Never ride with a drunk driver.
Single-Vehicle Crash Caused by Suspected Drunk Driver on the West Side Leaves Passenger Hospitalized
According to a KSAT News report, a woman suffered serious injuries in a single-vehicle accident on the West Side.¹
Police reported the accident happened at around 1 a.m. Saturday, October 25th, in the 5900 block of U.S. Highway 90 West on the West Side. The driver of a 2014 Mercedes-Benz was traveling down Highway 90 during heavy rain when they lost control, swerved, and swiped the guardrails. The female passenger suffered serious bodily injuries and was taken to the hospital in unknown condition.
The driver was found to be intoxicated at the scene. It was not reported if they were injured. The investigation is ongoing.
Did You Know?
16,317 accidents in Texas last year were caused by drunk drivers.²
Are DUI Penalties Increased If a Passenger Is in the Vehicle?
Drunk driving is one of the most common causes of serious and fatal crashes in Texas—and it’s also one of the most preventable. When someone chooses to drive under the influence, they’re putting everyone around them in danger, including their own passengers.
Under Texas law, the penalties for driving while intoxicated (DWI) depend on several factors: blood alcohol concentration (BAC), prior offenses, and whether anyone else was hurt in the crash. But having a passenger—especially one who’s injured—can quickly turn a DWI into a much more serious criminal charge.
When a Passenger Is Injured
If a drunk driver causes an accident that injures their passenger, prosecutors can elevate the charge from a standard DWI to intoxication assault, a third-degree felony. This offense applies when:
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The driver was intoxicated, and
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Their actions caused serious bodily injury to another person, including a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver.
A conviction for intoxication assault can mean:
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Up to 10 years in prison,
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Fines up to $10,000, and
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Loss of driving privileges for up to 2 years.
And if the passenger is a child under 15, penalties can increase further under DWI with a Child Passenger laws, which carry automatic jail time—even if no one is injured.
What About the Injured Passenger?
Passengers who are hurt in drunk driving crashes—even when the driver was a friend or family member—may still have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries.
Many victims are understandably hesitant to file a claim against someone they know, but in most cases, insurance—not the individual—pays for the damages. An attorney can help victims understand their options and handle the legal details so they can focus on recovery.
Passengers of drunk drivers may face challenges when filing a personal injury claim.
Find out why in this related article → Passengers of Drunk Drivers in Texas: What You Need to Know.
Staying Safe
Even with strict DWI laws in Texas, drunk driving accidents continue to happen every day. Here are a few ways to protect yourself and others:
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Always plan ahead. If you know you’ll be drinking, arrange a ride or call a rideshare.
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Don’t ride with someone who’s been drinking. It’s not worth the risk.
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Speak up. If a friend tries to drive after drinking, take their keys or help them find a safer way home.
Injured by a Drunk Driver in Texas? Call Shaw.
If you were injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver anywhere in Texas, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Medical Bills,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Long-term Care/Rehab Costs,
- Missed Work,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced car accident lawyer in Texas. No fees, no obligations, just the expert legal advice you need when you need it the most.
Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio and across Texas for over 32 years because we put our clients first.
We look forward to serving you.
²TxDOT Crash Contributing Factors