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San Antonio Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer
Drunk Driver Accidents
Reviewed by Marco Crawford, Trial Attorney · Updated September 2026
A crash caused by a drunk or impaired driver is never an accident. It's a choice someone made that put your life at risk. These crashes often happen at night and at high speeds, and they frequently cause serious and fatal injuries.
Marco Crawford represents people hurt by drunk drivers in San Antonio. Beyond the driver's insurance, he looks at whether a bar or restaurant that over-served the driver can also be held responsible under Texas law.
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- No fee unless we win
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Tell Us What Happened. We'll Take It From Here.
- 1You tell us your storyA few details is all we need to get started.
- 2Our team reviews itFree and confidential, with no pressure and no obligation.
- 3We call you backUsually within the hour, in English or Spanish.
Prefer to talk now? Call 210.756.5400
Drunk Driving Crashes We Handle
Impaired drivers cause some of the most violent crashes on San Antonio roads.
Wrong-way crashes
Head-on collisions on highways and loops, often late at night.
High-speed collisions
Impaired drivers who speed or run red lights.
Pedestrian and cyclist crashes
People struck by drivers who didn't see them.
Drugged driving crashes
Crashes caused by drivers impaired by drugs or medication.
Texas Law on Drunk Driving Injury Claims
A driver who causes a crash while intoxicated is responsible for the injuries they cause, and their insurance company is generally required to pay up to the policy limits. The police investigation, including field sobriety and blood or breath tests, can be strong evidence.
Texas also has a Dram Shop Act. A business that sells or serves alcohol can be held responsible if it served someone who was obviously intoxicated to the point of presenting a clear danger to themselves and others, and that intoxication caused the crash.
Because drunk driving is so dangerous, Texas law may allow exemplary damages, sometimes called punitive damages, when conduct amounts to gross negligence. These cases require careful investigation and fast action to preserve receipts, video and witness accounts.
Who May Be Responsible
More than one party can be responsible when an impaired driver causes a crash.
The impaired driver
And their auto insurance policy.
Bars and restaurants
Under the Texas Dram Shop Act, in certain situations.
Employers
If the driver was on the job or driving a company vehicle.
Your own coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the driver's insurance falls short.
What You May Be Able to Recover
Under Texas law, people injured by someone else's negligence may be able to recover compensation for losses like these. Every case is different, and an attorney can explain what may apply to yours.
Medical bills
Past and future treatment, surgery, therapy and medication.
Lost wages
Income lost while you recover, plus reduced earning capacity.
Pain and suffering
The physical pain an injury causes.
Mental anguish
The emotional toll of the injury and recovery.
Impairment and disfigurement
Lasting physical limitations and scarring.
Property damage
Repair or replacement of your vehicle and property.
What to Do Next
The steps you take early can make a real difference. Here's what to do.
- 1Get medical care right awaySome injuries don't show up for days. Prompt treatment protects your health and documents what happened.
- 2Get the crash reportAsk the officer for the report number before you leave the scene.
- 3Document everythingPhotos of the scene, vehicles and injuries, plus witness names and numbers.
- 4Don't give a recorded statementTalk with a lawyer before speaking with the other side's insurance company.
- 5Call Marco Crawford LawFree case review at 210.756.5400. Hablamos español.
Why Clients Choose Marco Crawford
Trial-ready preparation
Every case is prepared as if it's going to trial, because insurers pay more when they know you're ready.
Direct access to Marco
You'll talk with your lawyer, not just a case manager.
No fee unless we win
Injury cases are handled on contingency. Nothing up front.
Hablamos español
Your case explained clearly, in English or Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DWI charge help my injury case?
A criminal DWI case and your injury claim are separate. The criminal case punishes the driver; your civil claim seeks compensation for you. Evidence from the criminal case, like test results, can help your claim.
Can I sue the bar that served the drunk driver?
Possibly. Texas's Dram Shop Act allows claims against businesses that served alcohol to someone who was obviously intoxicated and presented a clear danger. These claims have specific requirements.
Can I recover punitive damages from a drunk driver?
In some cases. Texas allows exemplary damages when a defendant's conduct rises to gross negligence, which can include driving while intoxicated.
What does it cost to hire Marco Crawford Law?
Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee, so you pay no attorney fees unless we recover money for you.
The drunk driver had no insurance. What now?
Your own uninsured motorist coverage may help, and a dram shop claim against a bar or restaurant may also be possible depending on the facts.
Do I have to wait for the criminal case to finish?
No. Your injury claim can move forward separately, though information from the criminal case can be useful along the way.
Serving San Antonio and Surrounding Communities
Drunk driving crashes in San Antonio often happen late at night on major highways and near nightlife and event districts, including downtown, the St. Mary's Strip, the Pearl and areas near the Alamodome and Frost Bank Center, as well as on Loop 410, Loop 1604 and I-35.
You Show Up for Everyone. We'll Show Up for You.
Talk to Marco directly about what happened. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.