-taking
These impairments make it much harder to react to changing traffic conditions and significantly increase the likelihood of a serious collision.
Where Drunk Driving Accidents Often Occur
Drunk driving crashes can happen anywhere, but they are especially common:
- Late at night
- During weekends
- Around holidays like the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve, and Thanksgiving
- After concerts, sporting events, and festivals
- On major San Antonio roadways, including Loop 410, Loop 1604, I-10, and I-35
Many alcohol-related crashes involve drivers traveling at excessive speeds, running red lights, driving the wrong way, or failing to stop before impact.
Common Injuries After a Drunk Driving Crash
Because impaired drivers often fail to brake or react before a collision, these crashes frequently result in catastrophic injuries.
Victims may suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Severe burns
- Permanent disabilities
- Wrongful death
Many victims require emergency surgery, rehabilitation, ongoing medical care, and months—or even years—of recovery.
How to Protect Yourself from Drunk Drivers
You can’t control the actions of other drivers, but you can reduce your risk by staying alert and making safe decisions.
Consider these safety tips:
- Avoid driving during late-night hours when possible.
- Leave extra following distance between vehicles.
- Watch for drivers who are speeding, weaving, or braking erratically.
- Never assume another driver will obey traffic signals.
- If you suspect someone is driving under the influence, keep your distance and call law enforcement when it is safe to do so.
- If you plan to drink, arrange for a designated driver or use a rideshare service before leaving.
Planning ahead can save lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a personal injury claim if the drunk driver was arrested?
Yes. A criminal DWI case and a personal injury claim are separate legal matters. Even if criminal charges are filed, you may still have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and financial losses.
What if the drunk driver didn't have insurance?
Depending on your policy, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may help pay for damages. An attorney can review your insurance coverage and explain your options.
How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident claim in Texas?
Texas law generally sets deadlines for filing personal injury claims. Because evidence can disappear quickly, it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
Should I speak with the insurance company?
You should report the accident to your insurance company, but be cautious about giving recorded statements or accepting a settlement before understanding the full value of your claim.
Should I spCan I recover compensation if I was injured as a passenger?eak with the insurance company?
Yes. Passengers injured in drunk driving accidents often have legal rights, regardless of which driver caused the collision.
How can Carabin Law Help?
A drunk driving accident can change your life in an instant, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
At Carabin Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that follow a serious crash. Our team is committed to helping injured Texans understand their legal options and pursue the compensation they deserve.
When you contact Carabin Law, you’ll speak with a real person, not an automated phone system. We take the time to listen, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of the legal process. We also offer flexible ways to meet, including in-person consultations, phone calls, secure video conferencing, and a convenient client portal that allows you to securely message our team throughout your case.
If you or someone you love has been injured by an impaired driver in San Antonio or anywhere in Texas, we’re here to help.
Every Case Matters. Every Client Counts.
