Getting hit by a drunk driver changes your life in an instant. One moment you are driving down I-64 or I-70, and the next, you are dealing with serious injuries because someone made the reckless decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by an impaired driver, you need a St. Louis drunk driving accident lawyer who will fight for your rights.

Drunk driving crashes are not “accidents”—they are preventable tragedies caused by negligence. At The Super Lawyer, we help victims in the Greater St. Louis area hold drunk drivers accountable. We handle the insurance companies, investigate the crash, and work to get you the maximum compensation possible. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront fees. We only get paid if we win your case.

The Dangers of Drunk Driving in St. Louis

Despite strict laws, drunk driving remains a major problem in Missouri and the St. Louis metropolitan area. Drivers who operate a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher are breaking the law and putting everyone at risk. However, even drivers with lower BAC levels can be impaired and dangerous.

These crashes often result in severe injuries because impaired drivers often fail to brake or swerve before impact. We frequently see victims suffering from:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Wrongful death

What to Do Immediately After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver

The moments after a crash are chaotic, but the steps you take can impact your personal injury claim later. If you are physically able, try to do the following:

1. Call 911: Ensure police arrive to file a police report. Tell the officer if you suspect the other driver is drunk.
2. Seek Medical Care: Even if you feel okay, adrenaline can hide injuries. Go to the hospital or see a doctor immediately.
3. Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. If witnesses are present, get their names and phone numbers.
4. Do Not Speak to Their Insurance: An insurance adjuster may call you quickly to offer a low settlement. Do not give a recorded statement until you speak to a lawyer.
5. Contact a St. Louis DUI Accident Lawyer: The sooner we get involved, the better we can preserve evidence.

How Our St. Louis Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Help

Handling a claim against a drunk driver is different from a standard car accident case. There are criminal proceedings and specific evidence that must be secured. Here is how we help you:

Comprehensive Investigation

We dig deep to prove negligence. This includes obtaining the police crash report, securing breathalyzer test or blood test results, and gathering video footage from dash-cams or nearby surveillance cameras. We may also work with accident reconstruction experts to prove exactly how the crash happened.

Navigating Insurance Issues

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. We handle all communication with them. If the drunk driver is uninsured or underinsured, we can help you file a claim under your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) policy.

Pursuing Punitive Damages

In standard car accidents, you recover money for your losses. In drunk driving cases, we may also pursue punitive damages. These are extra damages awarded by a court to punish the driver for their reckless behavior and to discourage others from driving drunk.

Who Is Liable? (It May Be More Than Just the Driver)

While the drunk driver is the primary person at fault, other parties might also be responsible for your injuries. We investigate every angle to ensure you are fully compensated.

Dram Shop Liability

Under Missouri’s dram shop law, a bar, restaurant, or establishment may be held liable if they knowingly served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or under the legal drinking age of 21. If a bartender continued to serve a drunk patron who then drove and caused your accident, we can investigate a claim against that business.

Employer Liability

If the drunk driver was driving a company vehicle or was on the job at the time of the crash, their employer might share liability for the accident.

Compensation You Can Recover

A drunk driving crash can lead to massive financial and emotional burdens. We fight to recover compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and future rehabilitation costs.
• Lost Wages: Paychecks you missed while recovering.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your old job.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
• Property Damage: Repairs or replacement of your vehicle.
• Punitive Damages: Additional money intended to punish the drunk driver.

The Legal Process and Timeline

Every case is unique, but the process generally follows a specific path. After you hire us, we begin investigating immediately. We will monitor the criminal case against the driver, as a conviction can serve as strong evidence of negligence per se in your civil case.

We will send a demand letter to the insurance company once we understand the full extent of your injuries. If they agree to a fair settlement, the case ends there. If they refuse to offer what you deserve, we are prepared to file a civil lawsuit and take your case to trial.

Statute of Limitations

You do not have unlimited time to sue. In Missouri, there is a strict statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to compensation. This makes it critical to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Why Choose a Local St. Louis Lawyer?

Drunk driving laws and court procedures vary by location. You need a lawyer who knows the local courts in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and the surrounding areas. We understand how local judges and juries view DUI cases. We also have experience dealing with the specific insurance adjusters who operate in Missouri and Illinois.