Auto Accident DUI Victim
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DUI/DWI Accident
Drunk driving is no accident. If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of a drunk-driving accident in Missouri, it's crucial that you know your rights so that you and your St. Louis DUI victim lawyer can effectively pursue claims for injuries and damages resulting from the accident.
Despite tougher legislation and stricter enforcement, drunk-driving injuries and accidents are far too prevalent. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2004, 16,694 alcohol-related fatalities occurred on U.S. roads and highways. That same year, approximately 248,000 people were injured in alcohol-related vehicle accidents. At .08, the legal blood alcohol content while driving in Missouri and all 50 states, a driver is three times more likely to be involved in an automobile accident than a sober driver, and 11 times more likely to die in a single-vehicle collision.
If you've been involved in a drunk-driving accident, sometimes known as DWI and DUI, you deserve justice. Therefore, it's important to know your rights:
Victims of DWI/Drunk Driving in Missouri Have the Right to:
- Be notified in a timely manner of all trials and hearings
- Be treated fairly and with dignity throughout all legal proceedings
- Communicate with the prosecuting attorney
- Obtain information about the conviction and sentencing of the accused party
- Make a statement to the court during sentencing
- Receive protection from the accused party throughout the criminal justice and claims process
- Have an advocate or support person at all court proceedings, subject to the rules of evidence.
- Seek restitution for any personal injuries sustained during the drunk-driving accident as well as compensation for wages lost as a result of the accident. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to Missouri victims of drunk-driving/DWI accidents.
For those living on the border of Missouri and Illinois, it's important to note that Illinois considers drunk driving to be a violent crime, and in that state, drunk-driving victims are treated as victims of violent crimes. Further compensation or charges against the offending party could result.
If you've been injured as a result of a drunk-driving/DWI accident, immediately seek medical treatment. After you receive all necessary medical care, contact a Missouri DWI victim attorney as soon as possible. A Missouri drunk driving accident victim attorney can evaluate your case and determine which claims you may be able to pursue, some of which you may not have realized existed.
If you've sustained injuries in a drunk-driving accident in Missouri, call me today. As a St. Louis auto accident attorney, I can evaluate your case and review your options with you. The call and consultation are both free, and there is no fee unless you recover damages for the personal injuries you sustained.
I can be reached 24 hours a day at (314)322-8515 or 1-800-CAR-CRASH (1-800-227-2727). You can also contact me by email at john@thepagefirm.com. I look forward to assisting you during this difficult and uncertain time.
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