Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Wellsville, MO
Call 817-51-HKLAW for a Free Consultation and Case Review.
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Wellsville, MO. We all owe it to other people to heed the rules of the road and prioritize each other's safety. When another person drives drunk, they're making a ridiculously selfish and reckless choice. If you or a loved one was injured because of that decision, you are entitled to seek justice in the form of financial compensation. Car accidents and the subsequent injuries are always unexpected, and the financial reverberations from medical costs and lost wages are immediate and profound. Halvorsen Klote's Wellsville, MO drunk driving accident lawyers have pledged their careers to offering the injured and vulnerable in Missouri and Southern Illinois the same high standard of legal representation that large insurance companies have. If you were injured because someone made the terrible decision to drink and drive, call HK Law today at 866-382-4167 or contact us online.
Drunk Driving Statistics | Wellsville, MO Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
Although drunk driving fatalities have decreased by almost half since 1982, there are still way too many people on the Wellsville, MO roads who put others in danger by drinking and driving. When they do and harm you, the Wellsville, MO drunk driving accident lawyers of Halvorsen Klote will fight for you to ensure they are held accountable and you receive the best possible compensation you need to heal.
According to reporting from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 28 people die every day in drunk driving wrecks, which adds up to one person every 52 minutes, and more than 10,000 people annually. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in both Illinois and Missouri, 2.2 percent of drivers acknowledged driving after having too much to drink within the last 30 days. The annual cost associated with drunk driving accidents nationwide amounts to over $44 billion.
The Missouri Traffic Safety Compendium states that in 2021 alcohol and drug impaired driving contributed to 4,027 car crash injuries and 287 fatalities, 8 percent and 28 percent of the state's total traffic injuries and fatalities, respectively.
The Illinois 2020 Crash Facts reports that 19.7 percent of the 1,088 fatal wrecks in the state could be contributed to alcohol. Of 448 drivers who died and were tested for alcohol, 37.1 percent tested positive.
If you've been hurt by a drunk driver in Wellsville, 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? | Wellsville, 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 a motor vehicle:
- With a BAC of over .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 the chance of having the ignition interlock device placed in your car.
- Second offense: Up to 1 year in jail, fine no greater than $2,000, a license revocation of 1 year and the ignition interlock device placed in your car for a minimum of 6 months.
- Third offense: Up to 4 years in jail, fine up to $10,000, a license revocation for a decade and the the ignition interlock device placed on your vehicle for a minimum of 6 months.
Illinois
- First offense: Up to 1 year in jail, fines not exceeding $2,500 and a license revocation of 1 year.
- Second offense: A range of 5 to 364 days in prison, fines no greater than $2,500 and a license revocation of 5 years.
- Third offense: A range of 10 days to 7 years in prison, fines not exceeding $25,000 and a license revocation for a decade.
Though it's a good thing that there are strict punishments for people who drive while intoxicated, criminal penalties don't help you recover compensation for your injuries. Occasionally, drunk drivers can get out of a criminal conviction or plead guilty to a lesser charge. The Wellsville, 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 damages.
The following are some informational links and FAQs from your HK Law Drunk Driver Accident Lawyers in Wellsville, 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 at Fault for My Injuries? | Wellsville, MO Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
While a drunk driver is unmistakably to blame for your damages according to the negligence per se doctrine, there could be other parties who are responsible. Missouri and Illinois both have what we call dram shop laws, whereby your drunk driving accident lawyers can assist you in holding a bar, or other licensed alcohol vendor accountable. Again, the statutes differ between the two states:
Missouri
Pursuant to Missouri Revised Statute §537.053, your drunk driving accident lawyers must prove two things in order to be successful a dram shop case:
- If the customer was "visibly intoxicated," meaning they displayed:
- Substantially uncoordinated physical behavior
- Extreme physical dysfunction
- If the restaurant or their employee was aware or should have been aware of the fact that the patron was under the age of 21
Revised Statute §537.053 also stipulates that a BAC of more than .08% by itself is not prima facie, or lawfully sufficient to show fault. You and your drunk driving accident lawyers will have to show the establishment and their employees saw physical impairment, such as:
- Stumbling
- Slurred speech
- Tipping over their drink
- Knocking objects over
- Extremely impaired motor movements
Illinois
Illinois's Dram Shop Law is unusual in that the person who caused you harm did not have to be "visibly intoxicated" in order for a restaurant to be at fault. 235 ILCS 5/6-21, the Illinois Liquor Control Act, permits someone hurt by a drunk driver to file a claim against a licensed liquor vendor if:
- A vendor-patron relationship existed, meaning you can demonstrate that the bought alcohol at that specific restaurant.
- You can show that the alcohol sold by the bar or restaurant contributed to the drunk driver's drunkenness.
- You can demonstrate that the driver's inebriation was the proximate cause of your injuries.
Each year, the Illinois Office of Comptroller has to set liability maximums for Dram Shop cases. As of January 20, 2022 those limits are:
- $77,787.30 for each individual who suffered damages
- $95,073.37 per person when an injury or death resulted in either loss of support or loss of society.
What Compensation Can I Receive? | Wellsville, MO Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
The financial recovery you receive will count on the gravity of your injuries and the knowledge of your drunk driving accident lawyers. When you hire Halvorsen Klote, we'll fight to secure you the best possible compensation for:
Economic damages, for instance:
- Lost wages for time you could not work owing to your injuries
- Lost earning capacity if your injuries lead to a disability that doesn't allow you to perform the tasks of your job anymore
- Medical expenses, for example
- Emergency room bills
- Follow up doctors appointments
- Surgeries
- Physical therapy
- Medication
- In-home medical care
- Assistive devices such as wheelchairs or needed upgrades to your home
- Future estimated medical bills, such as further physical therapy or prescriptions, or replacement costs for assistive devices or joint replacements
- Transportation costs related to your medical treatment
- Property damage, such as damage to your car
Noneconomic damages, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Inconvenience
- Physical impairment
- Disfigurement
- Loss of capacity to enjoy life
- Loss of consortium
The Wellsville, MO drunk driving accident lawyers of Halvorsen Klote have the experience, determination, and legal skills necessary to get you the maximum compensation that you deserve.
Other cases we take in Wellsville, 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
Wellsville, MO Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers | Halvorsen Klote
You should not have to pay because another driver made a reckless decision, and you do not need to navigate this difficult time alone. The Wellsville, MO drunk driving accident lawyers of Halvorsen Klote are compassionate, talented, and accomplished in holding drunk drivers accountable in Wellsville, MO for their irresponsible actions. We keep you informed throughout the duration of your case, and give you every piece of information you require to make the best decision for you and your family. Call the Wellsville, 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.
