Being in an accident caused by a drunk driver can cause serious physical and psychological injury. More than any other type of auto accident, an accident caused by a drunk driver can be a harrowing and life-altering experience. There is no excuse for driving on the roads while intoxicated, and most states penalize drunk driving accidents very severely. It is very important that if you or a loved one is injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver you first seek proper medical attention, and then you contact your Kansas City drunk driver attorney.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, secure the representation of Kansas City, MO drunk driver collision attorneys at Fowler Pickert Eisenmenger Norfleet. The experience of our Kansas City accident lawyers can get you the compensation you deserve after a car accident caused by a drunk driver.
Statistics on Drunk Driving
Driving while intoxicated is a criminal offense even if the driver does not cause an accident. In March of 2014, Missouri passed a law requiring ignition interlocks for all those convicted of DWI. The state is hoping to cut down on the number of drunk drivers on the road. The number of alcohol-related crashes in Missouri from 2014-2016 was 2,822, of which 666 were fatalities.
In drunk driving accidents, a felony charge may be allowed when the alcohol was a factor in causing injury or death to another person. If you are in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to file a claim in civil court on top of any criminal charges the driver faces. Contact a Kansas City personal injury attorney for a free case evaluation.
Liability
If the negligence of a drunk driver caused serious injury to you or wrongful death of a loved one, you may be able to pursue civil legal action. To prove liability, you’ll have to present evidence of the defendant’s level of intoxication at the time of the accident and that intoxication caused the driver to act negligently or recklessly. Relevant police reports, witness accounts, and expert witness accounts are commonly used to help prove liability in these cases.
In some cases, the injured party may be able to file a suit against a bartender or restaurant owner. If the drunk driver was already visibly drunk when leaving the restaurant’s premises, the owner or bartender may have reasonably been expected to prevent him or her from driving. In Missouri, any establishment that sells alcohol to patrons for consumption on the premises may be liable for a drunk driving accident. To win such a case, known as a dram shop case, the plaintiff must prove that the establishment continued to serve alcohol to the driver even after he or she became noticeably intoxicated.
Missouri does not provide for the prosecution of social hosts who serve alcohol at a party, unless alcohol was served to a minor. To seek damages in drunk driving lawsuits, a person must file the suit within 5 years from the time of the injury. A plaintiff may receive compensation for medical expenses, the inability to perform daily household duties, replacing damaged property, financial loss, and pain and suffering. There is no cap in Missouri for the damages that can be awarded in these cases.
Gathering evidence as soon as possible is an important step in filing a civil action against a drunk driver. Retain the services of a qualified Kansas City drunk driving accident lawyer who can help guide you through the complicated laws surrounding drunk driving cases. You are entitled to have your rights protected and eligible to receive damages for any serious injury or wrongful death that results from a drunk driver.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in a Kansas City, Missouri Car Accident?
If you've been hurt in a Kansas City area car accident you should speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our office directly at 816.832.4688 to schedule your free consultation. We are proud to serve Kansas City, Missouri, and the surrounding area and look forward to speaking with you.