Our lives are put in danger every single day by people who drive while drinking. Data from the Missouri Highway Patrol has shown that in 2012 alone, 826 people were killed and another 50, 376 were injured in alcohol related crashes in the state of Missouri. Despite the many excuses that may tempt a person who has been drinking to get behind the wheel of a car, their actions often cause injuries to others, and can even result in tragic deaths.
Rights of DUI Victims
If you have been injured in a drunk-driving accident, it is essential that you know your rights. As soon as you are able after the accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to help you. Your personal injury lawyer can go after the other party for damages sustained in the accident. You have the right to be notified about all hearings in a timely manner, be treated fairly throughout the legal process, and the right to seek restitution for any injuries sustained during the drunk-driving accident, as well as lost wages. In some cases, you may also be able to collect punitive damages.
Hiring a Person Injury Attorney after a DUI Accident
In order to recover damages for your injuries, you must file a lawsuit in a Missouri Court. Along with the evidence collected by the prosecution from the DUI, your lawyer should deeper to find evidence that is specific to your case. This includes going over police reports, video tapes, and witness interviews. The Lieser Law Firm goes beyond the call of duty by finding out what happened just prior to your accident by getting a subpoena for bar receipts to find out if you can take action against the bar or bartender under the Missouri Dram Shop Law.
Missouri Dram Shop Law
The Dram Shop Law allows a person injured in a drunk-driving accident to bring legal action against the bar where the negligent person was drinking if they have contributed to that person’s intoxication. Missouri Statute 537.053 states that a personal injury lawyer must prove by convincing evidence that the bar knew or should have known that the liquor was served to a person who was visibly intoxicated. A Missouri personal injury attorney must analyze the facts to see if a Dram Shop Law claim can be brought to court.
Social Host Responsibility
Laws for social host liability vary from state to state. There are laws in 18 states that have general social host statutes and 9 states have social host laws that are specific to minors. This is according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). The state of Missouri falls into both of these categories.
If a family member was killed in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
If you have been injured in a drunk-driving accident, or a loved one has been injured or killed, CONTACT the Lieser Law Firm today for a FREE legal consultation.