Missouri DUI Accident Victim Lawyers Fighting for Victims of Drunk Drivers.
Hurt by a drunk or impaired driver in Missouri? You did nothing wrong. We fight to get you every dollar you deserve from every available source. Free consultation 24/7.
What to Do After a DUI Accident
7 Steps Missouri DUI Accident Victims Should Take
Being hit by a drunk driver is traumatic. Here is what to do to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
Call 911 immediately
Police need to respond to document the crash and investigate the other driver's impairment. Field sobriety tests and blood alcohol readings are critical evidence in your case.
Stay at the scene and let officers do their work
Do not leave before police arrive. The officer's field observations and the arrest report are powerful evidence in your civil claim.
Seek medical attention right away
See a doctor even if you feel okay. DUI crashes can cause internal injuries and concussions that are not immediately obvious. Medical records establish the connection between the crash and your injuries.
Document the scene
Photograph both vehicles, the road, and any open containers or other evidence of intoxication visible at the scene. Do not touch or move anything.
Request a copy of the police report
The police report will include the officer's observations, field sobriety test results, BAC readings, and whether the driver was charged. Get this document.
Do not give a recorded statement to the drunk driver's insurer
Their insurer will call you. Do not give a recorded statement. Despite what happened, they will still try to minimize your claim.
Contact Missouri Injury Attorneys
DUI cases involve criminal proceedings and civil claims. We handle both sides and make sure the criminal case strengthens your civil recovery. Call us right away.
Do You Have a Case?
Missouri DUI Victim Law: What You Need to Know
Being hit by a drunk driver gives you powerful legal options in Missouri. Here is what the law provides.
DUI as strong evidence of negligence
A driver's DUI arrest and conviction is powerful evidence of negligence in your civil case. We use the criminal record, police report, BAC results, and officer testimony to establish the drunk driver's fault clearly.
Punitive damages in Missouri DUI cases
Missouri allows victims of drunk drivers to seek punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish especially reckless behavior and can significantly increase your total recovery.
Dram shop liability in Missouri
If the drunk driver was overserved at a bar or restaurant before hitting you, Missouri dram shop law may allow you to sue that establishment as well. We investigate all parties who contributed to the driver's impairment.
5-year statute of limitations
You have 5 years to file a personal injury claim in Missouri. But acting fast is important. Criminal case records and BAC evidence are most valuable when obtained promptly after the crash.
Injuries We Handle
Common DUI Accident Injuries in Missouri
Drunk driving crashes often involve high speeds and a driver who does not brake before impact. The injuries can be catastrophic.
If a family member was killed by a drunk driver in Missouri, our wrongful death attorneys will fight to hold every responsible party accountable.
How We Handle Your Case
What Happens After You Call Us
DUI victim cases require coordination between the criminal and civil systems. We handle it all.
Criminal case coordination
We monitor the drunk driver's criminal case and gather all relevant evidence including arrest records, BAC reports, officer testimony, and any surveillance footage from the scene.
Full liability investigation
We investigate whether dram shop liability applies, whether the driver's vehicle had known defects, and whether any other parties contributed to the crash.
Building your full damages claim
DUI crashes often cause catastrophic injuries with long-term care needs. We work with medical and financial experts to document every element of your damages.
Maximum recovery pursuit
We pursue compensatory damages for your injuries and losses, plus punitive damages when appropriate. We negotiate hard and go to trial if needed to get you full justice.
What Drunk Driver Insurers Do
How Insurers Handle DUI Victim Claims in Missouri
Even when their driver was drunk, insurers still try to minimize what they pay. Here is what to watch for.
Dispute the connection between the DUI and your injuries
Insurers may argue your injuries were pre-existing or that the accident was not as severe as you claim. We use medical evidence and expert testimony to establish the full impact of the crash.
Try to settle before the criminal case concludes
A quick settlement before the drunk driver is convicted eliminates some of your most powerful evidence. We time your civil claim strategically around the criminal proceedings.
Argue the driver's BAC was borderline
Even if the BAC was just over the legal limit, insurers may argue the driver's impairment was minimal. We counter with the officer's observations and expert analysis.
Offer low settlements knowing you are in pain
DUI crash victims are often in serious physical and emotional pain. Insurers exploit this to push low settlements. We protect you from settling before you understand your full damages.
Local Injury Guide
DUI Accident Claims Across Missouri
Drunk driving is a serious problem across Missouri. Here is what victims in our service areas need to know.
DUI accidents in St. Louis
St. Louis sees a high rate of drunk driving accidents, particularly in entertainment areas downtown and around Soulard. We handle DUI victim cases throughout St. Louis city and county and know the courts and procedures.
DUI accidents in Kansas City
Kansas City's entertainment districts generate significant drunk driving incidents, particularly on weekends. We represent DUI accident victims throughout the Kansas City metro area.
Dram shop cases in Missouri bars and restaurants
Missouri dram shop law allows victims to pursue claims against bars and restaurants that overserved a visibly intoxicated driver. We investigate the driver's activities before the crash to identify every responsible party.
DUI fatalities and wrongful death on Missouri highways
Drunk driving fatalities on Missouri interstates and highways can result in wrongful death claims against the driver, potentially the bar that served them, and in some cases additional parties. We pursue every source of compensation for surviving families.
Have questions about your Missouri DUI accident case? Call us 24/7. Your first consultation is always free and confidential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Missouri DUI Accident Claims
Still have questions? Call us any time. It is always free and confidential.
The criminal case is brought by the state and can result in jail time and fines for the drunk driver. Your civil claim is separate and seeks compensation for your injuries and losses. The criminal case can strengthen your civil claim but they proceed independently.
Possibly. Missouri dram shop law allows claims against establishments that served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then caused an accident. We investigate the driver's drinking history before the crash to evaluate dram shop liability.
Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply. We also pursue dram shop claims and any other available sources of compensation to make sure you get the full recovery you deserve.
Yes, in many cases. Missouri allows punitive damages against drunk drivers because their conduct is considered especially reckless. These damages are on top of compensation for your injuries and losses.
Not necessarily. The statute of limitations runs independently of the criminal case. We file your civil claim to preserve your rights and then strategically time key steps around the criminal proceedings.
Under Missouri pure comparative fault, you can still recover even if you were partly at fault. The drunk driver's extreme negligence usually makes their share of fault very high. We fight to keep your portion of blame as low as possible.
Ready to Fight for Full Justice as a Missouri DUI Accident Victim?
We are available 24/7. Your consultation is always free and confidential. You pay nothing unless we win.