Suffering injuries due to the actions of a drunk driver is an overwhelming experience, fraught with physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Working with a Kansas City drunk driving accident lawyer at Hollis Law Firm increases your chance of obtaining justice and compensation, as we have an in-depth understanding of drunk driving accident claims. We offer a free consultation to discuss the details of your case without any financial commitment.
Our Kansas City drunk driving accident attorney bring to the table a wealth of experience, local connections, and resources dedicated to constructing a strong case against those at fault. Our team of experienced car accident attorneys ensures that every facet of your case is pursued with precision and unwavering commitment. By meticulously investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and adeptly negotiating with insurance entities, we ensure that every facet of your case is pursued with precision and unwavering commitment. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, making it crucial to have experienced legal representation to counter these tactics.
We recognize the profound and lasting impact such an accident has on victims and their families. With our legal team by your side, we will support you during your recovery and advocate for safer driving practices in our community.
Why Choose Hollis Law Firm?
At Hollis Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact of drunk driving accidents on victims and their families. Our experienced team of personal injury lawyers is dedicated to providing compassionate and aggressive representation to those affected by drunk driving accidents in Kansas City. With a proven track record of success in handling drunk driving accident cases, we are committed to helping our clients recover the maximum compensation they deserve. Our firm’s approach prioritizes our clients’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being, and we take on only cases we believe in to ensure maximum compensation and peace of mind for our clients.
Drunk Driving Laws in Kansas City
Missouri enforces stringent regulations regarding drunk driving. A person is deemed to be driving under the influence if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) meets or exceeds 0.08%.
Yet, it’s important to note that individuals displaying compromised vehicular control due to alcohol or drug consumption may face DUI/DWI charges even if their BAC is below this threshold.
Drunk drivers face severe legal penalties, and victims can seek compensation with the help of a personal injury attorney. The responsibilities of the at-fault driver and their negligence can lead to legal claims for damages.
For younger drivers under 21, Missouri’s Zero Tolerance Law applies, making it illegal to have a BAC higher than 0.02%.
Convictions for drunk driving in Missouri can lead to severe consequences, including fines, jail time, suspension of driving privileges, and the requirement to complete alcohol education programs. These regulations are pivotal for determining fault and pursuing compensation in the aftermath of a drunk driving incident. Consulting with a skilled drunk driving accident attorney in Kansas City or a personal injury attorney is essential for effectively navigating these laws. It is important to pursue a drunk driving case in both criminal and civil contexts to recover damages.
Types of Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers
Drunk drivers can cause a wide range of accidents, each with potentially severe consequences. Some common types of accidents include:
- Rear-end collisions: Drunk drivers may fail to stop in time or react slowly to traffic signals, leading to rear-end collisions.
- Head-on collisions: Drunk drivers may drift into oncoming traffic or fail to yield, resulting in head-on collisions.
- Side-impact collisions: Drunk drivers may fail to yield or lose control of their vehicle, leading to side-impact collisions.
- Pedestrian accidents: Drunk drivers may fail to see or react to pedestrians, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
- Motorcycle accidents: Drunk drivers may fail to see or react to motorcyclists, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
Common Injuries Suffered in Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can have long-lasting effects. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries: Drunk driving accidents can cause serious head trauma, leading to traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries: Drunk driving accidents can cause serious spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis or reduced mobility.
- Broken bones: Drunk driving accidents can cause broken bones, including fractures and shattered bones.
- Internal injuries: Drunk driving accidents can cause internal injuries, including organ damage and internal bleeding.
- Soft tissue injuries: Drunk driving accidents can cause soft tissue injuries, including whiplash and sprains.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Drunk Driving Accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk driving accident, it is essential to take the following steps to protect your rights and ensure your safety:
- Seek medical attention immediately: Even if you do not appear to be injured, it is crucial to seek medical attention to identify any underlying injuries.
- Call the police: Report the accident to the police and provide them with as much information as possible.
- Document the accident scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including any visible injuries, damage to vehicles, and road conditions.
- Gather witness statements: Collect contact information from any witnesses and ask them to provide a statement about what they saw.
- Contact an accident lawyer: Reach out to an experienced accident lawyer to discuss your case and determine the best course of action.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you have the necessary documentation to support your claim. An experienced accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process, helping you recover the compensation you deserve.
Kansas City Dram Shop Laws
In numerous jurisdictions, victims of drunk driving accidents have the legal right to pursue claims not only against the intoxicated driver but also against the establishments that served them alcohol, such as bars, restaurants, or taverns. Missouri’s approach to this is defined in Section 537-053 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, known as the “dram shop” law. This legislation opens up an additional path for those injured to seek financial restitution. Personal injury claims can help victims recover compensation for their injuries and associated expenses. According to this law, if a business served alcohol to a motorist responsible for the accident at a time when they were clearly inebriated, the establishment could face a civil lawsuit.
It’s important to note that this law specifically targets businesses that offer alcoholic beverages for consumption on their premises, leaving convenience and liquor stores outside its scope. However, if evidence shows that a bar or restaurant continued to serve drinks to a driver who was obviously over the limit, then the victim may have grounds to claim damages. These damages can encompass a range of compensation similar to what might be available in a personal injury lawsuit. A personal injury law firm can assist victims in navigating dram shop claims, ensuring they receive comprehensive legal representation and support throughout the process. DUI accident lawyers have the expertise in handling such cases and are committed to maximizing client compensation.
Recoverable Damages in a Successful Drunk Driving Accident Claim
If you’re a drunk driving accident victim, understanding the types of compensation you may be entitled to is essential for your long-term treatment and recovery. A successful claim provides financial support for various economic and non-economic damages, including those from car accident injuries. Legal representation is crucial to recover compensation for various types of damages.
Car accident claims can be complex, and having experienced legal representation is crucial for securing fair compensation. Accident lawyers can help navigate the complexities of car accident claims to secure fair compensation.
The following is an overview of the compensation types typically recoverable in such cases:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical bills includes emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and any future medical care related to accident injuries, especially severe injuries and their long-term impact.
- Lost Wages: If the collision impacts your ability to work, you can recover lost income. This includes compensation for the time already missed and any future earnings lost due to the long-term effects of the injuries.
- Property Damage: The losses associated with repairing or replacing your vehicle and or personal property damaged in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Losses associated with physical pain, emotional trauma, and suffering endured as a result of the accident. This includes ongoing discomfort and the impact on your overall quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium: If the collision affects your relationship with your spouse or partner, you may seek recovery for loss of companionship and support.
- Emotional Distress: For the psychological trauma of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, which are common after traumatic events like drunk driving accidents.
In some cases, if the behavior of the drunk driver is found to be particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages may be awarded. These are not tied to the direct costs incurred by the victim but are intended to punish the offending motorist and deter similar behavior in the future.
Fatal Injuries and Wrongful Death
If a drunk driving accident results in fatal injuries, which can be particularly devastating for car accident victims, the victim’s family may pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim, including funeral and burial expenses, loss of the victim’s future earnings, and loss of companionship. Wrongful death claims often involve significant financial and emotional damages experienced by plaintiffs, highlighting the severe impact on the victim’s family.
The specifics of what you can recover will depend on the details of your case, including the extent of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident. An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer provides guidance, helping you understand your rights and the full extent of compensation you’re entitled to. Engaging with a legal professional early on ensures that you navigate the claim process effectively, focusing on your recovery while they advocate on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas City Drunk Driving Victim Claims
What are the key legal considerations in Kansas City drunk driving accident cases?
Kansas City drunk driving accident cases often involve laws concerning blood alcohol concentration (BAC), liability of the driver, and potential dram shop claims against establishments that served alcohol. Victims should understand Missouri’s DUI laws, including penalties for impaired drivers and how these laws impact compensation claims. Consulting a lawyer helps in navigating these legal considerations to maximize compensation. Accident lawyers have the expertise in handling DUI and car accident cases, offering personalized services and a successful track record in securing fair compensation for victims.
Can I file a claim against a bar or restaurant in a Kansas City drunk driving accident?
Yes, under Missouri’s dram shop laws, you may be able to file a claim against an establishment if it served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated driver who then caused the accident. These claims allow drunk driving accident victims to seek damages from both the driver and the establishment, potentially increasing the overall compensation available in the case.
What types of damages are recoverable in drunk driving accidents?
Drunk driving crashes can lead to recoverable damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Additionally, victims may pursue compensation for emotional distress and, in severe cases, punitive damages to punish reckless behavior. An experienced attorney can help identify all damages applicable to your claim to ensure maximum compensation.
How does a Kansas City drunk driving accident lawyer help in securing maximum compensation?
A Kansas City drunk driving accident lawyer investigates the accident, gathers evidence, negotiates with insurers, and may pursue claims against additional liable parties, such as bars. Their expertise in handling drunk driving crashes helps ensure victims receive fair compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, maximizing recovery based on the specifics of the accident.
What are the options for families if a drunk driving accident results in wrongful death?
Families of drunk driving accident victims who suffer fatal injuries may pursue a wrongful death claim. This claim covers damages such as funeral costs, loss of future earnings, and emotional suffering. Legal assistance is crucial in these cases to navigate the complexities of drunk driving legal considerations and secure compensation that supports the family’s financial and emotional recovery.
