Drunk Driving Car Accidents
Springfield, MO

No one with a driver’s license can deny being aware of the dangers of driving drunk. Therefore, liability in these cases should be clear-cut, right?

However, it's not that simple. While it is true that driving while intoxicated is a negligent act, accidents are often caused by specific mistakes such as running a red light or driving the wrong way on a road. This means that even in a drunk driving accident, an insurer can question and investigate your actions to determine if they contributed to the collision.

Even if the other driver was drunk, their insurer may be able to reduce the amount of your settlement if they can place some of the blame on you. Our Springfield drunk driving accident lawyers are experienced in handling interviews with insurance adjusters and conducting our own investigation to help you avoid unfair blame.

Liability in drunk driving accidents can sometimes extend to the party responsible for serving alcohol to the driver who caused the accident. However, proving such claims can be challenging. According to Missouri law, the establishment must have served an individual who displayed "significantly uncoordinated physical action or significant physical dysfunction" due to intoxication. Without evidence of this, there is no basis for a claim. If the drunk individual was under 21, a claim may be possible, but only if they did not possess a fake ID.

It is important to note that the state's dram shop law only applies to businesses that sell alcohol for consumption on their premises. Therefore, liquor stores cannot be held liable, even if they sold alcohol to an intoxicated individual. Similarly, hosts of social gatherings where alcohol is not sold or provided by professionals are not responsible for any accidents caused by intoxicated guests after they leave.

In most cases, it is advisable to focus on pursuing a claim against the driver rather than involving a third party in a lawsuit. We can assess your case and provide an explanation of how the dram shop law may or may not be applicable.

Every year, more than 10,000 people lose their lives in tragic drunk driving accidents. Witnessing such a devastating event happen to someone we hold dear is truly heart-wrenching. The consequences of one driver's reckless choices can completely shatter an entire family, and those affected deserve to seek justice for their departed loved ones.

If you have lost a loved one due to the actions of a drunk driver, our team of attorneys is here to support you. Through a wrongful death claim, we can assist you in obtaining compensation to cover funeral expenses, the loss of financial support, and the various difficulties that arise from an unexpected and untimely death within the family.