Drunk driving is a severe crime that continues to cause devastating accidents in St. Louis, Missouri, and across the country. Every year, thousands of innocent people are injured or killed in crashes caused by intoxicated drivers.
Driving under the influence breaks the law and endangers everyone on the road. Drunk drivers make poor decisions, have slower reaction times, and struggle to stay in control of their vehicles, leading to tragic accidents that could have been prevented.
This is why, after an accident or injury involving a drunk driver, it is essential to consult with an experienced St. Louis drunk driver accident attorney.
In Missouri, strict DUI laws are in place to penalize drunk drivers, but the harm caused by their actions can’t be undone by criminal charges alone.
These accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries like broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage. The aftermath can be overwhelming for victims and their families, who are left to not only deal with the physical, emotional, and financial consequences, but also with expensive medical bills, lost income from time off work, and lasting trauma, all because of someone else’s reckless behavior.
With the help of an experienced drunk driver accident attorney in St. Louis, Missouri, you can pursue compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Do Drunk Driver Accidents Happen Often in St. Louis, Missouri?
In St. Louis and across the state of Missouri, drinking and driving related accidents regularly occur on city roads. State data shows that alcohol-impaired crashes remain a leading cause of traffic deaths and serious injuries.
To combat this, Missouri law enforcement agencies conduct frequent DWI stops and enforcement initiatives to remove impaired drivers from the roads.
In 2019, over 20,000 DWI arrests were made statewide, including many in the St. Louis area. While these efforts help reduce the number of impaired drivers, these accidents still pose a significant danger to motorists.
Substance-impaired driving accidents, which include impairment from alcohol, drugs, and prescription medications, remain a significant issue in St. Louis, Missouri, according to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety.
In 2019, there were 134 fatalities and 2,616 injuries in Missouri crashes involving impaired drivers. By 2020, 222 deaths occurred due to substance-impaired driving, and in 2023, there were 181 fatalities for that exact reason across the state, showing a continued and severe threat to public safety.
For victims of these accidents, the consequences can be devastating. If a substance-impaired driver in St. Louis has injured you or a loved one, it’s crucial to seek justice and hold the responsible party accountable for their reckless actions.
For immediate legal assistance from an experienced St. Louis drunk driver accident lawyer, contact Beck & Beck Car Accident Lawyers today. We offer free consultations.
What Makes Drunk Driving in St. Louis So Dangerous?
Drunk driving in St. Louis, Missouri, is hazardous because it impairs a driver’s ability to make sound decisions, react quickly, and maintain control of their vehicle. When someone drives under the influence, the alcohol in their system directly affects their motor skills, vision, and cognitive functions, all of which are essential for safe driving.
Here are a few key factors that make drunk driving so hazardous:
- Delayed reaction times: Alcohol slows down the brain’s response time, making it harder for drivers to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions. This delay can result in accidents that would have otherwise been avoidable.
- Poor judgment: Drunk drivers are less likely to make safe decisions, such as following traffic laws or maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles. This lack of judgment often leads to reckless driving, speeding, or running red lights, which increases the likelihood of a severe crash.
- Impaired vision and focus: Alcohol affects the eyes’ ability to focus and reduces peripheral vision, making it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians, cyclists, or other cars. Impaired vision is a significant cause of accidents in St. Louis, especially at night.
- Loss of motor control: Drunk drivers struggle to control their vehicles, leading to swerving, drifting between lanes, or failing to brake correctly. This loss of coordination is one of the most dangerous effects of alcohol on drivers.
It’s important to note that the effects of alcohol are not the only risk. Many prescription drugs can have similar impacts on a person’s ability to drive safely, including slowed reaction times and impaired judgment.
In St. Louis, the combination of alcohol-impaired drivers and these dangerous effects makes the roads especially risky for everyone. Holding drunk drivers accountable is critical in reducing the number of accidents caused by impaired driving.
To learn more about the dangers of driving drunk, reach out to our experienced St. Louis drunk driver accident attorneys. We offer free case evaluations and are never too busy to speak with you.
What Are The Laws For Impaired Driving in Missouri?
Missouri has strict laws in place to penalize drivers who operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. These laws are designed to protect public safety and hold impaired drivers accountable for the harm they cause.
DWI Laws in Missouri
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is illegal in Missouri under Missouri Revised Statute §577.010, which sets the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit at 0.08% for most drivers.
The limit for commercial drivers is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, it is 0.02%. Penalties for a DWI can include fines, jail time, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol treatment programs.
Dram Shop Laws
Missouri also holds establishments accountable for serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals or minors under RSMo Section 537.053. These “dram shop” laws allow victims to file lawsuits against bars or restaurants that overserved a driver who caused an accident.
Penalties for Drunk Driving
Penalties for drunk driving in Missouri escalate with each offense. A first-time DWI can result in up to six months in jail and a $500 fine. Repeat offenders face more severe consequences, such as longer jail sentences, higher fines, and extended license suspensions.
To learn more about Missouri’s DWI/DUI laws, schedule a consultation with a skilled and experienced St. Louis drunk driver accident lawyer today. The legal team at Beck & Beck Car Accident Lawyers offers free consultations.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Drunk Driver Accident in St. Louis, Missouri?
In a St. Louis drunk driving accident, multiple parties may be held liable depending on the circumstances. Understanding your legal rights after a DWI injury and who can be responsible is vital for victims seeking compensation for their injuries and damages.
The Drunk Driver
The primary party responsible for a drunk driving accident is, of course, the intoxicated driver. Drivers who cause accidents are liable for any resulting injuries. Victims can file personal injury claims against the drunk driver to recover costs related to medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Bars and Restaurants
If a business knowingly serves alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated and that person goes on to cause an accident, the establishment may share liability. This can be an essential source of compensation when the driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover the damages.
Private Hosts
In some cases, social hosts who provide alcohol at private events may also be held responsible if they knowingly allow an intoxicated guest to drive.
While having a private host liable can be more challenging than proving the responsibility of a business under Dram shop laws, it is still possible if the evidence shows apparent negligence.
For a free consultation with a knowledgeable St. Louis car accident lawyer, contact our law firm today.
What is Negligent Entrustment in Missouri Drunk Driver Accident Claims?
Negligent entrustment is an important legal concept that can impact Missouri drunk driving accident claims. It involves holding a person responsible for allowing an unfit individual, such as an intoxicated driver, to operate their vehicle. In these situations, the vehicle owner may be liable for any damages caused by the driver.
How Negligent Entrustment Works
In negligent entrustment cases, the vehicle owner is held accountable for knowingly lending their car to someone incapable of driving safely.
This applies when the owner is aware or should have been aware, that the driver poses a danger, such as when the driver is visibly intoxicated or has a history of reckless driving.
For example, if a car owner allows a friend who has been drinking to drive their vehicle, and that friend causes an accident, the owner may be liable for any resulting damages.
Legal Implications in Missouri
Under Missouri law, victims of drunk driving accidents can pursue claims against both the intoxicated driver and the person who negligently entrusted the vehicle.
This is particularly important in cases where the driver’s insurance may not be sufficient to cover the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, or other expenses. By holding the vehicle owner liable, victims have an additional path to seek compensation for their injuries.
How is Negligence Proven in an Accident Involving a Drunk Driver in St. Louis, Missouri?
Proving negligence in a drunk driving accident is essential to securing compensation for injuries and damages. In Missouri, accident victims need to demonstrate that the drunk driver’s actions directly caused the accident.
To do this, they must establish four key elements of negligence: duty, breach of duty, causation, and damages.
Establishing Duty of Care
The first step in proving negligence is showing that the drunk driver owed a duty of care to others on the road. In Missouri, all drivers must act responsibly and follow traffic laws to prevent harm to others.
By getting behind the wheel, the driver assumes the responsibility to operate their vehicle safely and legally, including not driving under the influence of alcohol.
Proving Breach of Duty
Next, the victim must prove that the driver breached this duty of care. In the case of a drunk driving accident, the driver’s intoxication is usually sufficient evidence of a breach.
As stated, Missouri law prohibits driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, and violating this law is considered a breach of duty. The victim can use police reports, breathalyzer results, or witness testimony to show that the driver was intoxicated at the time of the crash.
Demonstrating Causation
Once a breach of duty is established, the victim must demonstrate that the drunk driver’s actions directly caused the accident. This means proving that the driver’s impairment due to alcohol was a significant factor in causing the collision.
Evidence such as the driver’s erratic behavior, failure to obey traffic signals, or inability to control their vehicle can help show that the accident was a direct result of the driver’s intoxication.
Showing Damages
Finally, the victim must prove they suffered damages from the accident. Damages can include physical injuries, property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
The victim can show the extent of the harm they experienced due to the accident by providing medical records, repair estimates, and documentation of lost income.
To learn more about Missouri negligence laws, contact an experienced St. Louis drunk driver accident lawyer from our law firm today.
Can I Sue a Drunk Driver For My Injuries After an Accident in St. Louis, Missouri?
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident in St. Louis, Missouri, you may be wondering if you have the right to sue the driver responsible for your injuries.
The answer is yes, but it’s essential to understand the difference between criminal and civil liability in these cases.
Criminal vs. Civil Liability for Drunk Driving
In a drunk driving accident, the driver who caused the crash can face both criminal and civil consequences.
Criminal liability arises when the state prosecutes the driver for breaking the law, such as driving under the influence (DUI). If convicted, the drunk driver can face penalties like fines, jail time, or a revoked driver’s license. These criminal penalties, however, do not directly compensate victims for their injuries.
On the other hand, civil liability is focused on holding the drunk driver financially responsible for the harm they’ve caused. You can file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver as the injured party.
This type of claim allows you to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident. Unlike criminal cases, where the goal is to punish the offender, civil lawsuits aim to provide restitution to the victim.
Filing a Civil Lawsuit After a Drunk Driving Accident
To recover damages, you must prove that the driver’s intoxication directly led to the accident and your injuries. A skilled attorney can help gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and toxicology results, to strengthen your case. The driver’s criminal conviction can support your civil claim in many cases.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Drunk Driver Accident in St. Louis?
The damages you can pursue typically fall into economic and non-economic categories in Missouri. In some cases, you may be eligible to seek punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are meant to cover your accident’s tangible financial costs. These damages aim to reimburse you for expenses that are easy to quantify, such as:
- Medical Bills: This includes current and future medical expenses, such as hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medications.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for lost income. This may also cover any future loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job.
- Property Damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you can seek compensation to repair or replace it.
By recovering economic damages, you can reduce the financial strain caused by the accident and focus on your recovery.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more subjective and compensate you for the emotional and psychological impact of the accident. These include:
- Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured as a result of the crash.
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, and trauma caused by the accident can be compensated under non-economic damages.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries have significantly affected your ability to enjoy life or participate in activities you once loved, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
While these damages are more complicated to calculate, they are equally important in helping you move forward after a devastating accident.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are intended to punish the drunk driver for their reckless behavior and deter similar conduct.
Missouri courts may award punitive damages if the drunk driver’s actions were particularly egregious, such as driving with a very high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or having multiple DUI offenses.
How Much Can I Get For My Drunk Driver Accident Claim in St. Louis, Missouri?
The amount you can recover for a drunk driver accident claim in St. Louis depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the medical treatment required, and the long-term impact on your life.
Claims involving more severe injuries, such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal cord injuries, generally result in higher compensation. You may be entitled to recover costs for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any ongoing medical care.
In cases where the accident results in a fatality, the family of the victim may file a wrongful death claim. These claims seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of future earnings, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one.
Wrongful death claims provide financial support to families as they navigate the aftermath of a devastating loss due to a drunk driver’s actions.
Each case is unique so that the potential compensation can vary greatly. Understanding the factors influencing your claim ensures you pursue the appropriate amount.
To learn more about the value of your car accident claim reach out to our skilled and experienced St. Louis drunk driver accident attorneys today.
When Should I File My Missouri Drunk Driver Accident Claim?
In Missouri, there is a limited time frame for filing a personal injury claim after a drunk driving accident.
According to RSMo Section 516.120, you generally have five years from the accident date to file a claim for compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. This statute of limitations is crucial, as failing to file within this time can prevent you from recovering damages.
However, if the accident results in a fatality, the timeline for filing a wrongful death claim is shorter. Missouri law, under RSMo Section 537.100, allows families just three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.
This reduced timeframe emphasizes the importance of acting quickly to preserve legal rights.
Understanding these deadlines is vital to ensuring your claim is filed on time. Whether pursuing a personal injury or wrongful death case, it’s essential to gather the necessary evidence and file your claim within the appropriate legal window to avoid forfeiting your right to compensation.
Experienced Auto Accident Attorneys in St. Louis, Missouri
At Beck & Beck Car Accident Lawyers, we understand the devastating impact that drunk driving accidents can have on victims and their families. Our team is committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
With years of experience handling drunk driver accident cases in St. Louis, Missouri, we are dedicated to providing personalized legal support and holding reckless drivers accountable for their actions.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options. We are here to guide you every step of the way.
Locations in and around St. Louis which we serve include Florissant, Wellston, Clayton, Brentwood, Central West End, Richmond Heights, University City, Maplewood, and more.
