What Damages Can You Recover After a DWI Accident in Temple, Texas? 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a DWI accident in Temple, Texas, you're likely facing a difficult road physically, emotionally, and financially. Drunk and drug-impaired driving crashes can cause devastating, life-changing injuries and place an immense burden on victims and their families. Fortunately, Texas law gives you the right to seek compensation for your losses. Understanding the types of damages you may be entitled to and how to navigate the legal system effectively is essential to protecting your future. 

   

At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, we want you to know you’re not alone. Our dedicated team is here to hold reckless drivers accountable and fight for the justice you deserve. As members of this community, we’re committed to making Temple a safer place for our families, your families, and everyone who calls this place home. 

 

What Is a DWI in Texas? 

DWI, or Driving While Intoxicated, is a serious criminal offense in Texas. Under Texas Penal Code § 49.04, a driver is legally intoxicated if: 

   

• Their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher 
• They lack the regular use of mental or physical faculties due to alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances 

   

Texas doesn’t differentiate between alcohol and other substances when it comes to impaired driving. Whether the intoxication comes from beer, prescription medications, illegal drugs, or even over-the-counter medicine, impaired driving is considered a DWI. 

 

DUI vs. DWI: What's the Difference in Texas? 

While many people use the terms DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) and DUI (Driving Under the Influence) interchangeably, Texas law treats them differently. 

   

• DUI is generally used when referring to drivers under the age of 21 who are caught with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. This is a zero-tolerance offense. 
• DWI applies to adult drivers (21 and over) operating a vehicle while legally intoxicated. 

   

Although both charges are serious, DWI carries stiffer penalties, especially when it results in injury or death. 

 

Drunk and Drugged Driving Laws in Texas 

Texas has some of the strictest impaired driving laws in the country. First-time DWI offenders may face: 

   

• Up to 180 days in jail 
• Fines up to $2,000 
• License suspension for up to a year 
• Mandatory DWI education programs 

   

But when a DWI leads to an accident, penalties and legal consequences increase dramatically. A DWI crash that causes serious bodily injury can result in intoxication assault charges, a third-degree felony in Texas. If the collision causes a fatality, the driver could be charged with intoxication manslaughter, a second-degree felony. 

   

But it is important to note that a criminal conviction doesn't automatically provide compensation to the victim. That’s why filing a civil personal injury lawsuit is essential if you want to recover damages for your losses. At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, we focus on helping victims pursue the financial recovery they deserve through the civil justice system because accountability should mean more than just a conviction; it should mean real support for those who were harmed. 

 

Common Injuries from DWI Accidents 

DWI-related crashes often involve high speeds, poor judgment, and delayed reaction times, making them especially violent. At SYT, we often see victims of DWI accidents in Temple who suffer:   

 

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): resulting in cognitive impairment, memory loss, or long-term disability 
• Spinal cord injuries: including partial or complete paralysis 
• Broken bones and fractures: sometimes requiring multiple surgeries or implants 
• Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash, torn ligaments, or herniated discs 
• Internal bleeding or organ damage 
• Burns, disfigurement, or scarring 
• Psychological trauma: like PTSD, anxiety, or depression 

   

The road to recovery can be long and expensive, which is why it’s essential to understand what compensation is available in the event of an accident or injury. 

 

What Damages Can You Recover After a DWI Accident in Temple, Texas? 

Victims of DWI accidents may be entitled to a wide range of compensatory and punitive damages under Texas law. 

   

1. Economic Damages 

These cover direct financial losses, including: 

• Medical bills (emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, medication) 
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy 
• Lost wages and future loss of earning capacity 
• Property damage (car repairs, vehicle replacement) 
• Home modifications if your injury causes a disability 

   

2. Non-Economic Damages 

These compensate for emotional and psychological impact: 

• Pain and suffering 
• Mental anguish 
• Loss of enjoyment of life 
• Loss of companionship or consortium 

   

3. Punitive Damages 

In cases involving gross negligence or reckless behavior, like driving under the influence, Texas courts may award punitive (exemplary) damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct. These damages are often significant in DWI accident cases. 

 

At SYT, we evaluate every case individually, taking the time to understand the full impact the accident has had, and will continue to have, on your life. We look beyond the immediate injuries to consider long-term medical needs, emotional trauma, lost earning potential, and overall quality of life. Our goal is to ensure you receive not just compensation, but the care and support you need to move forward with confidence. 

 

Staying Safe on Temple Roads   

While you can’t control the decisions other drivers make, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce your risk and help prevent drunk and drugged driving accidents. 

   

Tips for Staying Safe: 

• Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs your ability to drive. 
• Plan: If you're going out, arrange for a designated driver or use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. 
• Avoid driving during high-risk times, such as late at night, on weekends, or during holidays when impaired driving is more common. 
• Report suspected drunk drivers to law enforcement immediately. Trust your instincts if you see erratic or dangerous behavior on the road. 
• Talk to teens and young adults about the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of making safe choices. 

   

One impactful initiative, the Texas Department of Transportation’s “Drive Sober. No Regrets.” campaign, reinforces how one reckless decision can lead to lifelong consequences. By sharing real stories from victims and offenders alike, the campaign serves as a powerful reminder that the best way to prevent a DWI tragedy is to make the right choice before you even get behind the wheel. 

   

Staying alert, planning, and promoting responsible driving can help protect not only yourself, but everyone on the road. 

 

Your Recovery Starts With the Right Legal Support 

The aftermath of a DWI accident can leave you physically injured, emotionally shaken, and financially strained. While no amount of money can undo the trauma, pursuing a civil claim can provide critical support for your recovery and help ensure that those responsible are held accountable. 

   

At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, we take a compassionate, personalized approach to every case. We’re not just here to handle paperwork; we’re here to fight for your future. Whether you're dealing with long-term medical treatment, emotional distress, or the loss of a loved one, our team is committed to helping you find justice, closure, and a path forward. 

   

DWI accidents are preventable tragedies. If you or someone you care about is suffering due to someone else’s reckless decision, don’t wait. Let us help you take the next step toward healing and holding the responsible party accountable. 

 

Get started by filing out the contact from on our website to initiate your free case review.