As football season kicks off, tailgates and watch parties are also getting started. And when alcohol and vehicles mix, the likelihood of drunk driving increases. While you may be a responsible driver headed home from Arrowhead or the local sports bar to watch the game, unfortunately not everyone follows the law.
Drunk driving accidents are among the most tragic crashes on the roads. They are entirely preventable, yet they often leave victims facing catastrophic injuries, financial strain, and emotional trauma. While criminal charges may be brought against the impaired driver, the civil legal process is equally important for ensuring victims receive the compensation they need and deserve.
At Presley & Presley, we stand with victims of drunk driving crashes and their families. If you or a loved one has been harmed by an impaired driver, here’s what you need to know:
1. Criminal Charges Do Not Cover Your Damages
When a drunk driver is arrested and prosecuted, that process is handled by the state. Criminal penalties may include jail time, fines, or loss of driving privileges — but none of that pays for your medical bills, lost income, or long-term recovery.
- You still have the right to bring a civil claim against the drunk driver.
- A civil case focuses on compensation for your losses, not punishment.
- Your attorney can pursue damages for medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
2. Evidence Must Be Preserved Quickly
Our team captures key evidence in drunk driving cases, including:
- Police reports and blood alcohol content (BAC) results from the driver.
- Dash cam, surveillance, or bodycam footage from the scene.
- Witness statements taken before memories fade.
- Accident reconstruction analysis to show how impairment caused the crash.
Our team moves quickly to gather and preserve this evidence to strengthen your case.
3. Drunk Driving Accidents Often Involve Dram Shop Liability
In Missouri, bars, restaurants, or other establishments may be held accountable under the Dram Shop Law if they knowingly overserved alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then caused a crash. This can be critical when:
- The drunk driver has limited insurance coverage.
- The establishment’s negligence contributed directly to the accident.
- Pursuing all liable parties ensures you have the best chance of securing full compensation.
4. The Insurance Company Will Fight to Limit Your Recovery
Even in cases where the driver was clearly drunk, insurance companies often:
- Argue your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim.
- Suggest you were partially at fault.
- Push for a quick settlement that doesn’t cover future medical needs.
The experienced trial attorneys at Presley & Presley know about these tactics and how to counter them with strong evidence and expert testimony.
5. Why Presley & Presley?
Our attorneys have successfully handled high-stakes drunk driving accident cases across Missouri. We know how to:
- Navigate both the criminal and civil sides of a drunk driving case.
- Uncover all potential sources of recovery, including insurance and Dram Shop claims.
- Maximize compensation for victims facing life-changing injuries or families coping with wrongful death.
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, or lost a loved one to an impaired driver, contact Presley & Presley today for a free consultation. We’ll fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.