Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident? How Our Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You Seek Justice
Drunk Driving Accidents: A Growing Problem in St. Louis and Columbia
When someone decides to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, they make a reckless choice that can devastate the lives of others. Drunk driving is not just irresponsible; it’s dangerous and, unfortunately, all too common. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 10,000 people die in alcohol-related crashes across the country every year. In Missouri alone, nearly 250 drunk driving fatalities occurred in 2021, making it a serious concern for communities like St. Louis and Columbia.
For victims of these accidents, the aftermath can be life-altering. You may be left dealing with severe injuries, mounting medical bills, emotional trauma, and lost wages. At Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, our personal injury lawyers are here to help you seek justice and fair compensation. We know the legal system can feel overwhelming during this difficult time, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
Understanding Drunk Driving Accident Liability
Drunk driving accidents are often more complex than they first appear. Who is at fault? This question plays a critical role in determining who can be held accountable for the damages caused. In Missouri, the law states that a driver is legally intoxicated if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. If they cause an accident while under the influence, they can be held liable for the resulting injuries and property damage.
However, fault can extend beyond the intoxicated driver:
- Bars and Restaurants: Missouri’s “dram shop” laws allow you to hold establishments accountable if they served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated or underage person who later caused a crash.
- Other Negligent Parties: Sometimes, road hazards, vehicle defects, or other drivers may contribute to the accident. Identifying all responsible parties ensures you receive the full compensation you deserve.
At Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, our car accident attorneys conduct a thorough investigation to uncover every potential source of liability. By doing so, we help maximize your claim’s value and ensure justice is served.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, taking the right steps immediately can protect both your health and your legal claim. Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 Immediately: Contact law enforcement and request medical assistance. A police report is vital in establishing fault, especially when intoxication is involved.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and any signs of intoxication, such as empty alcohol bottles.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, some injuries—like concussions or whiplash—may appear later. Prompt treatment protects both your health and your legal case.
- Collect Witness Information: Gather the contact details of anyone who witnessed the accident. Their statements can strengthen your claim.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize your claim. Do not provide statements without consulting a car crash lawyer.
- Contact a Car Accident Attorney: Reach out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible to begin building your case.
At Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we guide you through every step of the process. Because of our dedication, we handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on recovery.
How Our Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
Drunk driving accidents are different from typical car crash claims. They involve not only civil liability but also criminal charges against the intoxicated driver. Thus, having a personal injury lawyer with experience in handling these cases is critical. Here’s how we can help:
1. Comprehensive Investigation
To build a strong case, our team collects critical evidence, such as:
- Police reports
- Breathalyzer or blood test results
- Eyewitness statements
- Accident reconstruction reports
- Surveillance footage
We also investigate whether a bar or restaurant contributed to the crash by serving the intoxicated driver.
2. Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often prioritize their bottom line over your well-being. Adjusters may pressure you into accepting a low settlement or argue that you share some fault. For this reason, having a skilled attorney handle negotiations is crucial. We ensure the compensation reflects your medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
3. Calculating Damages
Drunk driving accidents often cause catastrophic injuries, which require extensive treatment and recovery. As a result, victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Current and future medical bills, rehabilitation, and therapy costs
- Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery and future loss of earning capacity
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional trauma, and mental anguish
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle
We collaborate with medical professionals and financial professionals to accurately calculate the total impact of the accident on your life.
4. Aggressive Representation in Court
While many claims settle outside of court, some cases require litigation. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial. Our attorneys present compelling evidence and fight tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable.
Why Choose Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers?
At Mutrux Firm, we understand how life-changing a drunk driving accident can be. Our firm has built a reputation for providing compassionate support and strong legal advocacy to clients throughout St. Louis and Columbia. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
A lawyer’s reputation is a strong indicator of their ability to handle your case effectively. You want a car accident lawyer respected in the legal community with a history of satisfied clients. One way to gauge a lawyer’s reputation is by reading online reviews or asking for client testimonials.
Tyson Mutrux has built a solid reputation as one of Missouri’s top personal injury lawyers. He has a 10.0 Superb rating on Avvo, which reflects his exceptional standing in personal injury law, particularly in car accident cases. Additionally, he was recognized by Expertise in 2020 as one of the Best Medical Malpractice Lawyers in St. Louis, and he has earned a spot in The National Trial Lawyers’ “Top 40 Under 40” for his outstanding work. His clients often highlight his attention to detail, strong communication, and dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes, as seen in his numerous positive Google reviews.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Proven Track Record: We’ve secured significant settlements for countless clients.
- Client-Focused Approach: We treat every case with the attention and care it deserves.
- Free Case Investigation: No-cost case evaluations to help you understand your legal options.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Because of the reckless actions of another, you deserve justice and full compensation. At Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, our car accident attorneys and personal injury lawyers are ready to fight for you.
Contact us today for a free case investigation and let us help you take the first step toward recovery. Together, we’ll hold negligent parties accountable and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Call us now or visit our website to learn more. Your path to justice starts here.