St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers
Missouri and Illinois Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
Call 877-51-HKLAW for a Consultation and Case Review | St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers.
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in St. Louis. If you were injured because somebody decided to drive drunk and jeopardize your safety, the St. Louis-based drunk driving accident lawyers of Halvorsen Klote are here to help. We offer top-quality legal representation to the injured in Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois. Call HK Law's drunk driving accident lawyers in St. Louis today at 877-51-HKLAW or contact us online for a complimentary consultation.
When you are injured through no fault of your own, you should not have to take on the financial burden that often accompanies injuries because someone else was negligent. Everyone makes mistakes, but driving drunk is a conscious decision to disregard the safety of others. In addition to ensuring that you are fully compensated for injuries, our St. Louis drunk driving accident lawyers ensure that a drunk driver thinks twice about getting behind the wheel drunk again.
We charge no attorneys' fees unless you win your case. Talking to any of our drunk driving accident lawyers is free, so there's no harm in asking us to evaluate your case, even if you're not entirely sure you have one. Call our drunk driving accident lawyers in St. Louis today at 877-51-HKLAW.
Legal Challenges in Drunk Driving Cases
Navigating the legal intricacies of drunk driving accidents often requires the expertise of a specialized drunk driving accident lawyer. These cases present unique challenges, including determining the level of impairment of the drunk driver and establishing liability. Drunk driving accident lawyers frequently encounter issues such as contesting the accuracy of blood alcohol content tests or addressing conflicting eyewitness accounts, which can significantly impact the outcome of a personal injury lawsuit.
Moreover, in cases involving drunk driving injuries, the severity and causation of injuries become pivotal points. Experienced drunk driving accident lawyers adeptly handle such complexities to build a strong case. Another common challenge is the aggressive defense tactics employed by insurance companies and legal representatives of drunk drivers, aiming to minimize their client's liability. This is where the skill and experience of a drunk driving accident lawyer become crucial in navigating these hurdles and securing just compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. Understanding these legal challenges is key to appreciating the critical role drunk driving accident lawyers play in advocating for the rights and restitution of victims of drunk driving accidents.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
In the aftermath of an accident involving drunk drivers, immediate action is crucial, both for your safety and legal rights. Firstly, ensure your safety and seek medical attention, even if drunk driving injuries appear minor. Reporting the incident to law enforcement is essential, as it ensures an official record, crucial under drunk driving laws.
Gather evidence at the scene if possible. This includes photos, witness information, and details about the drunk drivers involved. Remember, even if the drunk driver is injured, documenting the scene is vital. This information will be instrumental for your drunk driving accident attorney.
Contacting a drunk driving accident attorney should be your next step. They can guide you through the legal process, help understand your rights under drunk driving laws, and work towards securing the compensation you deserve. Dealing with drunk drivers can be complex, and professional legal counsel is invaluable in navigating these challenges effectively.
Understanding Compensation and Claims
Victims of St. Louis drunk driving accidents have the right to pursue compensation through a drunk driving accident claim. This process involves filing a personal injury claim against the responsible party. The types of compensation available typically include medical expenses for injuries sustained, lost wages due to time off work, and pain and suffering caused by the accident. In cases where the drunk driver is injured, their liability still stands, and victims can seek damages.
The first step in filing a drunk driving accident claim is to consult with a knowledgeable attorney who specializes in St. Louis drunk driving accidents. They will guide you through the complex process, from gathering necessary documentation to negotiating with insurance companies. It's important to act promptly, as personal injury claims are subject to time limits. An attorney with expertise in St. Louis drunk driving accidents will ensure your claim is filed correctly and within the legal deadlines, maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome.
Drunk Driving Statistics | St. Louis Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
While drunk driving fatalities have decreased 45 percent since 1982, there are still far too many people on the St. Louis and Southern Illinois roads who endanger others by making the decision to drink and drive. When they do and end up injuring you, the St. Louis drunk driving accident lawyers of Halvorsen Klote will fight for you to make sure they are held accountable and you receive the full compensation you need to recover.
While drunk driving fatalities are still decreasing in St. Louis and nationally, the prevalence of drunk driving is still high. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 28 people die every day in drunk driving crashes, which adds up to one person every 52 minutes, and over 10,000 people a year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in both Illinois and Missouri, 2.2 percent of drivers admitted to driving after drinking too much within the last 30 days.
According to the Missouri Traffic Safety Compendium, in 2021 alcohol and drug impaired driving contributed to 4,027 car accident injuries and 287 deaths, 8 percent and 28 percent of the state's total traffic injuries and deaths, respectively.
According to the Illinois 2020 Crash Facts, 19.7 percent of the 1,088 fatal crashes in the state involved alcohol. Of 448 deceased drivers who were tested for alcohol, 37.1 percent tested positive.
If you've been injured by a drunk driver in St. Louis or Southern Illinois, call HK Law's drunk driving accident lawyers today at 877-51-HKLAW.
How Does Alcohol Affect Driving? | St. Louis Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content over .08% or under the influence of a controlled substance in St. Louis and anywhere in the United States. But even lower amounts of alcohol in your system can affect your ability to drive. The table below shows how different levels of alcohol in your body affect you physically and affect your ability to drive:
| Alcohol Level | General Effects | Effects on Driving |
| .02% BAC, about 2 drinks |
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| .05% BAC, about 3 drinks |
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| .08% BAC, about 4 drink |
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| .10% BAC, about 5 drinks |
|
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| .15% BAC, about 7 drinks |
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If someone is driving over the legal limit in St. Louis and injures you, they will automatically be found liable for your injuries. However, even moderate amounts of alcohol can impair somebody's ability to drive. If a negligent driver causes you injury in any circumstances in St. Louis or Southern Illinois, the drunk driving accident lawyers of HK Law will ensure that they are held responsible for their actions and get you the full financial compensation you deserve.
Below are some helpful links and legal FAQs from your St. Louis drunk driving accident lawyers:
- How Much Is My Personal Injury Claim Worth?
- Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
- How Long Does it Take to Get a Settlement?
- Who Is Liable in a Car Accident?
- Do I Need a Lawyer if I'm in a Car Accident?
- Can I Sue if I Was Partially At Fault?
- Is There a Time Limit to File a Lawsuit?
- What Should You Do if You Are in a Car Accident?
What are the Dram Shop Laws in Missouri and Illinois? | St. Louis Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
While a drunk driver is clearly liable for your injuries, in some cases your St. Louis drunk driving accident lawyers at HK Law will be able to prove negligence on the part of a bar, restaurant or another licensed alcohol vendor if they overserved the drunk driver. This is commonly referred to as the Dram Shop Rule. The laws concerning dram shops are different in Missouri and Illinois:
Missouri
Missouri Revised Statute §537.053, generally prohibits dram shop liability. There are two important exceptions where you can still make a claim:
- If the patron was "visibly intoxicated," meaning they displayed:
- Significantly uncoordinated physical action
- Significant physical dysfunction
- If the bar, restaurant or employee knew or "should have known" that the patron was under the age of 21
Revised Statute §167;537.053 also states that a blood alcohol content above .08% alone is not prima facie, or legally sufficient to support liability. You and your drunk driving accident lawyers will have to prove the establishment and their employees saw physical impairment, such as:
- Stumbling or falling
- Slurring when they talk
- Spilling their drink
- Knocking objects or other people over
- Significantly impaired motor movements
Illinois
Illinois's Dram Shop Law is unusual in that the person who caused you injury did not have to be "visibily intoxicated" in order for a vendor to be found liable. 235 ILCS 5/6-21, the Illinois Liquor Control Act, allows an injured person to make a claim against a licensed liquor vendor if:
- A vendor-patron relationship existed, meaning you can prove that the vendor sold the drunk driver alcohol.
- You can prove that the alcohol sold by the vendor contributed to the drunk driver's intoxication.
- You can prove that the driver's intoxication was the proximate cause of your injuries.
Each year, the Illinois Office of Comptroller is required to set liability limits for Dram Shop claims. As of January 20, 2022 those limits are:
- $77,787.30 for each person incurring damages
- $95,073.37 per person when an injury or death resulted in either loss of support or loss of society.
When you hire the St. Louis-based drunk driving accident lawyers of Halvorsen Klote, we will conduct a full investigation of your case and find out if the bar or restaurant that served the drunk driver is liable for your injuries.
Negligence Per Se in Drunk Driving Accidents | St. Louis Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
Negligence per se is a principle in personal injury cases wherein someone is automatically liable if they break the law and cause you injuries. When our St. Louis drunk driving accident lawyers file a claim against a drunk driver on your behalf, we file a negligence count and a separate "per se" count.
Personal injury cases often center around the concept of duty of care. If a St. Louis doctor establishes a doctor-patient relationship with a patient, they are obligated to treat the patient to the best of their abilities. In Illinois and Missouri, anyone who drives automatically owes everybody else on the roads a duty of care. That means that if somebody drives drunk, they automatically are liable for your injuries, so long as your drunk driving accident lawyers can prove that the driver caused you injuries.
In addition to drunk driving cases, our drunk driving accident lawyers also help the injured in St. Louis and Southern Illinois with the following personal injury claims:
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a drunk driving accident?
After a drunk driving accident, prioritize your safety and seek medical attention, even if you don’t have visible drunk driving injuries. Report the incident to the police to ensure there’s an official record, which is crucial under drunk driving laws. If possible, gather evidence at the scene and contact information from witnesses. Then, consult a skilled drunk driving accident lawyer to guide you through the legal process of filing a personal injury claim.
After a drunk driving accident, prioritize your safety and seek medical attention, even if you don’t have visible drunk driving injuries. Report the incident to the police to ensure there’s an official record, which is crucial under drunk driving laws. If possible, gather evidence at the scene and contact information from witnesses. Then, consult a skilled drunk driving accident lawyer to guide you through the legal process of filing a personal injury claim.
How can a drunk driving accident lawyer help me?
A drunk driving accident lawyer specializes in navigating the complexities of personal injury lawsuits stemming from drunk driving crashes. They will help gather evidence, represent you in negotiations with insurance companies, and ensure that your personal injury claim adheres to all legal requirements. Their expertise is invaluable in achieving a fair settlement or court verdict, particularly in challenging cases involving drunk drivers or a drunk driver injured in the accident.
A drunk driving accident lawyer specializes in navigating the complexities of personal injury lawsuits stemming from drunk driving crashes. They will help gather evidence, represent you in negotiations with insurance companies, and ensure that your personal injury claim adheres to all legal requirements. Their expertise is invaluable in achieving a fair settlement or court verdict, particularly in challenging cases involving drunk drivers or a drunk driver injured in the accident.
What compensation can I expect from a drunk driving accident claim in St. Louis?
In St. Louis drunk driving accidents, victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation. This can include medical expenses for injuries, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. Your drunk driving accident attorney will assess your case to determine the full extent of damages you’re entitled to, ensuring your personal injury lawsuit accurately reflects your losses and the impact of the drunk driving accident.
In St. Louis drunk driving accidents, victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation. This can include medical expenses for injuries, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. Your drunk driving accident attorney will assess your case to determine the full extent of damages you’re entitled to, ensuring your personal injury lawsuit accurately reflects your losses and the impact of the drunk driving accident.
Is there a time limit for filing a drunk driving accident claim?
Yes, there is a statute of limitations for filing a drunk driving accident claim, which varies by state. It’s crucial to consult a car accident attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within these time constraints. Delaying can jeopardize your ability to receive compensation. A proficient car accident lawyer will help navigate these timelines and assist in filing your personal injury lawsuit efficiently and correctly.
Yes, there is a statute of limitations for filing a drunk driving accident claim, which varies by state. It’s crucial to consult a car accident attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within these time constraints. Delaying can jeopardize your ability to receive compensation. A proficient car accident lawyer will help navigate these timelines and assist in filing your personal injury lawsuit efficiently and correctly.
Call HK Law Today
St. Louis Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers | Halvorsen Klote
When you're injured through no fault of your own, it can cause sudden and severe physical, emotional and financial hardships. The drunk driving accident lawyers of HK Law have dedicated their careers to making sure the injured in Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois do not have to pay for the negligence of others. When you hire our St. Louis drunk driving accident lawyers, we keep you informed throughout your entire case and are available to answer any questions you have about your case 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call HK Law's St. Louis drunk driving accident lawyers today at 877-51-HKLAW or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
Joel Halvorsen
Attorney at Law
Joel Halvorsen and his partner Greg Klote founded the Halvorsen Klote law firm on the principle that injured people and their families should have access to the same quality legal representation as large insurance companies.
Greg Klote
Attorney at Law
Greg Klote is a partner and founder of Halvorsen Klote.
Greg has successfully fought for people who were injured through no fault of their own. He became a lawyer to help make a difference in the lives of those who have been wronged and treated unfairly.
Samantha Orlowski
Attorney at Law
Samantha Orlowski is a practicing attorney Halvorsen Klote.
Samantha joined Halvorsen Klote in 2018 as a law clerk and has since become a practicing attorney. Sam's number one priority is to provide individualized experiences for each client to achieve the best results.
