Need a Lawyer to Handle Your Drugged Driving Accident Case?
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we understand the devastating consequences of car accidents caused by drug-impaired drivers. A drugged driving accident can change your life in an instant, causing severe injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens that last for years. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash caused by a driver under the influence of drugs, our experienced drugged driving accident lawyers in Houston are here to help you seek justice and recover full compensation.
Our firm is dedicated to advocating for accident victims throughout Houston and its surrounding areas. With decades of combined legal experience and an in-depth understanding of personal injury law in Texas, we fight to ensure reckless and impaired drivers are held accountable. When choosing Hollingsworth Law Firm, you’re not just getting a car accident lawyer in Houston; you’re getting an advocate who cares about your recovery and rights.
What is Drugged Driving?
Drugged driving occurs when a person operates a vehicle while impaired by any substance, whether illicit drugs, legal marijuana, prescription medications, or even certain over-the-counter products. Unlike alcohol impairment, which is more easily measurable with a breathalyzer, drug impairment can be more complex to detect and prove, making these cases more complicated.
Some common substances that impair drivers include:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine and methamphetamine
- Opioids like oxycodone or heroin
- Anti-anxiety medications like Xanax
- Sleep aids or antihistamines
Regardless of the substance, impaired driving puts everyone on the road in danger. At Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Houston drugged driving accident attorneys know how to investigate these complex cases and hold negligent parties accountable.
Drugged Driving Accident Statistics and Legal Landscape in Houston, TX
Houston has witnessed a concerning rise in drugged driving incidents, with approximately 25% of fatal crashes involving drivers impaired by substances other than alcohol. THC remains the most commonly detected drug, followed by prescription medications and methamphetamine. Harris County consistently ranks among Texas’s highest regions for drug-related traffic fatalities, recording over 120 such deaths annually in recent years.
Texas law prohibits driving under the influence of any substance that impairs normal faculties. Unlike alcohol’s 0.08% BAC threshold, no established limit exists for drug impairment, making these cases more complex to prosecute. Law enforcement relies on Drug Recognition Experts and blood testing to prove impairment, though testing limitations often complicate evidence gathering.
Victims of drugged driving accidents in Houston face a two-year statute of limitations for filing claims. Texas’s modified comparative negligence system allows recovery when plaintiffs are less than 51% responsible for the incident. Successful claims typically yield compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in particularly egregious cases, punitive damages.
Prosecution challenges include limited roadside testing options and the varying effects of substances across individuals. Nevertheless, local courts have shown increasing willingness to impose severe penalties, including substantial jail time and financial restitution, particularly in cases involving prescription medication abuse and polysubstance impairment.
Why Drugged Driving Is So Dangerous
Drivers under the influence of drugs suffer from impaired judgment, reduced motor skills, and slower reflexes. This makes them more likely to:
- Swerve between lanes
- Fail to stop at red lights or stop signs
- Drive at unsafe speeds
- Ignore pedestrians or cyclists
- React too slowly to avoid a crash
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that thousands of fatal crashes every year involve drug-impaired drivers. These accidents are far too common in a sprawling city like Houston, where traffic is a daily challenge.
The Growing Problem of Drugged Driving in Houston, TX
Houston’s highways and busy streets already pose challenges to drivers. Adding impaired drivers into the mix raises the risk of catastrophic accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drugged driving incidents have been steadily increasing over the past decade.
Unfortunately, many impaired drivers go undetected until a serious crash occurs. Victims often suffer life-altering injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Internal organ injuries
- Severe burns
- Wrongful death
If you’ve been injured in such an incident, speaking with a drugged driving accident lawyer in Houston that residents trust can be the first step toward recovery and justice.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Drugged Driving Accident?
In most cases, the drugged driver is primarily responsible. However, additional parties may also share liability, depending on the circumstances:
- Employers (if the driver was working at the time)
- Pharmacies or medical professionals (if a prescription was improperly given)
- Bars or establishments (in rare cases involving over-serving or negligent supervision)
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Houston drugged driving accident attorneys will investigate all angles of your case to identify every potential source of liability. Our goal is to maximize your financial recovery.
What Types of Compensation Are Available After a Drugged Driving Accident?
Being involved in a drugged driving accident can take a serious toll on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. If you were injured due to another driver’s impaired actions, you may be entitled to recover various forms of compensation under Texas law. At Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Houston drugged driving accident attorneys work tirelessly to ensure our clients are fully compensated for every loss they’ve endured.
Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be eligible to pursue damages for:
- Medical Costs include all past, current, and future expenses related to emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and ongoing medical treatment.
- Lost Income – If your injuries prevented you from working, you can claim compensation for lost wages. In cases of long-term or permanent disability, you may also be entitled to recover loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries, including chronic conditions or long recovery periods.
- Emotional and Psychological Distress – Many victims experience anxiety, depression, or PTSD after serious collisions. These emotional impacts are compensable under Texas personal injury laws.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If your injuries have limited your ability to engage in activities you once enjoyed — like hobbies, exercise, or family events — you may be entitled to damages for diminished quality of life.
- Punitive Damages – In cases involving extreme recklessness or gross negligence, such as knowingly driving under the influence of powerful drugs, the court may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
Our experienced drug and alcohol accident lawyers in Houston are here to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
What to Do After a Drugged Driving Accident in Houston, TX
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a drugged driver, your actions in the aftermath can significantly affect your claim. Here’s what we recommend:
- Call 911 – Always report the accident to the police. Let them know you suspect the other driver may be under the influence.
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to get checked out. Injuries may not show up immediately.
- Document everything—take photos of the scene, your injuries, and the vehicles involved. Gather witness contact information.
- Do not speak with the other driver’s insurance company – Their goal is to minimize your claim.
- Contact a drugged driving accident attorney in Houston – The sooner you involve a lawyer, the better your chances of a full and fair recovery.
How Our Houston Drugged Driving Accident Attorneys Can Help
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, our experienced Houston drugged driving accident attorneys are committed to helping victims recover physically, emotionally, and financially. We conduct a thorough investigation into every case, gathering evidence such as toxicology reports, accident scene data, and witness statements to establish that the driver was impaired. These cases can be legally complex, but our team has the knowledge and resources to handle them effectively. We work tirelessly to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
If the at-fault driver acted with extreme recklessness, we may also pursue punitive damages. You won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case, allowing you to focus on recovery without added financial stress.
With a trusted drug driving accident lawyer in Houston from our firm by your side, you can feel confident knowing your case is in capable hands and that your voice will be heard.
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Schedule a Free Consultation Today
Don’t let a drugged driver’s reckless actions dictate your future. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a drug-related car accident, contact the Hollingsworth Law Firm today.
Call us at 832-430-7712 now or fill out our online form to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a top-rated Houston drugged driving accident lawyer.
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