Jefferson City Drunk Driver Accident Attorney

Why Choose Our Jefferson City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Being hit by a drunk driver leaves you dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and the stress of fighting insurance companies. At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges you face after this type of crash.

We are the only law firm in Missouri that focuses exclusively on auto accident cases. Our extensive experience securing compensation for clients means we know how to handle drunk driving claims in Jefferson City.

• 24/7 Availability: We answer your calls day or night when you need help most
• No Fees Unless We Win: You pay nothing upfront or out-of-pocket for our legal services
• We Handle Everything: From medical bills to insurance battles, we manage it all
• Missouri Auto Accident Focus: Our specialized knowledge of state drunk driving laws gives you an advantage

How We Build Your Drunk Driving Case

Drunk driving accident cases require immediate action to preserve crucial evidence before it disappears. Our investigation process is designed to build the strongest possible case from day one.

Investigate Fast, Preserve Critical DUI Evidence

We immediately request the police report, which contains the driver’s blood alcohol content results and field sobriety test information. Our team also secures surveillance footage from nearby businesses, bar receipts, and witness statements before they can be lost.

Time is critical in these cases because video evidence gets deleted and witness memories fade quickly. We work with accident reconstruction experts to document the scene and gather physical evidence like skid marks and vehicle damage patterns.

Handle Insurance, Medical Bills, and Car Damage

You should focus on healing, not fighting with insurance adjusters who want to minimize your claim. We take over all communication with insurance companies and coordinate your medical care so you get proper treatment.

Our team also handles your vehicle repairs and deals with hospital liens. This means you won’t receive surprise bills later that eat into your settlement.

Negotiate Hard, Prepare for Trial

Insurance companies know we aren’t afraid to take cases to trial, which gives us significant leverage during settlement negotiations. We prepare every case as if it’s going to court, even though most settle before trial.

Our reputation for winning at trial often convinces insurance companies to offer fair settlements without the need for lengthy court proceedings. When they don’t, we’re ready to fight for you in front of a jury.

Does a DWI Charge Prove Fault in My Case

Many people think a criminal DWI charge automatically wins their civil injury claim, but these are separate legal processes. The criminal case determines if the driver broke the law, while your civil case seeks compensation for your injuries.

Even if the drunk driver isn’t convicted of DWI, we can still prove they were negligent and caused your crash. We use evidence like witness testimony, the police report, and expert analysis to show the driver’s impairment caused your accident.

A DWI conviction certainly helps your case, but it’s not required to win compensation for your injuries and losses.

Can I Get Punitive Damages in Missouri

Missouri law allows punitive damages in drunk driving cases because choosing to drive while intoxicated shows complete disregard for public safety.

These damages go beyond covering your actual losses and are meant to punish the drunk driver and deter others from similar conduct. Punitive damages can significantly increase your total recovery, but they must be approved by a judge.

The amount of punitive damages depends on factors like the driver’s blood alcohol level, their driving history, and the severity of your injuries.

Can I Bring a Dram Shop Claim in Missouri

Missouri’s dram shop law allows you to hold bars, restaurants, and other establishments liable for overserving visibly intoxicated patrons who later cause accidents. This gives you another potential source of compensation beyond the drunk driver’s insurance.

To win a dram shop claim, we must prove the establishment knew or should have known the person was intoxicated when they continued serving alcohol. We investigate where the driver was drinking before the crash and gather evidence like receipts, surveillance video, and witness statements from staff.

Social host liability also exists in Missouri for serving alcohol to minors who then cause accidents. We explore every possible source of compensation to maximize your recovery.

Who Pays After a Drunk Driving Crash in Missouri

The drunk driver’s auto insurance is typically the first source of compensation for your injuries and damages. Missouri requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage, but these limits are often inadequate for serious drunk driving crashes.

Missouri follows an at-fault insurance system, meaning the driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for all resulting damages. This includes your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

How UM or UIM Coverage Protects You

When the drunk driver doesn’t have insurance or enough coverage, your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage steps in to fill the gap. This is coverage you’ve already paid for through your own insurance policy.

Missouri law requires insurance companies to offer UM/UIM coverage, though you can decline it in writing. The minimum coverage amounts are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.

Your UM coverage can also apply if the drunk driver flees the scene and is never identified. We help you navigate these complex coverage issues to ensure you recover every available dollar.

Don’t let a drunk driver’s poor choices leave you struggling with unpaid medical bills. Contact Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers today.

What Compensation Can I Recover

Drunk driving accident victims can recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. We fight to ensure you receive full compensation for all your losses, not just the obvious ones, such as medical bills.

Economic damages include measurable financial losses like medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

• Medical Expenses: Emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, and future medical care.
• Lost Income: Wages lost while unable to work and reduced future earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional trauma from the accident and injuries.
• Property Damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement, and damaged personal belongings.
• Punitive Damages: Additional compensation to punish extremely reckless behavior.

What Factors Affect Case Value

The severity of your injuries and their long-term impact on your life are the most critical factors in determining your case’s value. Permanent disabilities, scarring, and chronic pain conditions typically result in higher settlements.

Drunk driving cases often settle for more money than regular car accident cases because juries have little sympathy for intoxicated drivers. The available insurance coverage also limits the maximum amount you can recover.

Your age, occupation, and pre-accident health also influence the value of your claim. Younger victims with high-paying careers typically receive larger settlements for lost future earnings.

How Long Do I Have to File in Missouri

In Missouri, you have five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the drunk driver. This is longer than in most states, but waiting too long can harm your case as evidence fades and witnesses forget details.

If the drunk driving crash resulted in a death, the deadline is shorter. Wrongful death claims must be filed within three years of the victim’s death, not the date of the accident.

Acting quickly protects your right to compensation and helps us preserve crucial evidence while it’s still available. The sooner you contact a Jefferson drunk driver accident lawyer, the stronger we can make your case.

What Should I Do After a Drunk Driving Crash

The actions you take immediately after a drunk driving accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do to protect both your health and your legal rights.

Call 911 and Get Medical Care

Always call 911 immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Police will investigate the accident and can arrest the drunk driver, creating an official report that helps prove your case.

Emergency medical personnel will evaluate your injuries and transport you to the hospital if needed. Getting immediate medical attention creates documentation linking your injuries to the crash.

Preserve Photos, Witnesses, and Police Information

Use your phone to photograph the vehicles, the accident scene, the road conditions, and your visible injuries, if you’re able. These photos provide crucial evidence that may not be available later.

Obtain contact information from any witnesses who saw the crash. Ask for the responding police officer’s name and badge number so you can obtain the accident report later.

Do Not Give a Recorded Statement

The drunk driver’s insurance company will likely contact you within days, asking for a recorded statement about the accident. Never give one without first speaking with an attorney.

Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to minimize your claim or get you to admit partial fault. Anything you say can be used against you later to reduce your settlement.

Call Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers

Contact our firm as soon as possible after your accident. We’ll immediately begin protecting you from insurance company tactics and preserving evidence that could disappear.

Our attorneys handle all communication with insurance companies so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. The sooner you call, the stronger we can make your case.

What Does It Cost to Hire Our Firm

We handle all drunk driving accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. You also pay nothing up front or out of pocket for our legal services.

We advance all the costs needed to build your case, including expert witness fees, accident reconstruction costs, and medical record expenses. This ensures you can afford top-quality legal representation when you need it most.

Our fee comes as a percentage of any settlement or court award we obtain for you. If we don’t recover money for your case, you owe us nothing.

Contact Our Drunk Driver Accident Law Firm for a Free Consultation Today

At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we represent and advocate for victims of drunk driving accidents. As Missouri’s only law firm focused exclusively on auto accident cases, we have the specialized expertise to maximize your recovery.

Our Jefferson City office serves clients throughout central Missouri who have been injured by intoxicated drivers. We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case and explain your legal options during a free consultation.

Don’t let a drunk driver’s poor choices destroy your financial future. Contact us today to get started.

Drunk Driving Accident FAQs

Should I Hire a Lawyer if the Drunk Driver Was Clearly at Fault

Yes, even when the fault seems obvious, insurance companies will still try to minimize your claim or deny coverage altogether.

Will a DWI Conviction Guarantee I Win My Personal Injury Case

No, criminal and civil cases are separate legal proceedings with different standards of proof. While a DWI conviction helps prove negligence, you must still demonstrate your specific injuries and damages in the civil case.

Can I Sue the Bar That Overserved the Drunk Driver

Yes, Missouri’s dram shop law allows claims against establishments that serve visibly intoxicated patrons who later cause accidents. We investigate all potential sources of compensation beyond just the driver’s insurance.

What Happens if the Drunk Driver Has No Insurance

Your own Uninsured Motorist coverage can provide compensation when the at-fault driver has no insurance. We help identify all available insurance policies to maximize your recovery.

Will My Insurance Rates Go Up if I Use My UM Coverage

No, Missouri law prohibits insurance companies from raising your rates for using coverage you’ve paid for when you’re not at fault for the accident.