Injured by a Drunk Truck Driver in Houston? Advice from a Houston Truck Wreck Attorney

Truck accidents are already traumatic and life-changing, but when the cause of the crash is a drunk driver, the situation becomes even more severe. Truck drivers who choose to operate their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose an immense risk to everyone on the road, especially other drivers. If you’ve been injured in a truck wreck caused by a drunk driver in Houston, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and how a Houston truck wreck attorney can help you seek justice and compensation.
In this blog, we’ll outline the steps to take after an accident with a drunk truck driver, explain why it’s essential to work with a skilled attorney, and explore how the law can hold these negligent drivers accountable.
The Dangers of Drunk Truck Drivers
Driving a large truck under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only reckless but also illegal. Truck drivers in Houston are required to maintain a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or lower while driving, which is half the legal limit for regular drivers. When a truck driver exceeds this limit or is under the influence of illegal substances, they become a hazard to themselves and everyone else on the road.
Drunk driving impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination—skills that are essential for safely operating a truck, especially in heavy traffic or during long hauls. When a truck driver is impaired, the consequences can be catastrophic. Victims of drunk truck driver accidents often suffer from severe injuries, long-term disabilities, and in the worst cases, death.
What to Do After an Accident with a Drunk Truck Driver in Houston
If you’ve been involved in a truck wreck caused by a drunk driver, the aftermath can be overwhelming. However, taking the right steps in the moments after the accident can make a significant difference in your ability to recover compensation for your injuries.
1. Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Your first priority after a truck wreck should always be safety. If you are able to, move to a safe location and check yourself for injuries. Even if you don’t immediately feel pain, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Injuries from truck accidents—especially those caused by drunk drivers—can worsen over time, so getting checked out by a doctor is essential.
Call 911 to report the accident and ensure that police and emergency medical personnel arrive on the scene. The police will document the accident, which will be essential for proving fault in your case.
2. Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you’re able, gather as much evidence from the scene as possible. This includes taking photographs of the accident, capturing damage to vehicles, and recording any visible injuries. It’s also helpful to obtain the truck driver’s information, such as their name, driver’s license number, and the details of their employer if they were driving a commercial truck.
Ask witnesses for their contact information, as their testimonies could be valuable in corroborating your version of events.
3. Contact a Houston Truck Wreck Attorney
After an accident with a drunk truck driver, it’s crucial to reach out to a Houston truck wreck attorney as soon as possible. A skilled attorney will have the knowledge needed to investigate the circumstances of your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue legal action against the drunk driver and other responsible parties.
At J. Jackson Law Offices, we understand the complexities of truck accident cases and the emotional and physical toll they take on victims. We’ll work to ensure that you’re not left dealing with the financial consequences of a truck wreck caused by someone else’s negligence.
4. File a Personal Injury Claim
Once you’ve received medical attention and gathered evidence, your attorney will help you file a personal injury claim against the drunk truck driver. Since the driver was operating under the influence, this case may involve criminal charges as well as civil litigation. Your attorney will use the evidence from the scene, witness statements, and medical records to build a strong case for your compensation.
In addition to compensating you for medical expenses and lost wages, a personal injury claim can also seek damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term care needs. If the truck driver’s conduct was especially reckless or egregious, your attorney may also seek punitive damages as a deterrent against similar behavior in the future.
5. Understand the Role of Insurance Companies
In many cases, the trucking company’s insurance will be involved, especially if the truck driver was working at the time of the crash. However, trucking companies and their insurers will often try to minimize the compensation they offer. They may attempt to downplay the severity of your injuries or argue that the driver was not at fault.
Having a Houston truck wreck attorney by your side ensures that your rights are protected during these negotiations. A qualified lawyer will fight for fair compensation and will not allow insurers to take advantage of you.
6. Consider Criminal Proceedings
In addition to the civil lawsuit, the drunk truck driver may face criminal charges for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While criminal proceedings are separate from your personal injury case, it’s important to know that these charges can strengthen your claim for compensation. Your attorney can help keep you informed of any criminal actions related to your case.
Why You Need a Houston Truck Wreck Attorney
Truck wrecks caused by drunk drivers are serious, and the road to recovery can be long. However, working with an experienced Houston truck wreck attorney can help ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve for your injuries. At J. Jackson Law Offices, we are committed to fighting for your rights and holding drunk truck drivers accountable for their reckless actions.
For more information on the legal aspects of accidents involving drunk drivers, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s page on impaired driving. You can also learn more about your rights in personal injury cases by reading this informative guide on Texas personal injury law.
If you’ve been injured in a truck wreck caused by a drunk driver in Houston, don’t hesitate to contact J. Jackson Law Offices. We offer free consultations to help you understand your legal options and how we can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
Act now
Being involved in a truck wreck with a drunk driver is traumatic and challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. With the help of a skilled Houston truck wreck attorney, you can take steps toward recovery and pursue justice for the harm done. At J. Jackson Law Offices, we have the experience and dedication to guide you through the legal process, ensuring that you get the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Contact us today for a free consultation.