Joplin Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

How Can We Help You Recover After a Drunk Driver Crashes Into You?

For many people, drunk driving is a criminal offense. For the victims of drunk drivers, it is also a civil wrong. Drunk drivers who cause accidents can be held legally responsible for the harm they cause. If you were hit by a drunk driver, you can seek financial compensation for your injuries and other losses.

At Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C., our Joplin drunk driving accident attorneys represent victims and their families in personal injury and wrongful death claims. We know how to build a strong case for maximum compensation after a drunk driving crash. With our legal team on your side, you can focus on healing while we handle the legal details.

Call (888) 287-1046 or contact us online today to request a free case review with our team.

Missouri DUI Laws

In Missouri, DUI (driving under the influence) laws are stringent, aiming to reduce impaired driving and enhance public safety. Under Missouri law, a person is considered to be driving under the influence if they operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.

For commercial drivers, the limit is lower, at 0.04%, and for drivers under the age of 21, a BAC of 0.02% or more can lead to a DUI charge. Missouri’s DUI laws also encompass drug impairment, where the presence of any controlled substance in the driver’s system can result in charges.

Penalties for DUI in Missouri can include fines, license suspension, mandatory substance abuse treatment, and even jail time, with harsher penalties for repeat offenders or if the DUI results in injury or death.

In civil cases, DUI charges can have significant implications, particularly in personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits. If a driver involved in an accident is found to have been under the influence, it can serve as strong evidence of negligence.

A DUI conviction in Missouri can be used to establish liability in a civil case, making it easier for the injured party to seek compensation for damages. Additionally, state law allows for punitive damages in cases where the defendant's conduct was particularly egregious, such as driving under the influence. This means that the civil courts can impose additional financial penalties on top of any criminal sanctions, serving as a further deterrent to impaired driving.

Can I Sue the Bar That Served the Drunk Driver?

In some circumstances, you may be able to sue the bar that served the drunk driver. Missouri has a “dram shop” law, which allows victims of drunk drivers to seek compensation from the establishment that sold the alcohol to the drunk driver. However, you can only sue the bar if:

• You were injured by the drunk driver; and
• The drunk driver was either under the age of 21 or visibly intoxicated at the time of the crash.

It can be difficult to prove that the drunk driver was visibly intoxicated at the time of the crash. However, our attorneys can help you gather the evidence necessary to build a strong case.

Can I Still Sue If I Was Partially At Fault for the Accident?

Yes. Missouri follows a “pure comparative fault” rule. Under this rule, you can still recover compensation if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if the court awards you $100,000 in damages but finds that you were 20% at fault for the accident, you will only recover $80,000.

Here’s what you need to know about pure comparative fault in Missouri:

• You can recover compensation even if you were 99% at fault for the accident.
• The court will assign a percentage of fault to each party who was involved in the accident.
• The court will reduce your damages by your percentage of fault.
• If you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you will not be able to recover compensation.

How Can a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Joplin Help Me?

After a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. However, recovering the compensation you deserve can be difficult. The insurance company may try to deny your claim or pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement offer.

At Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C., our Joplin drunk driving accident lawyers can help you navigate the claims process and fight for the full, fair compensation you are owed. Here’s how we can help:

• Investigate the Accident – Our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident. We will review the police report, interview witnesses, and gather all available evidence.
• Calculate Your Damages – Our attorneys will calculate the full extent of your damages, including your future medical expenses and lost wages.
• Negotiate with the Insurance Company – Our attorneys are skilled negotiators. We will fight to negotiate a favorable settlement offer that meets your needs. If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we are not afraid to take them to court.
• Handle the Legal Details – Our legal team will handle all of the legal details of your case, including filing the necessary paperwork and meeting all deadlines.

Contact us today at (888) 287-1046 to schedule your free consultation with our Joplin drunk driving accident lawyers.