Cape Girardeau Drunk Driving Accident Victim Lawyer

A drunk driving accident can turn your life upside down in a matter of moments. If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident in Cape Girardeau, you’re entitled to seek justice and compensation for your losses. Our Cape Girardeau drunk driving accident victim lawyers at Morelli Law Firm are dedicated to standing up for victims like you.

Navigating the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. As your trusted Cape Girardeau car accident lawyers, we are ready to guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected at every step.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You

When you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, the legal process can be daunting. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, handling a case on your own can be overwhelming. This is where having a Cape Girardeau personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in your case.

A lawyer will deal with aggressive insurance companies, who often try to reduce your compensation. Having an attorney by your side means you’ll have a skilled legal professional handling negotiations and ensuring that any settlement offer truly reflects your losses. From medical bills to lost wages, we fight for full compensation.

Common Causes of Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents are often the result of impaired judgment, reaction time, and coordination. Alcohol significantly affects a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:

• Excessive speeding: Impaired drivers often underestimate how fast they’re traveling.
• Failure to obey traffic signals: Running red lights or failing to yield are common mistakes.
• Swerving or drifting: Drivers under the influence have difficulty staying within their lanes.
• Reckless driving: Erratic behaviors like tailgating or sudden lane changes are common among drunk drivers.

The Risks to Others on the Road

Drunk drivers don’t just put themselves at risk. Pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers are all in danger when someone chooses to drive intoxicated. A split-second decision by a drunk driver can cause lifelong consequences for others. Pursuing legal action is crucial to hold these reckless individuals accountable.

The Long-Term Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents

The consequences of a drunk driving accident can extend far beyond the crash itself. Many victims face severe injuries requiring months or even years of recovery. Some may experience permanent disabilities, altering their lives forever.

In addition to physical injuries, victims often suffer emotional trauma. Many are unable to return to work, causing financial strain. The long–term medical expenses, including surgeries or rehabilitation, can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, some victims may require lifelong care, adding to the financial burden.

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled to

Drunk driving accident victims may be entitled to several types of compensation, depending on the severity of the injuries and the overall impact of the accident.

These compensations help you recover physically, financially, and emotionally from the damages you‘ve endured. Some of the most common forms of compensation include:

• Medical expenses: This includes the cost of emergency treatments, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. In more serious cases, it can also cover future medical expenses for long-term care, physical therapy, and any necessary medical equipment.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, compensation can cover the wages you’ve lost during your recovery. In cases where your injuries result in long-term disability, you may also be entitled to compensation for lost future earning potential.
• Pain and suffering: This addresses both the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident. Victims often experience long-term psychological effects, such as anxiety or depression, and compensation for pain and suffering acknowledges this impact on quality of life.
• Property damage: Drunk driving accidents often result in significant damage to vehicles and personal belongings. Compensation for property damage can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal items that were damaged in the crash.

In some cases, victims may also receive punitive damages designed to punish the drunk driver for reckless behavior and prevent similar actions in the future.

A Cape Girardeau drunk driving accident victim attorney, with the backing of Morelli Law Firm results, will determine the best course of action for your case. 

How to File a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Cape Girardeau

Filing a drunk driving accident claim can be a complicated process. It involves gathering evidence, filing a claim with the insurance company, and negotiating for a fair settlement. You must ensure that your claim adheres to Missouri’s legal deadlines to avoid being barred from recovery.

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, filing a lawsuit might be necessary. This is where having an experienced, trial-ready attorney is crucial. An attorney ensures that your case is prepared for court and that all paperwork is properly filed.

Missouri has recently modified the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, giving victims five years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to file within this timeframe can prevent you from seeking compensation. Acting quickly after an accident is essential to protecting your rights and your case.

Contact a Cape Girardeau Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, don’t face the legal battle alone. Morelli Law Firm is known for its aggressive approach in the courtroom, and we are always ready to take your case to trial to secure justice. 

We stand by your side, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Contact a Cape Girardeau drunk driving accident lawyer to discuss your case. Let us help you take the next step toward recovering physically, emotionally, and financially from the accident.