Individuals who drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs put your life in serious danger. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Statistical Analysis Center, 218 people were killed and 3,823 people were injured in alcohol-related car accidents in the state in 2010 — the latest year statistics are available. There is no excuse for an intoxicated person to get behind the wheel. When their actions result in your injuries, we hold them responsible for the damage. The Guirl Law Firm was founded by an attorney with 25 years of experience and with the sole focus of providing compassionate, effective representation to victims of injuries in St. Louis. We aggressively pursue the reckless people and businesses responsible for your injuries or your loved one’s wrongful death.
The Missouri Office of Prosecution Evidence pursues criminal charges against a person arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI). Also referred to as DUI, a DWI conviction can result in a harsh sentence — including driver’s license suspension, fines, probation and imprisonment. These stiff penalties may deter future DWIs, but do not help victims injured by drunk drivers.
To recover compensation for your injury, you must file a lawsuit in the St. Louis civil courts. In addition to using the DWI evidence collected by the prosecution to build your case, our attorney delves deeper into the investigation to discover evidence relevant to your civil case — including poring over police reports, studying videotapes, interviewing witnesses and subpoenaing bar receipts. The Guirl Law Firm thoroughly reviews the events preceding your car accident to determine whether you also have a cause of action against a bartender or drinking establishment under the Missouri dram shop laws.
Dram shop liability refers to laws that govern bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Under the dram shop laws — codified in Missouri Revised Statues §537.053 — an accident victim can sue the business and person who served alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises to an adult who was visibly intoxicated. In addition, the establishment is liable if they served a driver who is under the age of 21 who consequently causes a crash. Even the intoxicated underage driver can pursue damages from the business. These dram shop rules provide the basis for filing your third party lawsuit against the bartenders and the drinking establishments whose conduct contributed to your auto accident.
To learn more about suing drunk drivers and the drinking establishments that served them, call the Guirl Law Firm on our 24-hour toll-free hotline 314-391-2585 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation.
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