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St. Louis Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Drunk driving is a reckless and irresponsible act that puts everyone on the road at risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving crashes claimed the lives of over 13,500 people in 2022. These preventable tragedies also often leave victims with devastating injuries, emotional trauma, and lifelong consequences.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident in St. Louis, the experienced drunk driving attorneys at Cofman Townsley are here to provide compassionate legal guidance and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact us for a free consultation.

What Our Clients Say

“Cofman Townsley and their staff are like family. They met every need, answered every question, called us after hours, etc. They went above and beyond and made sure that we got our settlement to the fullest amount.” Jill C.

“Cofman Townsley was persistent, professional, and did an excellent job at keeping me informed all the time.”

Ashanti M.

“The Cofman Townsley team was awesome through the entire process.”

Darlana J.

“Cofman Townsley was great at helping me. They were always on time and answered any questions I had. They were very nice and patient with everything.”

ReJeane T.

“The attorneys were very responsive to my needs. Every time I called, someone got right back to me right away. I always knew what was going on because I was kept very informed about my case. I would recommend Cofman Townsley to anyone. I feel that Cofman Townsley did a wonderful job with my case. Everything was done in a professional manner. Everyone is really nice. ”

LaDawn H.

“Cofman Townsley are like family to me. They explain things thoroughly, make sure that I understand, and that I am taken care of. David Nissenholtz and Paula were super to me, and helped me through a long and difficult process where I had years of medical treatment and much stress. They care about people and take time to listen. I would refer my friends and family members to them because I trust they will take good care of them.”

William V.

“Cofman Townsley treats you like family and like you are the only client. They answered all of my questions and took time to make sure I understood. I wouldn’t change to another attorney. They have done a good job for me and I trust them, which is very important. The whole office of people is friendly. They make me feel like I am number one, and they will do the same for you.”

Darlene W.

“Cofman Townsley diligently represented me in my personal injury work comp claim and got me a fair settlement in a timely manner.”

Jeff R.

“It was a great experience. Cofman Townsley handled all the leg work for me. I appreciate all the help.”

Chris S.

“I was very pleased with the way in which my case was handled. I was treated with great respect and care. I have never had to have legal services in my life, so for a first time event this has been very easy. I would like to say that the work ethic and determination of this company was the greatest thing that I will be left with. I thank you all very much!”

Johnny M.

“David did an amazing job with my case and communicating with me. His professionalism and concern with my progress meant a lot to me. I really appreciate everything he and his staff did for me. Thank you all.”

Carey G.

“Cofman Townsley are a great team of lawyers who go out of their way to do the BEST for their clients. They stay on you and get you the largest settlement they can.”

Peggy T.

“I really appreciate what they have done for me. I was treated excellently and if something ever happens again, they would be the first people I would call.”

Amber A.

“They have great attention to detail and [provide] a wonderful level of comfort during tough times.”

Matt C.

“Thank you. You guys were very fast, considerate, and friendly. I really appreciate it.”

Michael S.

The Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents on Victims

Drunk driving accidents often result in severe and life-altering consequences for victims. The physical, emotional, and financial burdens can be immense, requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing support.

Common Injuries Caused by Drunk Drivers

Due to the impaired judgment and reaction time of drunk drivers, these accidents often result in severe injuries, including:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Concussions: Head injuries are common in drunk driving accidents, potentially leading to long-term cognitive impairments, memory loss, and personality changes.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries, Paralysis, and Fractures: The force of impact can cause severe damage to the spine, resulting in paralysis, loss of sensation, and chronic pain.
  • Whiplash, Broken Bones, and Internal Injuries: Whiplash, a common neck injury, can cause pain, stiffness, and headaches. Broken bones and internal injuries can require surgery, extensive rehabilitation, and long recovery periods.
  • Emotional Trauma and PTSD: The psychological impact of a drunk driving accident can be significant. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), requiring ongoing mental health support.

Long-Term Effects on Physical and Mental Health

Many victims of drunk driving accidents face long-term challenges, including:

  • Chronic Pain and Mobility Issues: Some injuries may result in chronic pain, limited mobility, and the need for ongoing medical care, therapy, and assistive devices.
  • Depression, Anxiety, and Mental Health Challenges: The emotional and psychological impact of the accident can linger, leading to depression, anxiety, and difficulty coping with daily life.

Missouri Drunk Driving Laws and Liability

Missouri has strict laws against drunk driving, aiming to deter this dangerous behavior and hold offenders accountable. Understanding these laws and how liability is established in drunk driving cases is crucial for protecting your rights if you’ve been injured by a drunk driver.

Missouri’s DUI/DWI Laws

Missouri uses the terms “driving under the influence” (DUI) and “driving while intoxicated” (DWI) interchangeably.  The state has strict penalties for those who operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) at or above the legal limit.

For most drivers, the legal BAC limit is 0.08%. For commercial drivers, it’s 0.04%. Penalties for drunk driving in Missouri can include fines, jail time, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs. In addition, Missouri can require drunk drivers to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicles that prevents them from starting the engine if their BAC is too high.  Penalties increase for repeat offenders and those who cause serious injuries or fatalities.

Proving Liability in Drunk Driving Cases

In addition to criminal charges, drunk drivers can be held liable for injuries and damages they cause in civil court.  Proving liability in a drunk driving case involves demonstrating the driver’s negligence and establishing a direct link between their intoxication and the accident, using evidence such as:

  • Police reports
  • BAC test results
  • Witness testimonies
  • Surveillance footage

An experienced attorney can help gather and present evidence to prove the driver’s negligence and establish their fault for the accident, even if they haven’t been convicted of a DUI/DWI.

Seeking Compensation After a Drunk Driving Accident

If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in St. Louis, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. The types of compensation available can cover a wide range of damages, including:

  • Medical Expenses and Rehabilitation Costs: This includes past and future medical bills, such as hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, and medical equipment.
  • Lost Wages and Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income, both during your recovery and for any future lost earning potential if you are unable to return to your previous job or career path.
  • Pain and Suffering, Emotional Distress, and Mental Anguish: These non-economic damages compensate for the physical pain, emotional trauma, and psychological impact of the accident, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
  • Property Damage and Vehicle Repair Costs: You can also recover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.

Dealing With Underinsured or Uninsured Drunk Drivers

Unfortunately, some drunk drivers may have insufficient insurance coverage or no insurance at all. In these cases, you may need to explore other options, such as filing a claim with your own insurance company if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or pursuing a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver.

An experienced St. Louis drunk driving accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims and explore all available avenues for securing the compensation you deserve.

Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident in St. Louis

The aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be disorienting and overwhelming. However, taking certain steps immediately following the accident can be crucial in protecting your health and preserving your legal rights.

  • Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety should be your top priority. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, seek medical attention right away to identify any hidden issues and document your injuries with medical records.
  • Report the Incident: Call the police to report the accident and ensure a police report is filed, including witness statements and the driver’s BAC test results.
  • Gather Evidence: If you are able, gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. Take photos of the accident site, vehicle damage, and any injuries you sustained. Collect contact information from any witnesses.
  • Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in St. Louis: A local attorney can advise you on your legal rights and options, help you navigate the claims process, and ensure your interests are protected.

How Our St. Louis Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Can Help You

Being injured in a drunk driving accident can leave you feeling vulnerable and uncertain about the future. At Cofman Townsley, our experienced St. Louis drunk driving accident lawyers provide compassionate legal guidance and aggressive representation to help you through this difficult time.

We’ll handle all communication with insurance companies, ensuring you’re not pressured into accepting a low settlement. If necessary, we’ll file a lawsuit and take your case to court, building a strong case with expert witnesses and fighting tirelessly to protect your rights. In some cases, we may even be able to pursue punitive damages to punish the drunk driver for their reckless behavior.

Our attorneys have a deep understanding of Missouri’s drunk driving laws and a proven track record of success. We’ll work tirelessly to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

Contact Our St. Louis Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been hurt by a drunk driver, contact Cofman Townsley today for a free consultation. Let us help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.