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Steve Kherkher - July 8, 2026
Every summer, Texas roadways become significantly more dangerous as more travelers take to our already busy roadways. But holiday weekends like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day bring even more traffic, events, and congestion.
During these times, law enforcement agencies across the state increase driving while impaired (DWI) patrols and enforcement efforts. What many drivers don’t realize that a DWI arrest is only the beginning of the legal process after a drunk driving crash.
That’s the focus of a recent article by Kherkher Garcia published in Badge & Gun, a publication serving Houston-area law enforcement professionals. The article explores the civil legal consequences of drunk driving crashes and explains how victims may pursue compensation after suffering serious injuries or losing a loved one.
Understanding the difference between criminal and civil proceedings can help victims and their families understand and protect their rights after a crash.
When someone is arrested for DWI, the criminal justice system determines whether the driver should face penalties such as fines, probation, jail time, or license suspension. These criminal proceedings do not compensate victims for the losses they suffer due to the impaired driver, however.
That’s where the civil legal process comes in. Individuals injured by impaired drivers may have the right to pursue a civil claim, such as personal injury or wrongful death. These claims can pursue compensation for:
These claims are entirely separate from any criminal prosecution. It is important to note that you can file a civil claim regardless of any criminal process.
One of the topics highlighted in the Badge & Gun article is Texas dram shop liability. Under certain circumstances, Texas law allows injured victims to pursue claims against bars, restaurants, and other alcohol providers who may have served alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person who later caused a crash.
These cases require extensive investigation and may involve:
Every case is unique, and determining whether dram shop liability exists requires careful legal evaluation.
Following a serious drunk driving crash, victims may unknowingly jeopardize their legal rights by speaking with insurance adjusters before understanding the full extent of their injuries. Prompt medical treatment, preserving evidence, and consulting a skilled DWI accident attorney can help protect victim rights and potential legal claims.
At Kherkher Garcia, we have spent decades representing individuals and families whose lives have been changed by reckless or impaired drivers. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate every case and identify sources of recovery.
We are honored to have shared these important legal insights with Houston’s law enforcement community through Badge & Gun and remain committed to partnering with first responders and the public in advocating for victims’ legal rights.
We invite you to read our complete Badge & Gun article:
👉 Beyond the Arrest: The Civil Legal Consequences of Holiday Drunk Driving
If you or someone you love has been injured by a negligent driver, Kherkher Garcia is here to help. Our drunk driving accident attorneys can explain your legal rights, investigate all potential sources of liability, and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to receive.
Contact Kherkher Garcia today for a free, confidential consultation. If you are an attorney looking for referral or co-counsel opportunities, we would be happy to discuss your case. Contact our team to learn more.
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorneys Steve Kherkher and Jesus Garcia Jr., who have more than 50 years of combined legal experience championing the rights of those who have experienced catastrophic injury due to negligence.
Connect with a Kherkher Garcia trial lawyer today to pursue maximum compensation for your injury.
