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Drunk driving and St. Louis car accidents affect many people in our city every year. The loss and suffering caused by these crashes reach beyond those directly involved, bringing pain to families and communities. Alcohol-impaired drivers put everyone on the road at risk, leading to lives being lost and serious injuries that can change lives forever.
We understand the difficult position people face after being hurt by a drunk driver or a driver under the influence. The emotional and financial pressures are real, from hospital bills to lost income and the challenge of moving forward. As an accident attorney, our goal is to provide clear support and strong guidance for individuals and families navigating the aftermath of these accidents.
In Missouri, any driver found with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher can face DWI charges. Even a first offense can mean serious trouble, including jail sentences, fines, and the loss of driving privileges.
Penalties for DWI convictions increase with each offense. Here is a simple overview:
Offense License Sanction Possible Requirements First DWI 90-day suspension Ignition Interlock Device (IID)* Second DWI 1-year revocation IID* Two DWIs in 5 Years 5-year license revocation Three or More DWIs 10-year license revocation *IID = Ignition Interlock Device
We should also know Missouri’s implied consent law. If we refuse a chemical test, like blood, breath, or urine, our license can be taken away for a full year.
Both DUI and DWI charges can affect our daily life. Losing a license or having to use an IID can impact work and personal activities. Penalties get worse for repeat offenses, so it’s important to understand the risks and legal rules. It is never okay to drive under the influence.
When someone is hurt in a drunk driving crash, they can seek compensation not just from the driver, but sometimes from the bar or restaurant that overserved the driver. This is covered by Missouri’s “dram shop” law. It makes it possible for victims to take legal action against any business that gave alcohol to someone who was clearly already drunk.
Here is a table of common damages that we may be able to claim:
Type of Compensation Description Medical Bills Payment for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing care Lost Wages
Money for lost earnings if we are unable to work while recovering Pain and Suffering Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life Property
Damage Costs to repair or replace our car or other damaged belongings Wrongful Death Claims for the family if someone dies as a result of the accident Punitive Damages Extra money meant to punish the drunk driver for their reckless actions
We may also ask for damages in cases where the driver’s actions reached the level of gross negligence. This can allow a court to award punitive damages, which act as a punishment and warning to others.
If the worst happens and a loved one passes away because of a DWI crash, families can file a wrongful death lawsuit. These claims may cover funeral expenses, the loss of the loved one’s income, and the pain of losing them.
Legal action must be taken within the allowed time. In Missouri, we have five years to start a personal injury case after a DWI crash, but acting quickly gives us a better chance to collect key evidence and secure the compensation that helps us move forward.
Sometimes, insurance settlements aren’t enough to cover all our needs. That’s why it is important for us to talk with an attorney who can guide us through the process and ensure we get fair payment for our losses. For more information about the legal process and rights, visit this overview of justice and compensation in drunk driving cases.
When we help victims after a drunk driving accident in St. Louis, our job is to handle the legal steps and protect your rights and help identify the liable party and the party’s insurance company.
In Missouri, drunk driving cases are serious, and having an attorney makes a big difference for your personal injury claim. Contact the OnderLaw Law Firm and our accident injury attorneys today so you can get the compensation you deserve.
Here’s how we can assist:
If you need more information on how Missouri handles these cases, see this overview of drunk driving legal support for a free case evaluation.
After a drunk driving crash, our priority should be safety. We should call 911, check for injuries, and wait for help. If possible, we can take photos of the scene, get witness names, and get a copy of the police report. It’s also important to seek medical help, even for minor injuries.
Our lawyer can help explain our rights and guide us through the claims process. We can rely on our attorney to collect evidence, manage paperwork, and deal with insurance companies. With legal help, we stand a better chance of getting fair compensation and making sure the responsible party is held accountable.
In Missouri, a bar or restaurant can sometimes be held liable if they served alcohol to someone who was clearly already drunk and that person caused an accident. This type of case is often called a “dram shop” claim. The rules can be strict, but our lawyer can review if this option might apply to our situation.
We may qualify for several types of compensation, including: -Medical bills -Lost income -Repairs or replacement for our vehicle Pain and suffering -Other related expenses The total amount depends on the details of our injuries and losses.
Missouri law gives injured people up to five years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injuries related to a drunk driving crash. It’s wise for us to talk to an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing important deadlines.
Most drunk driving accident lawyers in St. Louis work on a contingency fee basis. This means we pay only if our lawyer wins compensation for us. The fee is usually a percentage of what we recover, which is agreed upon before the case starts. We typically do not pay any upfront costs.
