DUI Accidents in St. Louis

Drunk driving is a serious problem that continues to claim too many lives each year. In addition to the very real danger of injury or death, these accidents can also have serious legal and financial consequences. 

If you’re the victim of a drunk driving accident in St. Louis, Missouri, you could be entitled to financial compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Don’t let a drunk driver get away with ruining your life; contact an attorney at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers today for help after a DUI accident in St. Louis, MO. Call us at (314) 444-4444.

How Our St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers Can Help After a DUI Accident

How Our St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers Can Help After a DUI Accident

After being injured in a car accident, it’s normal to feel worried and not know what to do. If the accident was caused by a drunk driver, you may be especially worried about how to proceed. In this situation, it is important to seek legal counsel from a St. Louis car accident lawyer.

A personal injury attorney will fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. Don’t try to deal with the aftermath of a car accident on your own. Let the experienced legal team at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers help after your DUI accident in St. Louis.

  • At our firm, we have more than 100 years of combined experience. We have also won more than $100 million for our clients. 
  • Our attorneys have been recognized as Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Best Lawyers in St Louis by St. Louis magazine. You can be confident in our ability to get you the results that you need and deserve. 
  • We will work tirelessly on your case so that you can get the compensation you need and deserve. This includes investigating the DUI collision, gathering evidence, calculating your damages, negotiating on your behalf, protecting your legal rights, and more. 

Contact our St. Louis law office today to schedule a free consultation.

How Common Are DUI Accidents? 

Drunk driving is a serious problem on America’s roads. 

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

  • Driving drunk is involved in almost one-third of all traffic fatalities in the United States.
  • That’s an average of one death every 45 minutes. 
  • In 2020, 11,654 people died in alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents — a 14% increase from 2019.

These statistics are alarming. If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, contact an experienced St. Louis personal injury attorney for assistance. 

Overview of DUI Accidents in St. Louis, MO

It’s no secret that driving drunk is dangerous. Take a look at how alcohol affects your ability to drive.

Impaired Judgment

Judgment is one of the first things that goes when someone drinks. This can result in poor decisions like getting behind the wheel when intoxicated. You are more likely to speed or make poor driving decisions after you’ve been drinking. 

Slowed Response Time

Response time is also decreased when drunk. This means that a driver won’t be able to brake as quickly as they normally would if they see something in the road

Impaired Coordination 

In addition to slowing down your reaction time and impairing your judgment, drugs and alcohol can also impact your coordination. This can make it difficult to perform complex tasks like parallel parking or merging onto the highway. Lane changing and swerving can also occur when a driver’s coordination is off.

Common Injuries That Occur in St. Louis DUI Accidents

Driving under the influence is never a good idea. Not only is it illegal, but it’s also dangerous. Some common injuries are airbag injuries and seatbelt injuries. Keep on reading to learn more:

Head and Neck Injuries

One of the most common types of injuries in DUI accidents is a head or neck injury. This can include anything from a mild concussion to whiplash to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Head and neck injuries are often caused by the force of the impact, flying debris, or being ejected from the vehicle.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Another common type of injury in DUI accidents is a spinal cord injury. These types of injuries can range from a simple sprain or strain to complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries are often caused by the force of the impact, which can compress or crush the spine. 

Broken Bones

Broken bones can be caused by the force of the impact or by being ejected from the vehicle. Commonly broken bones in these types of accidents include ribs, collarbones, and legs. 

Compensation You Can Recover After a DUI Accident in St. Louis, Missouri

While you can’t get back the peace of mind that was taken from you in the accident, you may be entitled to more than you think. Here’s what you need to know about seeking compensation after a DUI accident.

Economic Damages

Economic damages include compensation that has a specific monetary value. Examples of economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and any other costs directly related to the DUI accident. To recover economic damages, you will need to have documentation to support your claims. This may include medical bills, pay stubs, and receipts.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify than economic damages because they do not have a specific monetary value attached to them. Examples of non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. A qualified personal injury attorney will be able to help you determine the value of your non-economic damages.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are designed to punish the at-fault driver for their actions and to deter others from engaging in similar behavior. Punitive damages are only awarded in cases where the at-fault driver’s behavior was particularly egregious – which may apply in a DUI case. 

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Car Accident Law Firm in St. Louis

No one ever expects to be involved in a DUI accident; unfortunately, they happen every day. If you have been injured in one of these accidents, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. 

You should also consider talking to a St. Louis car accident attorney who can help you recover damages for your injuries and hold the responsible party accountable. With experienced legal guidance for DUI accidents in St. Louis, you can focus on your recovery while your lawyer handles all the complexities of your case. 

Contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.

We handle all types of car accident claims, including:

Additional St. Louis Car Accident Resources

Learn more about car accident FAQs: