Anytime we get behind the wheel of a car, we have a responsibility to drive safely and responsibly.
However, when someone gets behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated, they breach that responsibility. Driving under the influence is a serious problem, not only in St. Louis but across the country.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 10,000 people are killed every year in drunk driving accidents nationwide. In Missouri, there were nearly 250 drunk driving fatalities in 2021 alone.
These numbers are staggering, and they underscore just how dangerous drunk driving is. If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver, it’s important to know that you have legal options.
The weeks and months after a car accident can be difficult. You might be dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical expenses, and the stress of being unable to work.
The last thing you want to worry about is dealing with insurance companies.
That’s where we can help. The St. Louis car accident lawyers at NGK Law Firm will handle everything for you, from dealing with the insurance companies to investigating the accident and building a strong case.
At NGK Law, we have represented many clients who have been injured by drunk drivers. We know how to investigate these cases and build a strong legal claim.
Some of the ways we can help you after you’ve been injured by a drunk driver include:
We also provide support by guiding you through the legal process, explaining each step clearly so you feel well-informed and confident in the decisions you make. Our team is committed to transparency and open communication, ensuring you know what to expect as your case progresses. Understanding the legal options available can empower you as you recover and seek justice for the harm inflicted upon you.
Many car accidents are caused by driver negligence. When one driver fails to follow the rules of the road or drive safely, they put other people at risk.
In many cases, fault in a car accident is clear. For example, if one driver runs a red light and hits another car, they will likely be found at fault for the accident.
However, there are some cases where the fault is not so clear. This can sometimes be the case with drunk driving accidents.
In Missouri, drivers are considered to be legally intoxicated if they have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher. If a driver causes an accident while intoxicated, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries or property damage.
However, fault is not always clear in these cases. In some instances, the intoxicated driver may not be the only one at fault. For example, if the driver was served alcohol while underage or while already visibly intoxicated, the bar or restaurant that served them could also be held liable.
This is why it’s so important to have an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer on your side. At NGK Law Firm, we will thoroughly investigate your drunk driving accident claim to identify all possible liable parties. This way, you can be sure that you are getting the full compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident with a drunk driver, there are some important steps you should take to protect your legal rights.
First, it’s important that you get medical attention right away — even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured. Many injuries, such as whiplash or traumatic brain injuries, may not be immediately apparent. A medical professional will be able to properly assess your injuries and provide you with the treatment you need.
Next, you should call the police and file a report. This will create an official record of the accident, which can be used as evidence in your case.
Then, you should collect evidence from the accident scene. This may include taking pictures of the damage to your vehicle, getting the contact information of any witnesses, and collecting your medical records.
Finally, you should call a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney will be able to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
A typical DUI accident investigation starts with a review of the police report. Next, your attorney will talk to any witnesses who may have seen the accident. They will also collect evidence from the accident scene, such as photos of the damage to your vehicle.
They will also obtain your medical records and speak to your treating physician to get a better understanding of your injuries. This will help them determine the full extent of your damages and build a strong case for compensation.
Once all of this information has been gathered, your attorney will sit down with you to discuss your legal options. If they believe you have a valid claim, they will begin the process of negotiating with the insurance company to get you the compensation you deserve.
If an agreement can’t be reached, your attorney should be prepared to take your case to court.
In Missouri, you have five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you try to file a claim after this time period has expired, it is very unlikely that your case will be successful.
This might seem like a long time, but it is important to speak with a drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible after being involved in a crash. An experienced attorney will be able to help you understand the statute of limitations and make sure your claim is filed before it’s too late.
Missouri does not cap the amount of damages that a party can request in drunk driving accident claims. That means there is no limit on how much money you may be able to recover.
Instead, the amount of money you can recover in a personal injury lawsuit will depend on the specific facts of your case. Generally, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
In some cases, you may also be able to recover punitive damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault driver for their actions and deter others from driving drunk.
The best way to find out how much your case is worth is to speak with an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer. They will be able to review the facts of your case and help you understand what type of compensation you may be entitled to.
While the number of drunk driving crashes has decreased in recent years, Missouri still ranks 14th nationally for the number of accidents caused by impaired drivers.
Many of those crashes happen in the St. Louis area. In fact, a recent study found that the city is one of the most dangerous places in the country for drunk driving accidents.
If you have been involved in a crash caused by a drunk driver, it is important to speak with a drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible.
The injuries caused by drunk driving accidents can vary depending on the severity of the crash. However, some common injuries include broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and whiplash.
No matter how minor you think your injuries are, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a crash. Not only will this ensure that you get the treatment you need, but it will also create a paper trail of your injuries. This will be important if you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Drunk driving accidents can sometimes result in death. If you have lost a loved one in a crash caused by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
The St. Louis drunk driving accident attorneys at NGK Law Firm are here to help. We have extensive experience handling these types of cases, and we will fight to get you the financial compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation at 314-241-1919
In Missouri, a driver is considered legally intoxicated if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. For drivers under 21, an even stricter limit of 0.02% is enforced. Penalties for DUI include fines, license suspension or revocation, and potential imprisonment. These measures aim to deter drivers from operating vehicles under the influence and pose a considerable deterrent against repeat offenses. Enhanced penalties apply for repeat offenders, emphasizing the state’s commitment to maintaining road safety.
The long-term effects of drunk driving accidents extend beyond immediate injuries. Victims may face ongoing medical treatments or therapy, potentially leading to extensive medical bills and financial strain. Psychological impacts such as PTSD are common, and these can hinder daily functioning and overall quality of life. Understanding these potential outcomes is crucial for adequately addressing claims and ensuring victims are compensated for their present and future needs.
Witnesses can be invaluable in supporting a drunk driving accident claim. They provide third-party accounts that may corroborate the circumstances of the incident, such as the driver’s sobriety or the sequence of events leading to the crash. Reliable witness testimony can strengthen your position, mainly if there’s contention about fault or the at-fault driver disputes the claims. Attorneys will typically seek to interview witnesses early in the legal process to secure their observations while the details remain fresh.
The experienced St. Louis drunk driving accident attorneys at NGK Law have a proven track record of success representing drunk driving accident victims. We have the knowledge and resources necessary to take on even the largest insurance companies and get our clients the compensation they deserve.
If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver, call us today at 314-241-1919 to schedule a free case evaluation. Our St. Louis drunk driving accident lawyers will review your case and help you understand your legal options.
Our attorneys have handled thousands of cases and can bring that experience to bear throughout your case.
We have successfully recovered over $700 million for our clients.
Sodales imperdiet ut porttitor conubia tristique ac mus suscipit vel, rutrum blandit quam proin erat platea per arcu magna, massa bibendum tincidunt nam tellus vestibulum justo class.
Our team is available 24/7 to address your concerns and provide support.
Trust us to get you through the frustrating process of seeking compensation with empathy, respect, and dedication.
We and selected third parties use cookies or similar technologies for technical purposes and, with your consent, for other purposes. You can consent to the use of such technologies by using the “Accept” button, by closing this notice, by scrolling this page, by interacting with any link or button outside of this notice or by continuing to browse otherwise.