Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accident Claims in McAllen

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)’s most recent reporting, Texas suffered an average of three deaths every day in crashes involving drivers impaired by alcohol. While specific county‑by‑county data for McAllen are more limited, we know the region shares many risk factors: busy highways, late‑night traffic, commercial vehicles, and high volumes of social driving after events or gatherings. At Anderson Alexander (A2X), we believe this level of preventable tragedy is unacceptable. We believe that when someone drinks and drives, the consequences should not only be criminal, but they should also carry full civil accountability because this reckless behavior should never be tolerated. We stand with those injured by drunk drivers in McAllen, ready to hold negligent individuals and/or companies responsible to secure the justice victims deserve.   

 

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we see in drunk driving cases. We want to help you stay informed of your rights and pursue justice if you were involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver in McAllen. 

 

What Constitutes Drunk Driving in Texas? 

Under Texas law, a driver is presumed intoxicated if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. Even if a driver’s BAC is below that limit, they may still be held liable if their ability to operate a vehicle safely was impaired. Impairment isn’t limited to alcohol; it can also include prescription drugs, recreational drugs, or a combination of substances. In the context of a crash, when an impaired driver causes a collision, victims may have rights to pursue compensation because of the driver's impairment. Impaired is not just negligent, it’s a breach of the duty every driver owes to others on the road. 

 

Why are Drunk‐Driving Accidents so Dangerous in McAllen? 

Impairment affects reaction time, coordination, and judgment. In McAllen, where high speeds, merging traffic, commercial vehicles, and late‑night travel are typical, these impairments can lead to severe or fatal outcomes very quickly. Data from TxDot show that Texas had 91,043 alcohol‑related crashes in 2023 alone. Because motorcyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users have little or no protection and often share the roads with automobiles, the risk of catastrophic injury is far greater. A diverted glance, delayed brake, or misjudged turn while under the influence can change lives in an instant. 

 

What Accidents do we Frequently See Involving Impaired Drivers in McAllen? 

At A2X, the patterns of impaired‑driver collisions we often handle include: 

   

  • A drunk driver leaving a bar or private event late at night, drifting into another lane, or speeding, and causing a high‐impact crash. 
  • Collisions on busy corridors like U.S. 83, I‑2, or highways connecting McAllen and surrounding counties, where a driver under the influence misjudges traffic or fails to stop. 
  • Rear‑end or T‑bone crashes at intersections where an impaired driver fails to brake, misreads traffic lights, or ignores signage. 
  • Single‐vehicle accidents involving motorcyclists or pedestrians struck by impaired drivers, or victims hit because the impaired driver left the roadway. 

   

Because these kinds of accidents so often involve impaired drivers, they demand specialized investigation, prompt witness interviewing, evidence preservation (such as BAC records, vehicle telemetry, and dash‐cam footage), and a strong legal strategy. 

 

What Legal Rights Do I Have if I’m Injured by a Drunk Driver in McAllen? 

If you’ve been injured by a driver who was impaired, you absolutely have legal rights, and you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Here’s how A2X supports you: 

   

  • You have the right to seek compensation. You may recover for medical bills, lost wages, future care, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages if the driver’s behavior was especially reckless. 
  • You have the right to a thorough investigation. We obtain police reports, toxicology and BAC records, witness statements, footage from nearby cameras, and analyze vehicle damage and impact data. 
  • You have the right to accountability. Impaired driving is a decision; if someone chooses to drink and drive, they must answer for the consequences. We build legal claims that reflect that fact. 
  • You have the right to timely action. Evidence in drunk‐driving cases degrades quickly because blood test results may be delayed, phone records wiped, and camera footage lost. A2X moves quickly to preserve everything necessary to your claim. 
  • You have the right to clear communication and dedicated advocacy. We explain your options, keep you updated, and focus on what matters (your recovery) while we fight for your rights. 

 

How Does A2X Investigate Drunk‑Driving Accident Claims? 

Our investigation process is methodical and comprehensive: 

 

  • Crash‑scene examination: We examine skid marks, the point of impact, vehicle damage, road conditions, lighting, and signage. 
  • Toxicology & BAC analysis: We analyze when and where the driver drank, how long elapsed before the crash, and whether the driver's actions were impaired. 
  • Data collection: Cell‑phone records, vehicle telematics, dash‑cams, or surveillance footage can show the driver’s actions before the collision. 
  • Witness statements: We interview passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians, as well as first responders, to reconstruct what happened and how the impaired driver behaved. 
  • Expert coordination: Accident‑reconstruction specialists evaluate how the crash occurred, the speeds involved, reaction times, visibility, and more. 

 

Because impaired driving cases often involve apparent disregard for safety, we use this evidence to build strong claims that go beyond just “an accident occurred”; we show the driver’s reckless choice caused it. 

 

What Compensation Can I Pursue After a Drunk Driving Crash? 

Victims of drunk‑driving crashes may be eligible to recover a wide range of damages, including, but not limited to: 

   

  • Medical expenses (past, current, and future care). 
  • Lost income and diminished future earning capacity. 
  • Pain and suffering, including emotional distress, trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life. 
  • Property damage, including vehicles, motorcycles, gear, and personal property. 
  • Disability or disfigurement if the injury causes permanent impairment. 
  • Wrongful‐death compensation if a loved one was killed, a claim for funeral costs, loss of support, and family trauma. 

 

At A2X, we build every case as if it will go to trial, which means we pursue full compensation based on comprehensive evidence, not just what insurers might offer at first. The extent of your compensation depends on your injuries and the specifics of the case. To learn more about what you may be owed, reach out to us to schedule a consultation and discuss your options. 

 

What Are the Most Common Times and Days for Drunk Driving Accidents in McAllen? 

Drunk driving crashes tend to follow predictable patterns, and understanding them can help both with prevention and legal investigation. In Texas, and in the McAllen area specifically, weekends are the highest-risk days, with most alcohol-impaired crashes occurring from late Friday afternoon through late Sunday night. Statewide data shows that over half of all alcohol-related crashes happen during this period, with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday accounting for nearly 63% of fatal impaired-driving collisions. 

   

Late-night and early-morning hours are perilous. The peak hours for drunk-driving accidents are generally between 9:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m., with a notable spike around 2:00 a.m.–3:00 a.m. During these hours, drivers are more likely to be returning from social events or bars, and reaction times are slower due to impairment. 

   

Specific locations in and around McAllen, including busy intersections, highways such as U.S. 83 and I-2, and areas with heavy nightlife, experience a higher concentration of these crashes. Holiday weekends and celebratory events also increase the risk, as more people are drinking and driving. 

 

Safety Tips for Late‑Night Driving & Preventing Drunk Driving 

Your safety matters, and so does the safety of everyone else on the road. Whether you’re driving at night in McAllen or you’ve been riding all day, here are actionable tips to prevent an impaired‑driver crash: 

 

  • If you’ve been drinking at all, do not drive. Use ride‑share, a taxi, or designate a sober driver. 
  • Avoid driving late at night when impaired drivers are more common; stay alert and reduce distractions. 
  • Keep extra space around you, especially in heavy traffic zones, merging lanes, or high‑speed stretches. 
  • Stay off your phone, avoid multitasking while driving, and remain entirely focused on the road. 
  • Encourage friends or family who have been drinking to call you or use a safe‑ride service; intervening could save lives. 
  • Report suspected drunk drivers (if safe to do so) by pulling over and contacting law enforcement; every call counts. 

 

Our Mission to End Drunk Driving And How We Can Help You  

At Anderson Alexander (A2X), we refuse to accept that drunk driving remains a frequent cause of injury and death in McAllen and across Texas. Our mission is clear: to hold drink‑and‑drive offenders accountable, to support victims with compassion, and to fight until the law serves justice. 

   

If an impaired driver has injured you or a loved one, you don’t have to face the road to recovery alone. We’ll help you preserve critical evidence, build a comprehensive case, communicate with insurers and opposing parties on your behalf, and pursue the full compensation you deserve. Reach out today for a consultation. Let’s take the next step together toward justice, healing, and safer roads for everyone.