Drunk driving crash — How much is my case worth?
If you were injured in a drunk driving crash in Texas, your case may be worth a significant amount—but it depends on several key factors. The largest factor in determining the value of your claim is the available insurance coverage. Texas is an at-fault state, which means you typically need to pursue the insurance of the intoxicated driver responsible for causing the crash.
However, it’s not always clear how much insurance the at-fault driver carries. Texas law requires a minimum liability coverage of $30,000, so there is at least some baseline protection. But what if the driver has $100,000, $150,000, $300,000, or even a commercial policy with $1,000,000+ coverage? Those additional sources can significantly increase the total value of your case. Your own insurance may also provide coverage through underinsured motorist or personal injury protection policies, which can further increase compensation.
INSURANCE COVERAGE ALONE DOESN’T DETERMINE CASE VALUE
Being involved in a drunk driving crash does not automatically guarantee full compensation. Insurance companies often undervalue these claims because they assume the injuries are minor or temporary. But drunk driving accidents can result in serious injuries, long-term pain, missed work, and permanent physical or emotional effects.
You need an attorney who understands how to properly document injuries and prove their impact. Simply requesting a settlement from the insurance company is rarely enough—they may offer a low amount, hoping you accept it.
TYPES OF DAMAGES YOU CAN RECOVER
Under Texas law, you are entitled to compensation for multiple categories of damages when injured in a drunk driving crash:
Past medical bills
Future medical bills
Past pain and suffering
Future pain and suffering
Past mental anguish
Future mental anguish
Past physical impairment
Future physical impairment
Past physical disfigurement
Future physical disfigurement
Past lost wages
Future loss of earning capacity
HOW AN ATTORNEY CAN MAXIMIZE YOUR CASE
An experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to gather evidence, obtain expert testimony, and document your injuries properly. They can also use the threat of litigation to pressure insurance companies into offering fair compensation. If your claim is undervalued, your attorney can file a lawsuit to unlock full coverage and leverage additional sources of insurance.
Even with clear injuries from a drunk driving crash, insurance companies often undervalue claims. Attorney representation ensures you receive the maximum possible settlement, and the fees are typically a small percentage of your total recovery.
WHY LEGAL EXPERTISE MATTERS
A drunk driving crash can cause severe injuries that affect your ability to work, exercise, and perform daily activities. Without proper documentation and experienced legal guidance, your settlement may not fully reflect your losses. A personal injury attorney ensures your treatment is linked to the accident, your damages are fully calculated, and you recover every dollar you are entitled to.
Your case is only worth as much as you can prove, and drunk driving crashes in Texas can result in significant compensation when properly pursued. That is why speaking with an experienced attorney is essential—they help you get the true value of your case.
