Going out and having fun is a great way to blow off steam after a stressful day. However, if you do not plan ahead, you could find yourself behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated. Alternatively, you could find yourself on the road with a driver who should not be behind the wheel due to alcohol impairment.
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is illegal in Missouri and across the United States. The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) confirms that if a driver’s blood-alcohol level (BAC) exceeds 0.08%, that person can be charged with a DWI. The punishments placed on drivers whose BAC exceeds 0.08%—to the point where that level may be 0.15% or higher—can also receive a charge for aggravated DWI. For drivers who are under the age of 21 and intoxicated behind the wheel, a BAC of just 0.02% can result in a suspended license.
Keeping all of this in mind, you can readily pursue a civil case if you were injured in a drunk driving accident. DWI or equivalent charges against the driver can help bring your case for compensation before a court. To better understand what your options are after an accident with an intoxicated driver, contact a Kansas City drunk driving accident lawyer with Ben Crump Law, PLLC. We can walk you through the process of establishing a civil case and represent you if you wish to take your case to court. To learn more, call us today at (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation.
Protecting Your Post-Accident Rights
In some cases, the intoxicated driver may offer you a settlement for your losses without you having to take any legal action. However, it is strongly recommended that you bring any settlement offers to a Kansas City drunk driving accident lawyer for review, especially if they are unsolicited. The goal is to ensure that the settlement will meet all your needs, including current and future expenses. If the settlement offer is too low, a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and work to secure a more comprehensive settlement for you.
For a free legal consultation with a drunk driving accidents lawyer serving Kansas City, call (844) 730-0233
Taking Action Against an Intoxicated Driver
To take action against an intoxicated driver who caused you harm, you have two primary options. You can:
- File a legal complaint and build a civil case
- Write a demand letter requesting compensation without going to court
Filing a Legal Complaint
Legal complaints typically detail the identity of the party you wish to hold liable for your losses, any evidence that proves their liability, and an estimate of your potential compensation to a court in your area. A Kansas City drunk driving accident lawyer can explain how liability works in your state, help gather crucial evidence, and prepare your complaint for you.
When estimating your potential compensation, be sure to include any economic and non-economic damages that may be applicable in your case. Economic damages have a set monetary value, such as property damage, medical expenses, or lost wages. Non-economic damages may include any pain and suffering or mental anguish that you or your loved one endured because of the accident.
Once you have the necessary information gathered, you can deliver it to a court to find out if your case will move forward. According to Missouri Revised Statutes (RSMo) 1939 §1014, the statute of limitations in Missouri for a personal injury or property damage case is five years. You must meet this deadline to ensure that you have an opportunity to seek compensation. To get started, contact the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC today.
Writing a Demand Letter
If you would rather keep your case out of a courtroom but still want to pursue compensation for your losses, you can do so by filing a demand letter. Demand letters are legal documents that work similarly to complaints. However, you file a demand letter with the party that you believe is liable for your losses instead of a court. This way, you can present your evidence of liability directly to the party you wish to hold responsible, while also sharing an estimate of what compensation you may be owed.
In some cases, the party who receives a demand letter may be open to negotiating a settlement based on your provided estimate. A Kansas City drunk driving accident lawyer can help manage the negotiation process and handle all communications on your behalf.
Kansas City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Contact a Kansas City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
Drunk driving puts more than just one driver at risk. An intoxicated driver who takes to the road threatens the lives of their passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians nearby. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 3,300 people were killed in crashes involving a drunk driver in Missouri between 2003 and 2012—but even one person is too many.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident with an intoxicated driver, you have the right to build a civil case against them. A Kansas City drunk driving accident lawyer can help you establish the driver’s duty of care, prove their violation of it, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
With Ben Crump Law, PLLC, you do not have to worry about your financial standing while you pursue your case. We do not charge you for our services, whether we represent you in court or simply talk you through your legal options. Instead, you will only receive a bill if the liable party provides you with a court-mandated or negotiated settlement. In other words, you do not pay unless we can win your case.
To learn more, contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233 for a free case evaluation.
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