Holiday DUI/DWI Accidents in Texas Are Rising — Here’s Why It Matters
The holiday season brings celebrations, travel, and long-awaited reunions. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most dangerous times of the year on Texas roads. As alcohol consumption increases at Christmas parties, office events, and New Year’s celebrations, impaired-driving crashes surge dramatically. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 12,429 people died in DUI/DWI accidents in 2023, averaging one fatality every 42 minutes. December is also National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, a reminder for all Americans (especially Texans) to plan ahead and stay safe on the roads during the holiday season.
Texas Holiday Drunk-Driving Statistics: An Alarming Trend
Holiday travel combined with festive drinking leads to disproportionate fatality rates:
- Roughly 28% of Texas holiday traffic deaths involve drunk driving, according to TxDOT.
- Nationally, holiday periods (Thanksgiving–New Year’s) show 38% of fatal crashes involving impaired drivers.
- In some December weeks — including Christmas and New Year’s — drunk-driving deaths reach up to 54 fatalities per day.
These numbers show that holiday crashes are not random — they are predictable and preventable.
Who Is Liable After a Texas DUI/DWI Accident During the Holidays?
Even when a driver is clearly intoxicated, multiple parties may share fault. Under Texas personal injury law, potential liable parties can include:
- The drunk driver
- A bar, restaurant, venue, or alcohol-serving business (Dram Shop Law)
- An employer that served alcohol at a work event
- A social host who served minors
An attorney can investigate whether an establishment overserved alcohol or failed to check IDs, which strengthens liability claims.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Helps Victims Injured by Drunk Drivers
Victims injured by an impaired driver may recover compensation for:
- Medical bills and future care
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle damage
- Wrongful death damages (if applicable)
An experienced DUI/DWI accident attorney gathers critical evidence such as toxicology results, bar receipts, surveillance video, witness statements, and expert testimony to prove negligence.
How to Protect Your Rights After a Holiday DUI/DWI Accident
Victims should take immediate steps to protect their legal claims:
- Call 911 and request police and medical response
- Get copies of the crash report and test results
- Do not speak to insurance companies without representation
- Contact a Texas personal injury lawyer as soon as possible
The sooner an investigation begins, the stronger the personal injury claim.
Drive Sober, Travel Safe — And Know That Justice Is Possible
The holidays should never be marked by tragedy. While Texans celebrate the season, a single choice to drive impaired can destroy lives. If you’re planning to drink, arrange your ride before the first toast. If a drunk driver causes harm, you have the right to pursue justice.
Free Legal Consultation for Holiday DUI/DWI Accident Victims
If you or a loved one was injured by a drunk driver during the holidays, you do not have to face insurance companies alone. Kuzmich Law Firm, P.C. has more than 30 years of experience helping Texas victims pursue full compensation and hold negligent parties accountable. With the help of board-certified attorney Steve Kuzmich and his plethora of resources and recent successes, our clients have the best chance at achieving the results needed to get justice after they suffer injuries in a DUI/DWI accident.
Call (972) 434-1555 for a free case evaluation today.
Serving clients statewide from our Flower Mound office.