Are you the victim of a drunk driving accident? These are severe circumstances, and a St. Louis drunk driving accident lawyer can examine your case to see if you are eligible for compensation. Drunk driving is responsible for 61% of automobile accident fatalities,
according to a 2018 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you work toward making sure that the negligent party is held responsible for their actions. If there is a death involved, there may be even more at stake, and we want to help you pursue your claim to get the most out of your case.
Call our offices today at (844) 730-0233 to get a free case evaluation. We are committed to our clients and have a team that works with you to pursue the compensation you deserve. We also work on a contingency fee basis, so you will not pay anything unless and until we win your settlement.
Understanding a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit
Any blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08 is illegal in Missouri and is subject to criminal charges. If a drunk driver is involved in an accident that hurts or kills someone or flees the scene, they may face a felony charge outlined in Missouri Revised Statute § 577.010.
Any amount of alcohol can impair a person’s judgment. Therefore, drunk driving is considered a reckless act.
Here are some things to consider if you are filing a drunk driving accident lawsuit in St. Louis:
Time Limit to File
Statutes of limitations for drunk driving accidents depends on the outcome of the accident. In a wrongful death lawsuit, Missouri Revised Statute § 537.100 states you have three years to file. Personal injury cases have a five year limit per Missouri Revised Statute § 516.120. There are exceptions to these on a case by case basis, and an attorney can share what measures you may take if any apply.
Proving Negligence
It is not hard to prove negligence in drunk driving accidents. The police report, BAC, and damage and injury should be enough. However, hiring an attorney to go over the laws may help you understand the best way to navigate your lawsuit to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
In the case the drunk driver was a fatality in the accident, there are still ways to file for compensation with their insurance company. While these are deplorable circumstances, they do not invalidate your pain and suffering.
Damages You May Claim in a Drunk Driving Case
Most of these claims and cases reach for economic and noneconomic damages.
These cover pain and suffering, all medical costs associated with the wreck, loss of wages, loss of companionship, etc.
If the circumstance calls for a criminal investigation, you may be able to seek punitive damages as well. There are limits to what you can receive when looking for punitive damage compensation. When you talk with a drunk driving accident attorney, they will be able to highlight the damages available to you and how to go about negotiating them.
For a free legal consultation with a drunk driving accidents lawyer serving St. Louis, call (844) 730-0233
St. Louis Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
How a St. Louis Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Assist You
If a drunk driver has hit you and caused injury or damage, the laws are a bit more complicated to follow because there is typically intent involved due to the recklessness of the driver. These situations sometimes create criminal liability and having a lawyer to help walk you through your options may relieve some stress. Accidents are scary, but the process of filing a lawsuit does not have to be.
Advocates for Justice
Ben Crump Law, PLLC has built their reputation on upholding the rights of individuals. Our clients have won millions in damages with the help of our team. We are here to help you do the same. Having someone advocate for you so you can heal and process the incident without having to relive every piece of evidence will give you more time to recover, relieving you of stress.
A St. Louis drunk driver accident lawyer can help you explore your legal options. The sooner you call a member of our team, the sooner we can get started. The consultation is free, and you will not pay any upfront or out of pocket fees unless we secure a fair settlement on your behalf.
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Contact a St. Louis Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
A 2018 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares that 2.2% of Missouri adult drivers admit to getting behind the wheel intoxicated. However, due to stricter laws across the nation, alcohol-related accidents have dropped significantly.
These laws are in place to protect you and other drivers, and a St. Louis drunk driving accident lawyer can work with you to make sure you understand how they can benefit your case. It is never ok to put other drivers in danger, and we want to make sure the negligent party is held responsible, so you can receive the compensation you deserve for your pain and losses.
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233 for a free case evaluation. Do not wait until it is too late. Time is not on your side, and sometimes these lawsuits can take even longer to settle. We are committed to our clients, and with our contingency fee plans, you will not pay anything unless and until we win your case. Call now for a free case review. You should not have to suffer one more day for an accident caused by a drunk driver.
Call or text (844) 730-0233 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
