Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers New Haven, MO
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Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in New Haven, MO. We all have a responsibility to each other to obey the rules of the road and prioritize each other's safety. When somebody drives drunk, they're making a ridiculously self-centered and careless choice. If you or a loved one was hurt due to that decision, you have a right to seek justice in the form of financial compensation. Auto accidents and the injuries that come with them are always unexpected, and the financial consequences from medical expenses and lost wages are instantaneous and severe. Halvorsen Klote's New Haven, MO drunk driving accident lawyers have dedicated their careers to offering the injured and vulnerable in Missouri and Southern Illinois the same high quality legal advocacy that large insurance companies have. If you were injured because another person made the awful decision to drink and drive, call HK Law today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online.
Drunk Driving Statistics | New Haven, MO Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
While drunk driving fatalities have diminished by almost half since 1982, there are still way too many people on the New Haven, MO roads who put others at risk by drinking and driving. When they do and hurt you, the New Haven, MO drunk driving accident lawyers of Halvorsen Klote will stand by your side and make certain they are held accountable and you collect the best possible financial recovery you need to be made whole again.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 28 people die each day in drunk driving accidents, which adds up to one person every 52 minutes, and more than 10,000 people a year. According to data from 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 month. The annual cost of drunk driving wrecks in the United States adds up to over $44 billion.
The Missouri Traffic Safety Compendium found that in 2021 alcohol and drug impaired driving contributed to 4,027 auto crash injuries and 287 deaths, 8 percent and 28 percent of the state's total traffic-related injuries and deaths, respectively.
The Illinois 2020 Crash Facts reports that almost 20 percent of the 1,088 fatal collisions in the state could be contributed to alcohol. Of 448 deceased drivers who were tested for alcohol, 37.1 percent tested positive.
If you've been injured because another person drove drunk in New Haven, MO, call HK Law's drunk driving accident lawyers today at 817-51-HKLAW.
What Are the Drunk Driving Laws and Penalties in My State? | New Haven, MO Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
In both Missouri and Illinois, it is criminal for a person to drive or be in ”actual physical control” of an automobile:
- With a BAC of more than .08
- While under the influence of alcohol
- While impaired by alcoholand/or illegal substances to the point that a person is rendered unable to drive safely
The two states differ somewhat in terms of penalties:
Missouri
- First offense: Up to 6 months in jail, fines not exceeding $1,000, a license revocation of 30 days and potentially having an ignition-blocking breathalyzer placed on your vehicle.
- Second offense: Up to 1 year in jail, fine no greater than $2,000, a license revocation of 1 year and an ignition-blocking breathalyzer placed on your vehicle for at least 6 months.
- Third offense: Up to 4 years in jail, fine no greater than $10,000, a license revocation for a decade and the an ignition-blocking breathalyzer placed in your car for a minimum of 6 months.
Illinois
- First offense: Up to 1 year in jail, fines up to $2,500 and a license revocation of 1 year.
- Second offense: A range of 5 to 364 days in prison, fines up to $2,500 and a license revocation of 5 years.
- Third offense: A range of 10 days to 7 years in prison, fines no greater than $25,000 and a license revocation for a decade.
Although it's a good thing that there are stiff consequences for drunk drivers, it doesn't help you collect compensation for your injuries. Once in a while, drunk drivers can avoid a criminal conviction or plead guilty to a less serious charge. The New Haven, MO drunk driving accident lawyers of Halvorsen Klote will still be able to hold them accountable in your civil case and get you a great financial recovery for your injuries.
The following are some informational links and FAQs from your HK Law Drunk Driver Accident Lawyers in New Haven, MO:
- Ultimate Guide to Missouri Drunk Driving Accident Laws
- Who Is Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident?
- Can I Sue if My Loved One Was Killed by a Drunk Driver?
- Damages for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents
- Can I Sue if I Was Hit by a Drunk Driver?
- What Do I Do if I'm Injured by a Drunk Driver?
Who is to Blame for My Injuries? | New Haven, MO Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
While a drunk driver is decidedly to blame for your injuries pursuant to the negligence per se doctrine, there could be other people who are to blame. Missouri and Illinois both have what are called dram shop laws, wherein your drunk driving accident lawyers can help you hold a bar, or other licensed alcohol vendor accountable. Again, the laws vary between the two states:
Missouri
Following Missouri Revised Statute §537.053, your drunk driving accident lawyers must prove two things in order to secure a victory in a dram shop case:
- If the patron was "visibly intoxicated," meaning they exhibited:
- Significantly uncoordinated physical behavior
- Substantial physical dysfunction
- If the restaurant or bartender or server was aware or should have been aware of the fact that the patron was under the age of 21
Revised Statute §537.053 also states that a BAC above .08% by itself is not prima facie, or legally sufficient to support liability. You and your drunk driving accident lawyers need to demonstrate the establishment and their employees saw physical impairment, such as:
- Falling
- Slurring when they talk
- Spilling their drink
- Knocking objects over
- Extremely impaired motor movements
Illinois
Illinois's Dram Shop Law is relatively liberal in that the person who injured you did not have to be "visibly intoxicated" in order for a vendor to be responsible. 235 ILCS 5/6-21, the Illinois Liquor Control Act, permits someone hurt by a drunk driver to make a claim against a licensed liquor vendor if:
- A vendor-patron relationship existed, meaning you can show that the vendor sold the drunk driver alcohol.
- You can demonstrate that the alcohol sold by the bar caused the drunk driver's intoxication.
- You can prove that the driver's drunkenness was the proximate cause of your damages.
Each year, the Illinois Office of Comptroller is required to set liability maximums for Dram Shop cases. As of January 20, 2022 those limits are:
- $77,787.30 for each person who sustained damages
- $95,073.37 per individual when an injury or death caused either loss of support or loss of society.
What Compensation Can I Collect? | New Haven, MO Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
The compensation you collect will count on the seriousness of your injuries and the skill of your drunk driving accident lawyers. When you hire Halvorsen Klote, we'll fight to deliver you the best possible financial recovery for:
Economic damages, for instance:
- Lost wages for time spent off work recovering
- Lost earning capacity if your injuries cause an impairment that prohibits you from performing the tasks of your job anymore
- Medical expenses, such as
- Emergency room bills
- Subsequent doctors visits
- Surgeries
- Physical rehabilitation
- Medication
- In-home medical care
- Assistive devices such as crutches or required improvements to your vehicle
- Future estimated medical expenses, such as further physical therapy or prescriptions, or replacement costs for assistive devices or joint replacements
- Transportation costs to and from medical care
- Property damage, for example damage to your vehicle
Noneconomic damages, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Inconvenience
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement
- Loss of capacity to enjoy life
- Loss of consortium
The New Haven, MO drunk driving accident lawyers of Halvorsen Klote have the experience, perseverance, and legal knowledge required to secure you the great financial recovery that you are entitled to.
Other personal injury cases we take in New Haven, MO are:
- Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
- Auto Accident Attorney
- Bike Wreck Lawyer
- What to Do After a Car Accident
- Premises Liability Attorneys
- Automobile Injury Attorney
- Motorcycle Accidents Attorney
- Lawyer for Bicycle Accident
- Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Injury Claim Lawyer
Call HK Law Today
New Haven, MO Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers | Halvorsen Klote
You should not have to pay because someone else made a careless decision, and you do not need to navigate this difficult time alone. The New Haven, MO drunk driving accident lawyers of Halvorsen Klote are understanding, talented, and accomplished in holding drunk drivers responsible in New Haven, MO for their careless actions. We keep you informed throughout the whole legal process, and give you every piece of information you require to make the best decision for you and your family. Call the New Haven, MO drunk driving accident lawyers of HK Law today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online.
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.
