We help you get compensation and fight to make sure DWI & DUI offenders are held accountable for their actions
One of the most tragic things someone can hear is that someone was injured or killed in a car accident by someone driving under the influence.
It is a situation that can be completely avoided. We, here at Ortwerth Law, are dedicated to fighting for those who have been injured or killed due to an automobile accident involving a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Automobile accident injury attorneys for lawsuits against drunk drivers
The amount of compensation you receive after an automobile accident involving an impaired driver depends on things like the severity of the injuries, the amount of property damage, and the circumstances surrounding the accident. The amount can range from several thousand dollars to millions.
In past cases, we have helped clients win drunk driving settlements of more than $2 Million
Click here to read about one of our recent drunk driving personal injury cases in St. Louis
The dangers of driving under the influence
Alcohol consumption can significantly affect a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. It impairs their judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making it difficult for them to react quickly to changing road conditions. A driver who is under the influence of alcohol may have difficulty maintaining their lane, braking, and judging distance. Furthermore, the more alcohol consumed, the more impaired the driver becomes, increasing the risk of an accident.
Attorneys can play a crucial role in helping those who have been injured by drunk drivers. They can help their clients navigate the legal system, which can be overwhelming and confusing for someone who is not familiar with it.
Our Missouri personal injury lawyers will help you understand their legal options and rights, and we can provide guidance on the best course of action to take. This can include filing a personal injury lawsuit against the drunk driver to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Additionally, our car accident attorneys can help negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Insurance companies may try to offer a low settlement amount, but an attorney can help their client ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve.
Our car accident lawyers will get you the compensation you deserve
Experiencing a car accident is traumatizing. You are likely scared and angry when a drunk driver causes an automobile accident.
Our attorneys know how frustrating this experience can be, and we will be there to provide emotional support during this difficult time. Being involved in a drunk driving accident can be traumatic, and it can be helpful to have someone to turn to who can provide guidance and support.
Not only do we provide guidance, but we will also work tirelessly to make sure you are compensated for any emotional, physical, and material damage caused by the negligence of the drunk driver.
We make sure drivers under the influence are held accountable
In addition to helping our clients recover damages, our car accident lawyers also work to prevent future drunk driving accidents. In some cases, the driver of the vehicle is not the only person who needs to be held accountable. If there are other parties who may be liable for the accident, such as a bar or restaurant that served alcohol to the driver despite knowing they were intoxicated, we will make sure they pay their share – or an additional share – of compensation as well.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. A drunk driving accident attorney can help you understand your legal options and work to get you the compensation you deserve. Don’t suffer in silence. Contact an attorney today to get the justice you deserve.
Preventing drunk driving accidents requires a collaborative effort from all members of society. One of the most effective ways to prevent drunk driving is to educate people about the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence. Campaigns and initiatives that promote responsible drinking and alternative transportation options can also be effective. Additionally, stricter laws and penalties for drunk driving can deter people from getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. It is also important to encourage people to speak up and intervene if they see someone they know is driving while under the influence.
The impact of driving under the influence in Missouri
Drunk driving car accidents continue to be a major issue on roads worldwide. Despite the numerous campaigns and strict laws against it, people still get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Drunk driving accidents can have severe consequences, resulting in property damage, injuries, and fatalities. Injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe head and spinal injuries, which can have lifelong effects on the victim.
Missouri drunk driving statistics
- In 2021, 215 people were killed and 713 were seriously injured due to drunk or impaired driving
- Impaired drivers in St. Louis County and St. Louis City County were responsible for over half (113) of those fatalities in Missouri
- In 2020, 32% of Missouri’s car accident fatalities involved drunk/impaired driving
- Between 2017 – 2021, there were 1,025 fatalities involving a drunk or substance-impaired driver in Missouri
Missouri’s drunk driving laws
Missouri has strict laws against drunk driving, with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% for drivers aged 21 and over. For drivers under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can result in a drunk driving charge.
Missouri also has a zero-tolerance policy for commercial drivers, who can be charged with drunk driving for having a BAC of 0.04% or higher.
Missouri has an Implied Content Law which means you are required to complete an alcohol or drug-related test if a police officer believes you may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The penalties for drunk driving in Missouri can be severe, with fines, license suspension, and even jail time for repeat offenders. For a first-time offense, a driver can face up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $500, and a 30-day license suspension. For second and third offenses, the penalties increase significantly, with longer jail time, higher fines, and longer license suspensions.
Get help from the experts in drunk and impaired driving injury attorneys in St. Louis, Missouri
Drunk driving accidents are a preventable tragedy that continues to cause harm to individuals and communities. As a society, we must work together to educate and promote responsible drinking habits, as well as enforce stricter laws and penalties for those who choose to drive under the influence.
If you or a loved one has been injured, killed, or involved in a drunk driving accident of any manner, we recommend you speak with our St. Louis car accident lawyers today.
