St. Charles Drunk Driving Accident Victim Lawyer

Were you in an accident caused by someone else’s decision to drive while intoxicated? When people make the choice to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence, the consequences are often dire, especially for those they hit. 

A St. Charles drunk driving accident victim lawyer can help you recover from the incident and pursue compensation for the damages you incurred. At Morelli Law, we believe victims of drunk driving accidents deserve legal representation as they heal from their injuries.

We want to advocate for justice and defend your rights as your St. Charles car accident lawyer. With over 40 years of experience recovering more than $1 billion in compensation, we believe that when justice is delivered, lives are empowered.

Proving Liability According to Missouri Drunk Driving Laws 

The state of Missouri takes a firm stance against drunk driving. The laws are designed to deter impaired driving with a focus on keeping the roads as safe as possible. Under Missouri law, it is illegal to operate a vehicle if you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. 

For commercial drivers, the BAC limit is 0.04%, and if drivers are under the age of 21, the Zero Tolerance Law means even a small amount of alcohol can yield DUI charges. When a drunk driver causes an accident, criminal charges are not the only consequence they may face. 

Drivers under the influence might also be held financially responsible for the damages that they cause to victims. While the state’s criminal justice system focuses on penalizing drunk drivers, a St. Charles personal injury lawyer can help prove liability and assist you in your pursuit of compensation for your losses.

Common Injuries from Drunk Driving Accidents

High speeds and reckless behavior can cause drunk driving accidents. The outcome is often serious injuries for those involved. The impact of a drunk driving accident can be life-altering, with some of the most common injuries including the following:

• Head and brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Fractures and broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Emotional trauma 

Head and Brain Injuries

Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and other head injuries are frequent outcomes of intoxication-fueled collisions. These types of injuries can result in long-term cognitive issues, many of which require ongoing medical treatment.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord can cause people to become paralyzed, either partially or completely, depending on the nature of the injuries. However, paralysis—no matter how intense—inevitably affects the mobility and independence of victims.

Fractures and Broken Bones

The force of a car crash can cause multiple fractures, and it’s not rare for people to experience broken bones when involved in a drunk driving accident. To heal from these types of injuries, victims often have to undergo surgeries, physical therapy, or long-term care—if not all three. 

Internal Injuries 

Blunt-force trauma from an accident can cause damage to various organs. Not only that, but victims may endure internal bleeding, which can be fatal in some instances, especially if it is not caught and tended to immediately. 

Emotional Trauma

In addition to physical injuries, drunk driving accident victims often find themselves dealing with emotional distress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the aftermath of a drunk driving incident. The mental toll that pain and suffering can inflict is often brutal.

How a St. Charles Drunk Driving Accident Victim Law Firm Can Help

Before you hire a St. Charles drunk driving accident victim attorney, you may be wondering what you can expect from a personal injury lawyer. While there might be subtle discrepancies from one law firm to the next, here is what an attorney can do for drunk driving accident victims: 

• Investigate the accident
• Deal with insurance companies
• Dispute low settlement offers
• Prioritize your rights to compensation
• Calculate the extent of your losses
• Represent you in court if necessary

Compensation for Drunk Driving Accident Victims

If you are the victim of a drunk driving incident, you may be eligible to seek compensation for the injuries you experienced and the damages you had to face through no fault of your own. 

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to the following types of compensation:

• Medical expenses 
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering 
• Property damage

In cases where the drunk driver’s behavior is deemed especially reckless in the eyes of the court, the at-fault party may be awarded punitive damages. These are designed to further punish the driver and deter them from engaging in such selfish behavior in the future.

Contact a St. Charles Drunk Driving Accident Victim Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love was hurt as a direct result of a drunk driving accident, it’s important to act quickly, especially because Missouri law only grants you a limited amount of time to file your case. The statute of limitations for St. Charles personal injury claims is five years. 

This deadline starts counting down on the date of the accident, and while it may sound like plenty of time to file a claim, it’s smart to contact a St. Charles drunk driving accident victim attorney as soon as possible. 

To ensure you don’t miss the filing date for personal injury claims, call our lawyers today to see justice delivered.