Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents are governed by both criminal and civil laws. Criminal law addresses the DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charges against the intoxicated driver, while civil law covers the legal rights of victims to seek compensation for their injuries and losses. Presley & Presley Trial Attorneys specialize in representing victims of drunk driving accidents, offering comprehensive legal support to navigate the complexities of these cases.

Justice for Victims Advocating After Drunk Driving Accidents

Dealing with the aftermath of any car accident is difficult—but when the crash was caused by a driver who was intoxicated, it literally adds insult to injury. While the drunk driver may be facing a case in the criminal justice system, a successful prosecution will not provide any direct benefits to those whose lives were seriously disrupted. Pursuing compensation for serious or catastrophic injuries or the loss of a loved one is best accomplished with the help of a seasoned drunk driving accident attorney with a nationwide reputation for holding negligent parties—and their insurers—fully accountable for the many economic and non-economic damages victims and their families will have to face for years to come.

Choosing a Drunk Driving Attorney with Presley & Presley means Choosing a Firm Insurance Companies Respect and Fear

Our Kansas City firm represents people regionally and nationally, specializing in insurance bad faith and catastrophic injury cases. We partner with referring attorneys and individual clients looking for a team dedicated to helping people get justice and the full compensation they need after a serious accident. Presley & Presley is a small but powerful firm with the resources, expertise and experience needed for even the most complicated of cases against large corporations or insurance companies. What drives us is our mission to help people who have been injured due to another’s negligence and effect change in laws and policy so communities are safer. We are considered leaders in the legal community and have learned from the best minds in personal injury law. Because of this, we are also active in passing on our extensive knowledge and experience to other professionals in our field. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a DUI accident, schedule a consultation with our drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible. We provide excellent, innovative legal strategies and personalized attention to clients rather than taking on a large number of cases. We give victims a voice and insurance companies would rather reconsider their lowball offer than risk litigation with us.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Drunk Driving Accident?

Like all states in the U.S., drunk driving is a serious crime in Missouri. The act of driving while intoxicated automatically makes the at-fault party’s actions negligent and reckless. However, like many vehicle accident cases, determining and proving fault and obtaining full compensation for damages can be complicated. A drunk driving accident lawyer on our team has extensive knowledge on how to navigate such cases so victims and their families get justice for what has happened. Whether it’s getting the at-fault party’s insurance company to act in good faith or having to go to court to ensure full damages are taken responsibility for, we have obtained maximal, deserved compensation to cover economic and non-economic damages such as:

Hospitalization costs
Emergency room care
Outpatient visits to doctors and specialists
Prescriptions and medical equipment
Physical rehabilitation/physical therapy
Chiropractic care
Loss of wages or income
Loss of future income
Pain and suffering
Damage to your vehicle and personal property
Out-of-pocket expenses connected to recovery

In cases of catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord or traumatic brain damage, insurers may not make a fair offer given the life-changing complexities patients are likely to face. We are expert litigators with a reputation for successful outcomes and most insurers would rather offer a just settlement than risk meeting us in court.

car keys on bar with drinking in the background

What is Missouri’s Dram Shop Law?

In many states, those injured by an intoxicated driver can also hold accountable the bar, restaurant, or tavern that served the individual. Section 537-053 of the Missouri Revised Statutes outlines our state’s “dram shop” law. It provides another avenue through which injury victims can seek compensation. Under the statute, you may be able to bring a civil claim against an establishment that served alcohol to the at-fault driver when they were visibly intoxicated. This law applies only to businesses that serve alcoholic drinks to be consumed on the premises. Thus, convenience and liquor stores are exempt. When it can be proven that the driver who hit you was already “visibly intoxicated” when served more drinks by a bar or restaurant, that establishment could be responsible for the resulting damages as well.

What are Common Injuries Suffered in Drunk Driving Accidents?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 29% of all accidents involve drunk drivers resulting over 10,000 fatalities annually. Unfortunately, alcohol is not the only substance drivers use. With many states legalizing marijuana, THC has become the second-most common intoxicant impaired drivers involved in accidents test positive for. Victims of drunk driving accidents can suffer severe injuries including:

Internal injuries
Broken bones, including multiple fractures
Amputation
Traumatic brain injury
Spinal cord damage

Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney at our Kansas City Offices Today

Schedule a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer experienced in getting maximal results for people who have suffered serious injuries caused by an intoxicated driver. We are passionate about helping people get just compensation so they can put the pieces of their lives back together as best as possible.