If you were injured by a drunk driver in Missouri, you have two things working in your favor that don’t exist in most car accident cases: clear liability and the possibility of punitive damages.
Liability is usually straightforward. The other driver was intoxicated. If they were arrested and charged with DUI/DWI, you essentially have a criminal conviction or charge establishing that they were breaking the law at the time of the crash. That’s powerful evidence in a civil case.
Punitive damages are where it gets interesting. In most personal injury cases, you recover compensatory damages — medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering. But Missouri allows punitive damages when the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless or egregious. Driving drunk is exactly the kind of conduct courts consider punitive-damage worthy. These damages are designed to punish the defendant and deter others, and they can significantly increase the total value of your case.
There may also be additional sources of liability and recovery beyond the drunk driver themselves. An experienced attorney will investigate every potential source of coverage and compensation to maximize your recovery.
Don’t settle for what the insurance company offers. These cases are worth more than a standard car accident claim. When you’re hurt, call Kurt. (417) 553-4898. Free consultation.
Related Resources
- Car Accident Lawyer Joplin
- What to Do After an Accident in Missouri
- Why You Should Never Accept the First Settlement Offer
If you’ve been injured, contact Benecke Injury Law at (417) 623-4000 for a free case review.