Drunk driving remains one of the most dangerous and irresponsible acts committed on Texas roads—and McAllen is no exception. Despite years of public education, stricter enforcement, and harsh criminal penalties, DUI accidents continue to devastate families and communities across the Rio Grande Valley.
At Herrman & Herrman, PLLC, we’ve seen firsthand the life-altering damage these crashes can cause. Victims face overwhelming medical bills, emotional trauma, and, too often, the unthinkable loss of loved ones. If you or someone you love has been harmed by a drunk driver in McAllen, know this: you have legal rights, and our experienced legal team is here to fight for them.
Texas DUI Facts That Demand Action
Texas consistently ranks among the worst states for drunk driving fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40% of all traffic deaths in Texas in 2018 involved alcohol. That number is more than a statistic—it represents thousands of shattered lives.
Texas law defines a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher as legally intoxicated, but a driver can still be charged if they are impaired below that threshold. For drivers under 21, zero-tolerance rules apply—any detectable alcohol is illegal.
When someone causes a crash while driving drunk, they aren’t just breaking the law—they’re negligent by default under Texas’ “negligence per se” standard. That means if you’re injured by a drunk driver, you already have a legal head start—but only if you have the right attorney fighting for you.
Why You Need Herrman & Herrman After a DUI Accident
At Herrman & Herrman, we know how to navigate the complex web of criminal and civil liability in DUI cases. From the first call to the final verdict or settlement, our team aggressively pursues justice and maximum compensation for our clients.
We’ve handled cases involving:
-
Severe injuries and fatalities caused by intoxicated drivers
-
Uninsured or underinsured drivers—where compensation might come from other sources
-
Dram shop claims against negligent bars and restaurants that overserved alcohol
You shouldn’t have to suffer twice—first from the accident, then from an insurance company that’s trying to avoid paying what you’re owed. We take on the legal burden so you can focus on recovery.
Understanding Texas Dram Shop Law: Holding Bars Accountable
Under Texas’ Dram Shop Act, bars and other alcohol-serving businesses can be held liable if they serve someone who is clearly intoxicated or underage and that person causes a crash. If a server ignored obvious warning signs—or simply didn’t care—we’ll find the evidence to hold them accountable.
That might include:
-
Eyewitness testimony
-
Security footage
-
Receipts or debit card records showing excessive purchases
Our attorneys know how to build compelling cases using this kind of evidence. In many cases, a dram shop claim may be the only path to recovery if the drunk driver lacks insurance or personal assets.
McAllen DUI Crashes: Tragic and All Too Common
McAllen and the greater Hidalgo County area see more than their share of drunk driving tragedies. In one heartbreaking 2019 crash, a 2-year-old girl and her aunt were killed when a DWI suspect slammed into their SUV. In another, a sheriff’s office dispatcher lost her life to a repeat offender who admitted to mixing alcohol with drugs before getting behind the wheel.
These cases are tragic—but not uncommon. And every victim’s family deserves strong legal advocacy that doesn’t rest until justice is done.
A Proven Commitment to Community Safety
While DUI fatality rates nationwide have decreased since the 1980s, Texas has seen troubling spikes in alcohol-impaired driving in recent years. Public awareness campaigns and law enforcement efforts have helped, but they’re not enough.
Herrman & Herrman is committed to being part of the solution. By holding drunk drivers—and the businesses that enable them—legally accountable, we send a powerful message: irresponsible behavior has consequences.
Let Herrman & Herrman Fight for You
Whether you’re recovering from injuries, mourning a loved one, or facing a lifetime of medical treatment, one thing is clear: you shouldn’t have to go through this alone.
Our personal injury attorneys at Herrman & Herrman have more than 100 years of combined experience and have recovered millions of dollars for victims just like you. We offer free consultations, and you don’t pay unless we win.
If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver in McAllen or anywhere in South Texas, call us today. Let us take on the legal fight—while you focus on healing.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
ABOUT HERRMAN & HERRMAN PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
Check out some of our other blogs!
