If you have suffered injuries in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you have the legal right to file a personal injury lawsuit. Driving under the influence is not only a criminal offense, but it is also a clear act of negligence that can form the basis of a strong civil case. If you sue a drunk driver, a settlement or verdict in your favor can provide compensation for your accident-related personal and financial losses.
What Compensation Can I Recover in a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit?
Compensation for a drunk driving accident can include the following:- Current and future medical expenses
- Current and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
How DUI Charges Affect Your Personal Injury Claim
It is important to understand that criminal charges and civil lawsuits are separate legal matters. While a DUI charge or conviction could support a car accident injury claim, criminal proceedings are not required for you to sue the drunk driver in civil court. Even if the driver avoids a criminal conviction, you can still hold them civilly liable in a DUI accident lawsuit. The burden of proof is lower in civil court than it is in criminal court. While prosecutors must prove a drunk driver’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, you only need to show by a preponderance of the evidence in a civil lawsuit that it is more likely than not that the accident was the drunk driver’s fault.Proving Liability in a Missouri Drunk Driving Crash
Proving drunk driver liability requires substantial evidence. Some examples of evidence that could be useful in a drunk driving car accident claim include the following:- Police reports
- Blood alcohol content (BAC) results
- Arrest records and DUI citations
- Eyewitness statements
- Surveillance and dashcam videos
- Medical and financial records
- Expert testimony
Can You Seek Punitive Damages in a DUI Injury Case?
Yes, a Missouri court may award punitive damages in cases where the driver’s actions show a flagrant disregard for the safety of others. Drunk driving could potentially qualify as flagrant disregard. Punitive damages are designed to punish the drunk driver and deter similar behavior in the future. They can be awarded in addition to economic and non-economic compensation.Get Help from Our Missouri Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyers
If you are considering an injury claim against a drunk driver and their insurance company, Sumner Law Group, LLC, can help. Our team of personal injury lawyers has more than 50 years of combined experience protecting the rights of injured people in Missouri. We are dedicated to seeking justice on behalf of drunk driving victims throughout the state. We are ready to fight for you to seek the accountability and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation about your potential personal injury case.