A drunk driving crash can turn your life upside down in an instant. You may be left dealing with painful injuries, shaken by the trauma, and suddenly worrying about medical bills, lost wages, and other financial issues.
Most people focus on the impaired driver, but sometimes, they may not be the only liable party. In Missouri, if a bar, restaurant, or other business unlawfully served alcohol to the driver, they could also be held accountable. That is known as a dram shop claim. If you are hurt in a drunk driving accident, knowing what steps to take is crucial for your health and your legal rights.
Here is what to do immediately after a drunk driving accident in Missouri:
See a Doctor Right Away
Your well-being should be your priority. Even if you feel okay or your injuries appear minor, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or internal damage, may not show up right away.
Seeing a medical professional without delay not only protects your health, but it also creates vital records that can support your injury claim later.
Call the Police
Report the accident right away. Be honest and tell responding officers if you saw any signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech, the smell of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, or an unsteady walk.
The official police report, any field sobriety tests, and DUI charges can all become important evidence in your case.
Gather Evidence on the Scene
If you are able, collect whatever evidence you can before you leave the accident scene. Take photos of the vehicles, your injuries, road conditions, and any skid marks. Photos or videos that show any impairment can also be helpful.
Additionally, get contact information from any witnesses, and make sure you have the other driver’s insurance and vehicle details. The more you can document, the stronger your case becomes.
Consider Whether a Dram Shop Claim May Apply
Not every drunk driving case involves a dram shop claim, but Missouri law may allow victims to hold alcohol vendors responsible in specific situations, such as if they knowingly serve a minor or someone who is obviously intoxicated. Evidence such as receipts, security footage, and witness statements can help determine whether unlawful alcohol service contributed to the accident.
Be Careful When Talking to Insurance Companies
An adjuster from the drunk driver’s insurance company might call you soon after the accident and offer a quick settlement or ask for a recorded statement. Before saying or signing anything, consider talking to a lawyer first. An experienced personal injury attorney can protect your rights, evaluate the full value of your claim, and determine whether additional parties, including a bar or restaurant that may have unlawfully served the impaired driver, could also be held responsible for your injuries.
Talk to a Missouri Personal Injury Lawyer as Soon as Possible
Dram shop cases can be more complex than ordinary car accident claims because they often involve multiple parties and additional evidence beyond the crash itself. An attorney can investigate the circumstances surrounding the driver’s alcohol consumption, preserve critical evidence, identify all potentially liable parties, and pursue the full compensation available under Missouri law.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you were injured by a drunk driver in Missouri, the experienced attorneys at Griggs Injury Law can investigate every possible source of liability, including potential dram shop claims. Contact us today for a consultation.
