Drunk Driving Accident Attorney In San Antonio

Legal Help After A Drunk Driving Crash

Drunk driving crashes are different from other collisions. They are preventable, and they often leave victims and families dealing with serious injuries, anger, and uncertainty about what comes next. If you were hurt because another driver chose to drink and drive in the San Antonio area, you do not have to face the aftermath alone.

At Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, we focus on protecting our clients' futures and rights after life-changing events. Attorney Ruben Ortiz has practiced law since 1998, and our team draws on that experience to guide injured people through personal injury claims that often intersect with criminal DWI cases. We offer a free consultation so you can ask questions and learn about your options without pressure.

For personal injury cases, we have a No-Fee-Unless-We-Win policy and a reduced contingency-fee structure. This approach is designed to make strong legal representation more accessible, especially when you are already worried about medical bills and lost income.

Call (210) 592-4181 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more.

Why Choose Our Law Office

Choosing the right lawyer after a drunk driving crash is an important decision. You want a firm that understands the law and takes the time to understand you. We build our representation around the person, not just the paperwork, so your medical needs, financial concerns, and family situation shape the strategy we recommend.

Attorney Ruben Ortiz has spent decades practicing law in Texas and is also licensed in New Mexico. This long-term experience means we have seen how serious injury cases unfold over time and how decisions made early in a claim can affect clients years later. When you work with us, you get a team that prepares carefully and does not treat your case like just another file.

Our personal injury work is handled on a contingency-fee basis, and we pair our No Fees Unless We Win policy with a reduced contingency-fee structure. In practical terms, that means you can speak with us at no cost, pay nothing up front if we take your case, and our fee is collected only from a recovery. Our goal is for more of the compensation you receive to stay with you and your family.

We also handle criminal defense matters, including DWI charges, which gives us insight into how the criminal and civil systems can intersect. In drunk driving accident cases, that dual perspective helps us understand how the investigation, test results, and court proceedings can influence the civil injury claim. We use that knowledge to help protect your rights at each stage.

Drunk Driving Crashes In San Antonio

Many drunk driving crashes in San Antonio happen on busy roads where traffic is fast and unforgiving. Collisions often occur at night or on weekends, when people are leaving restaurants, bars, or events. When an impaired driver enters these same roads, even a brief lapse in judgment can have severe consequences for innocent motorists and passengers.

In Texas, a driver who operates a vehicle while intoxicated can face criminal DWI charges. Those cases are typically prosecuted in Bexar County courts when the crash happens here. The criminal process focuses on punishment and public safety, such as jail time, fines, or license consequences for the drunk driver. That process, however, does not pay your medical bills or make up for your missed paychecks.

Your injury claim is separate and is brought to pursue compensation for what the crash cost you. Evidence from the criminal case, such as police reports or blood alcohol results, can affect the civil side. We work to understand how local law enforcement handled the scene, then use those facts as part of a strategy that focuses on your recovery and your future.

What To Do After A Drunk Driving Crash

In the moments after a crash, you may feel disoriented and overwhelmed. Knowing a few practical steps can help protect your health and your legal rights. Every situation is different, but there are common actions that can make a real difference in how your case develops.

Your safety comes first. If you can, move to a safer area away from traffic and call 911. When officers arrive, explain what you remember, including any signs you noticed that the other driver might have been drinking. This helps ensure that impairment is investigated and documented in an official report.

Even if you think your injuries are minor, get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries, including concussions, internal damage, or soft tissue injuries, do not always show up right away. Prompt medical documentation can support your health and can also connect your treatment to the crash if you later pursue an injury claim.

If you are able, collect basic information at the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, visible injuries, skid marks, and anything else that seems important. Get the other driver's name and contact details, and any witnesses' names and contact details. Avoid discussing fault at the scene and keep your statements factual. Afterward, you can notify your own insurance company, but be cautious about giving recorded statements or signing anything until you have spoken with a lawyer.

Helpful steps many clients take after a drunk driving crash include:

• Call 911 so police and medical responders can document the scene and injuries
• Accepting medical attention at the scene or visiting a doctor soon after the crash
• Saving photos, videos, and contact information from witnesses and other drivers
• Keeping copies of medical records, time missed from work, and repair estimates
• Contacting a drunk driving accident lawyer San Antonio residents trust for a free review before dealing with adjusters

When you reach out to our law office, we can review what has already happened and discuss sensible next steps with you. Our goal is to give you clear information so you feel more in control at a time that often feels anything but.

How We Handle Your Injury Claim

Once you decide to move forward with a claim, you deserve to know what working with our firm looks like. We start by listening closely to your story. We want to understand how the crash happened from your perspective, what injuries and losses you are facing now, and what you are most worried about in the future.

We then review available documents, such as the crash report, any citations or DWI records, and your medical records. Our team looks at how the drunk driver's choices led to the collision and how those choices affected your life. We consider potential sources of compensation, which can include the impaired driver's insurance policy and, in some situations, a bar or restaurant that may have served alcohol in violation of Texas dram shop laws.

Insurance companies often move quickly to protect themselves. We work to handle communications with insurers so you do not have to juggle phone calls and paperwork while you are trying to recover. Our efforts focus on pursuing compensation that reflects your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and physical and emotional pain. In cases involving severe, long-term injuries, we consider the impact on your ability to work and enjoy your life in the years ahead.

Throughout this process, we aim to prepare your case thoroughly. That can include organizing records, tracking your treatment, and identifying evidence that supports your claim. We then develop a legal strategy that reflects your goals, whether you are focused on a fair settlement, preparing for trial, or both. At each step, we explain what is happening in plain language so you can make informed decisions about your case.

Compensation & Your Legal Options

People often contact us because they are unsure what their claim might cover and whether a drunk driving accident attorney in San Antonio that families rely on can help with their specific situation. While every case is unique, personal injury law in Texas generally allows victims of drunk drivers to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic losses.

Economic losses can include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, prescription medications, and lost income from the time you could not work. If your injuries affect your ability to earn a living in the future, that can also be part of a claim. Non-economic losses often address pain and suffering and the ways the crash has affected your day-to-day life. In fatal crashes, surviving family members may be able to pursue wrongful death damages and related claims under Texas law.

A criminal DWI conviction is not required for you to bring a civil injury claim. The standards and purposes of the two systems are different. However, evidence from the criminal case, such as blood alcohol results, can be important. We evaluate how those facts may support your civil claim.

Texas law sets time limits for filing personal injury and wrongful death cases. These deadlines are strict, and missing them can prevent you from bringing a claim. That is one reason it can be helpful to contact us a lawyer promptly, even if you are still in treatment and unsure of the full extent of your injuries. When you speak with our team, we can outline the general timeline, discuss what compensation may be available in your circumstances, and map out the next steps that make sense for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer if the driver was arrested for DWI?

Yes, it is still important to talk with a lawyer. The criminal DWI case focuses on punishing the drunk driver, not paying your bills. We can explain how the criminal process may affect your injury claim and work to protect your right to seek compensation.

How much does it cost to hire your firm?

For personal injury cases, we offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee. You do not pay us up front, and under our No Fees Unless We Win policy, our fee is collected only if we obtain a recovery for you.

What should I bring to our first consultation?

Bring any documents you have, such as the crash report, medical records, photos from the scene, and letters from insurance companies if you do not have everything, that is fine. We can still talk through what happened and help identify what information we should gather next.

How long will my drunk driving case take?

The length of a case depends on factors like the severity of injuries, how long treatment lasts, and how insurers respond. Some claims are resolved within months, while others take longer. We can discuss likely timelines for your situation and keep you updated as your case progresses.

Will I work directly with Attorney Ruben Ortiz?

Our goal is for you to feel that your voice is heard and your case matters. Attorney Ruben Ortiz is actively involved in the cases our office accepts, and our team works together to provide the personalized attention and careful preparation that your situation deserves.

Talk With Our Law Office Today

If a drunk driver injured you or someone you love, you deserve clear answers and a path forward. When you contact Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, we listen to your story, explain your options, and help you decide what makes sense for you, all in a free, confidential consultation.

With decades of legal experience, a No Fees Unless We Win policy for personal injury cases, and a commitment to personalized strategies, we work to protect both your immediate needs and your long-term future. Reaching out is an important first step, and our team is ready to speak with you.

Call (210) 592-4181 now to schedule your free consultation.