Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Fort Worth
Pursuing Every Party Responsible for Your Injuries
A drunk driving crash isn’t just a car accident. It involves a deliberate choice to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. In Texas, that choice can open the door to multiple liable parties, including the driver and, in some cases, the bar or restaurant that kept pouring. At Turner-Monahan, PLLC, we’ve helped thousands of Texans navigate personal injury claims since 1973, and our approach to drunk driving cases reflects that depth of experience.
Attorney Matthew T. McLain leads our personal injury practice. Recognized as a top legal professional by Fort Worth Magazine and holding a Superb rating on Avvo, he builds a custom strategy for each case, one designed around your specific injuries, your financial losses, and your goals, not a template pulled from the last file.
Call us at (817) 623-0129 to schedule a free consultation with our drunk driving accident attorney in Fort Worth.
Why Drunk Driving Claims Require a Different Approach
Most car accident claims involve one negligent driver and one insurance company. A drunk driving case can involve a second defendant, a dram shop claim against the establishment that over-served the driver, and, when conduct was egregious, the possibility of exemplary damages on top of standard compensation. Untangling those threads takes preparation.
We’re trial-ready in every practice area, and that matters here. Insurance carriers know when a firm is willing to take a case to a Tarrant County courtroom and when it isn’t. We use technology to sharpen our legal strategy and keep representation efficient and economical.
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"They are a wonderful professional team that will provide you with excellent personal service during your case."I highly recommend you contact the team at Turner-Monahan for your legal advice. If you need attorneys who are professional and really care about their clients, you will be happy with Turner-Monahan!- Pamela H.
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"After my injury, they were the only law firm where a real local person answered the phone."This told me I would get the personal service I needed, and they went above and beyond my expectations. They got me the appointments I needed, explained any questions I had, and were always there to help. Some days were not easy for them, considering I was an emotional wreck after my injury, but they handled everything with care and reassured me until I felt better. They are truly an amazing law firm that provides great personal service.- Rae L.
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"Tyler Monahan has been representing me for about four years now."Highly recommend this firm! His confidence and expertise has given me the confidence to face my legal challenges head on and I believe we’ve always come through with the best possible outcomes!- Kenny L.
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"Tyler and Jamie were exceptional in their services, showing professionalism, empathy, and expertise throughout my case."Jamie's clear communication, attention to detail, and dedication to achieving the best outcome were evident at every step. They skillfully navigated complex legal challenges, ensuring our well-being and confidence in every decision.- Celina L.
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"They kept me informed and made sure that I was stress free every step of the way."Matt and team were amazing to work with. Their fees were reasonable. I would 10/10 recommend and if I am ever in need again I know who to call.- Alaquanesia T.
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"He over-delivered and we couldn't be happier."Tyler was Awesome! He kept in contact, answering emails and any questions we had. He let us know the process, and what to expect. He wasn't wrong. He even negotiated with my ex since she was without attorney and dealt with all the crazy with no complaints. His staff was also very professional and friendly, always helpful. I really liked that he had set pricing, not by the hour, so that at each stage we knew what the bill was going to be. That may not work in every case, but for ours it was great.- Rodney S.
How Fort Worth Drunk Driving Accident Claims Work
Texas law sets the legal intoxication threshold for a DWI charge at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. When a crash occurs, that threshold matters, but it’s not the only thing that matters for your civil claim.
A drunk driving crash typically produces two separate proceedings. The state brings a criminal DWI case against the driver. Separately, the person injured in the crash can bring a civil injury claim to recover compensation. The criminal case won’t put money in your pocket, but evidence gathered during that process, including arrest reports, field sobriety results, and BAC readings, can strengthen your civil claim significantly.
Texas Filing Deadlines and Proportionate Responsibility
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing that window can mean losing the right to recover, regardless of how strong the case is.
Texas also applies a proportionate responsibility rule, found in Chapter 33 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Your compensation is reduced by your own percentage of fault, and if you’re found 51% or more responsible, you can’t recover at all. Insurance adjusters sometimes raise comparative fault arguments even in crashes caused by drunk drivers. Having our attorneys anticipate and counter those arguments early can help protect the value of your claim.
Dram Shop Liability in Texas
Texas’s Dram Shop Act, found in Chapter 2 of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, allows injury victims to pursue a claim against a bar, restaurant, or other licensed establishment that served alcohol to a patron who was obviously intoxicated. Under the statute, “obviously intoxicated” means the person’s impairment was visible and posed a clear danger to themselves and others, demonstrated through signs such as slurred speech or stumbling.
A dram shop claim runs alongside your claim against the driver and doesn’t replace it. Proving it typically requires surveillance footage, purchase receipts, and witness accounts of the driver’s behavior before getting in the vehicle. That evidence must be gathered quickly: footage is routinely overwritten, and witnesses become harder to locate over time.
Start with a Free Consultation With Our Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Fort Worth
There’s no cost to speak with us and no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Personal injury clients at Turner-Monahan, PLLC are represented on a contingency-fee basis, meaning our interests are aligned with yours from day one.
Call (817) 623-0129 or request a free virtual or in-person consultation to get started with our drunk driving accident attorney in Fort Worth.
frequently asked questions
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What’s the first step in hiring a criminal defense lawyer?Contact our firm for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your case, explain your rights, and outline the best defense strategy for your situation.
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Can I be charged with a crime even if the alleged victim doesn’t press charges?Yes. In many cases, the prosecution can proceed with charges regardless of the victim’s wishes, particularly in domestic violence cases.
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How does a criminal record affect my ability to own a firearm in Texas?Convicted felons lose their right to possess firearms, and certain misdemeanors may also lead to restrictions. Expungement or legal action may help restore your rights.
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