Driving under the influence is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do in Columbia, MO. A DUI accident can lead to legal consequences for the driver as well as serious physical injuries, emotional scars, and financial difficulties for anyone involved in the accident. These car accidents can be devastating for innocent parties driving safely on the road. Call us today at (314) 444-4444.
If a drunk driver has hit you in Columbia, Missouri, you could be entitled to compensation for your damages. A Columbia DUI accident attorney can help you seek the justice you deserve. Contact our attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with our Columbia DUI accident lawyers.
How Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Accident in Columbia
If a drunk driver has hit you in Columbia, MO, you need a Columbia car accident lawyer who can help you get justice and compensation.
Here’s how our Columbia personal injury lawyers can help you:
- We will thoroughly investigate your accident to determine who was at fault and what caused the accident.
- We will calculate all damages you may be entitled to, including medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering.
- We will negotiate with the defendant and their insurance company to try to reach a settlement without having to go to trial.
For help after a DUI accident, contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Columbia DUI accidents attorney.
How Common Are DUI Accidents?
DUI accidents are unfortunately quite frequent, and Missouri is no exception:
- In 2021, Missouri saw 213 fatal accidents involving substance abuse.
- Alcohol use contributes to approximately 10,000 crashes each year in the state of Missouri.
- Almost 1/4 of all fatal car accidents in Missouri are caused by drunk or drugged drivers.
Given the frequency and often devastating consequences of DUI accidents in Missouri, increasing efforts toward prevention and holding those at fault accountable is critical.
Overview of DUI Accidents
A DUI accident occurs when an individual operates a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Their judgment, reaction times, and reflexes might be compromised due to intoxication. As a result, they may lose control of their automobile or make poor driving decisions, leading to accidents that hurt people in other cars or those walking or biking along the streets.
Causes of Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents occur for a variety of reasons, though it largely boils down to impairment from alcohol or drugs. This impairment can manifest in multiple ways:
Reduced Reaction Time
Alcohol and certain types of drugs slow the brain’s processing speed, leading to delayed reactions while the driver is on the road.
Overconfidence
Intoxicating substances tend to give users an inflated sense of their abilities – driving included. Drivers who are under the influence might undertake risks that they wouldn’t normally consider when sober.
Blurred Vision or Dizziness
Alcohol and drugs affect a person’s vision, making it difficult to judge distances and react quickly to changes on the road.
Lack of Coordination
Effects from intoxication also include challenges with body coordination. This is why drivers may be unpredictable with their vehicle’s speed or stray across road lanes without realizing it.
No matter how you look at it and what ultimately causes the accident, driving under the influence is one of the most dangerous and irresponsible actions a person can take. It can lead to serious injuries and fatalities in many cases.
Common Injuries from DUI Accidents
DUI accidents can lead to serious injuries for everyone involved in the accident, including the drunk driver and other parties involved in the accident.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions or other traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken or fractured bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Bruises and internal injuries
- Burn injuries
- Psychological trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Fatal Injuries leading to wrongful death
The exact nature and severity of the injuries depend on the accident, but there is the potential for severe injuries and fatalities as a result of drunk driving accidents.
Liability in Drunk Driving Accidents
When you’re involved in a drunk driving accident, it might seem like the responsible party would be fairly obvious. However, in addition to the drunk driver being responsible, there could be other liable parties as well. This could include:
Licensed Bar or Restaurant Who Sold Drunk Driver Alcohol
Under Missouri’s Dram Shop laws, a commercial establishment that is licensed to sell alcohol can be held accountable for injuries a drunk driver causes to a third party. Liability may occur when they sell alcoholic drinks to someone less than 21 years of age or served alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated.
Vehicle Owner
Vehicle owners are typically responsible to ensure the safe and lawful use of their vehicle. If someone ends up driving your vehicle while under the influence and subsequently causes harm, you could be held liable in certain circumstances.
The Injured Sober Party
As the injured sober party in a DUI accident, you could end up being at least partially liable yourself as well. The fact that someone else was driving under the influence doesn’t automatically make them entirely liable and entitle you to damages.
The best way to determine who may be liable for your drunk driving injuries is to speak with a personal injury lawyer right away.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Columbia DUI Accidents Lawyers
If a drunk driver has injured you in Columbia, MO, it’s essential to understand that you might be entitled to damages from the responsible party. If you believe someone else caused this accident, you should reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible to seek justice. Contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with our Columbia DUI accidents lawyers.
