Drunken drivers are a danger to everyone on the road. If you were injured in a crash caused by an impaired driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other losses. Missouri law prohibits driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher, and when an intoxicated driver causes an accident, the penalties can be severe.
However, these penalties can’t always cover every aspect of damage done to your life and livelihood. That is where experienced drunk driving attorneys and a trusted Missouri personal injury attorney can help. At Eng & Woods, we represent injured people in Columbia, MO and throughout the state, helping them pursue the compensation they need to move forward after a drunk driving collision.
If you or a loved one has been hurt by a drunk driver, contact Eng & Woods today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.
Drunken driving accident cases have various additional complications that may require the assistance of an auto accident attorney. Our team can serve you by:
- Proving drunken driving. A common defense tactic for people accused of drunken driving is to question the legitimacy of the tests the officer used or to claim that the officer’s reasons for pulling the driver over were invalid. We push past these often-used tactics to get favorable results.
- Defending your rights as a victim. Defense lawyers for drunken drivers will do everything possible to ensure their client avoids paying restitution. We speak on your behalf in court and during sentencing to ensure that your rights as a victim are not ignored.
- Preserving evidence. Early legal involvement can help secure crash reports, medical records, witness statements, surveillance footage and other important evidence before it is lost or destroyed.
- Exploring all available liability. A drunk driving case may involve more than just the at-fault driver. In some situations, other parties may also bear responsibility. A knowledgeable attorney can evaluate all possible sources of compensation.
Compensation You May Be Able to Recover
If you were hurt by an impaired driver, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Other accident-related losses
A claim may involve both a criminal case against the drunk driver and a separate civil lawsuit for damages. While the criminal case can punish the driver, your civil claim is what seeks compensation for the harm you have suffered. A skilled personal injury lawyer can guide you through that process and protect your interests every step of the way.
Why Choose Eng & Woods
At Eng & Woods, our attorneys have more than 100 years of combined legal experience in representing our Missouri neighbors in their drunken driving accident cases. Our primary goal is always to achieve the best possible result for you, and we accomplish this through our in-depth knowledge of auto accident law and our tenacious courtroom presence.
Our Columbia drunk driving accident attorneys will fight for you after your accident. Our passion for strong litigation is matched only by our commitment to fulfilling all of your needs.
Visit our contact page today to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a “drunk driving” accident in Missouri?
A drunk driving accident is any crash where a driver is operating a vehicle while in an intoxicated or drugged condition, typically with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher for adults, or 0.02% for drivers under 21.
How long do I have to file a drunk driving injury lawsuit in Missouri?
In general, you have up to five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Missouri, though you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible to confirm timelines for your specific situation.
Is the drunk driver’s criminal DWI case the same as my injury claim?
No, the criminal DWI/DUI case is brought by the state to punish the driver, while your injury claim is a separate civil case to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other losses.
What compensation can I recover after a drunk driving accident in Missouri?
You may seek compensation for medical expenses, future treatment, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage and in some cases punitive damages to punish especially reckless conduct.
How does a drunk driving injury lawyer help my case?
A lawyer can investigate the crash, secure police and toxicology reports, gather medical evidence, explore dram shop liability, calculate your damages, negotiate with insurers and, if needed, file and litigate a lawsuit.