Understanding Laredo Drunk Driving Laws and Your Rights After an Accident

In Laredo, driving while intoxicated (DWI) is illegal under Texas law if a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 % or higher. Drunk drivers can face criminal charges, but accident victims also have the right to file a civil claim for compensation. If an intoxicated driver in Laredo injured you, you may be able to recover damages for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses through a civil lawsuit. At Anderson Alexander (A2X), we can help you pursue these claims. Our team fights hard in these cases because drunk-driving accidents are 100 % preventable, and those who act with such negligence need to be held responsible. We know how traumatic it is to be the victim of a crash caused by someone who ignored the obvious risk. Our goal at A2X is to provide expert legal counsel, passionately advocate for your rights, and ultimately deliver the justice you deserve. You deserve trusted, relentless advocates who care about your recovery and your future, and we’re here ready to stand by you. 

An Overview of Texas Drunk Driving Laws 

Under Texas law, a person may be arrested and charged with a DWI if their blood or breath alcohol concentration is 0.08 % or higher; this is known as a “per se” intoxication standard. But even if a driver’s BAC is below that threshold, a charge can still be brought if the person lacks “the normal use of mental or physical faculties” because of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. For commercial drivers, stricter limits apply. The Texas Transportation Code sets the limit at 0.04 % BAC for certain commercial vehicle operators.   

In terms of penalties, a first-time DWI in Texas is generally a Class B misdemeanor when BAC is 0.08 % or higher without aggravating factors, which is punishable by a fine up to $2,000, up to 180 days in county jail, and driver’s license suspension for 90 days to one year. If the BAC is 0.15 % or greater, or there are injuries or a child passenger, enhanced penalties apply; the offense may be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor or even a felony, carrying heavier fines and possible prison time.   

These laws reflect the legal side of the issue at a criminal level. But from the perspective of someone injured in a crash, what matters is how your rights as a victim connect to this reckless conduct by the drunk driver. 

Your Rights After a Drunk Driving Accident in Laredo

If an intoxicated driver in Laredo injured you, you have rights under Texas civil law just as you do under the criminal statutes above. Criminal prosecution of the drunk driver is one part of accountability, but civil claims allow you to pursue compensation for your losses. At A2X, we make it our mission to protect these rights for you and your loved ones. 

The Basis for Your Claim 

When a drunk driver causes a crash, one of the key elements is negligence or recklessness. Drinking and driving is prohibited for good reason; when a driver ignores that prohibition and causes a collision, it’s an act of wrongful behavior. Your claim will seek to prove that the driver acted irresponsibly, breached their duty to drive safely, and that breach caused your injuries and damages. 

What Compensation Can Look Like  

Compensation after a drunk-driving accident may include medical expenses, past and future, lost wages and lost earning capacity, costs of rehabilitation, home modification, or lifelong care if needed. It also includes non-economic losses: pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and sometimes punitive damages when a driver’s conduct was especially egregious. At A2X, we understand that a drunk-driving crash often leaves far-reaching harm, so we build your case to reflect not just the bills but the lifelong impact on you and your family. 

For example, if the impaired driver’s BAC was significantly above the legal limit, or if there is evidence of reckless behavior (excessive speed, ignoring warning signs, multiple offenses), we will highlight those facts to maximize the value of your claim. We investigate phone records, vehicle information, alcohol consumption, driver history, and expert testimony to build a strong case. 

Why It Matters That A2X Is by Your Side 

Having A2X on your side makes a significant difference because we combine legal expertise, regional experience in Laredo, and genuine care for your recovery. We fight to collect the evidence that establishes the driver’s impairment, we document your losses thoroughly, and we stand up to insurance companies that seek to downplay or deny your claim. We also recognise the emotional toll of these accidents: you may be dealing with physical injuries, loss of independence, trauma, and the stress of mounting medical bills. At A2X, we treat you with compassion, keep you informed of each step of the process, and aim to ensure you feel protected every step of the way. 

Why the Preventable Nature of Drunk Driving Makes These Cases Unique 

One of the reasons we fight so hard for victims of intoxicated driver accidents is that, simply put, none of these accidents need to happen. At A2X, we see that each one is preventable. When a person chooses to drink and drive, they are selecting the risk, and when that decision causes harm, they must be accountable. This sense of urgency underpins our advocacy: you were injured because someone ignored the law, ignored common sense, ignored your safety, and you should not bear the burden alone. 

When the driver’s impairment is clear (BAC, field sobriety tests, police report) or when other reckless factors are present, the case for higher compensation strengthens. Insurance companies know that courts and juries often view drunk-driving behavior more harshly, and A2X uses that to your advantage. 

When and Where Drunk Driving Incidents Are Most Common

In Laredo and across Texas, patterns emerge that help identify high-risk times and situations for impaired driving. Late nights, weekend evenings, holidays, and special events (major celebrations, spring break, sports events) tend to see more drunk-driving crashes. Enforcement efforts by local police, including the Laredo Police Department, sometimes spike during these times with checkpoints and mobilization grants.   

Because impaired drivers often behave erratically (tailgating, drifting in and out of lanes, braking late), the busy roads and mixed traffic of commuter, commercial, and industrial vehicles in the Laredo region make the consequences especially serious. Recognizing that these patterns exist gives you a sense of how and why these collisions happen, and reinforces the importance of immediate legal action after an accident. 

If you’re driving in or around Laredo, you can protect yourself and others by: planning if you’re going to drink; always having a designated sober driver or using a rideshare/taxi; staying out of someone’s vehicle if alcohol or drugs were involved; and being alert to other drivers who show signs of impairment (swerving, slow reaction, wide turns). Early in the evening, on weekends and during holidays (especially Spring Break), the number of impaired drivers increases, so heightened vigilance is key. 

Contact A2X for Trusted Advocacy and Recovery

Your rights after a drunk-driving accident cannot wait. Evidence fades, witnesses’ memories blur, and the damage to your life grows each day. At Anderson Alexander (A2X), we believe you deserve full compensation, full support, and someone who treats your case with the commitment it demands. We stand ready to investigate your crash, gather critical evidence of the driver’s impairment, accurately calculate your losses, and fight to protect your rights. We understand the trauma you’re going through, and we will handle the legal side with the urgency, care, and expertise you need so you can focus on healing and rebuilding. 

If you were injured by a drunk or drug‐impaired driver in Laredo, don’t wait. Reach out to A2X today to request a consultation and let us begin the process of holding the negligent driver accountable and walking with you toward justice and recovery.