Drunk drivers put everyone at risk when they make poor choices about when and how they drive. The collisions they cause are notorious for often being worse for the other people involved than for an impaired motorist. Their erratic behavior can cause severe collisions that leave people with catastrophic injuries or cause fatalities. Their impairment may actually help protect them from certain types of injuries, like fractures caused by bracing before impact.
Those struggling with the aftermath of a crash caused by a drunk motorist often don’t know what options they have for covering their expenses. They may have massive medical debts and possibly also a lifetime of lost or reduced earning potential. How can injury victims cover the cost of a drunk driving collision in Missouri?
Holding the driver accountable
Drunk driving is against the law. It is also very clearly an unsafe choice that causes unnecessary risk. Those affected by a drunk driving crash typically have the option of filing a claim against the other driver’s insurance coverage. However, those with catastrophic injuries often find that insurance is only able to cover a fraction of their losses. They may have to consider filing a lawsuit as well. A personal injury lawsuit against an impaired motorist can lead to more thorough compensation for those harmed in a crash.
Looking into third-party liability
The unfortunate reality is that many drunk drivers don’t have insurance, have minimal insurance or don’t have many personal assets. Even if other people file a successful lawsuit against a drunk driver, they may struggle to actually recoup their losses after a judgment in their favor.
It is sometimes possible to bring a lawsuit against a third party. A bar or restaurant with a liquor license could be liable under Missouri’s dram shop laws. If workers served a minor or someone visibly drunk, the business may be liable if that patron then causes a wreck. If the drunk driver was an employee on the job, their employer might have a degree of liability. Taking action against a business can sometimes lead to better compensation than a lawsuit brought against a drunk motorist directly.
Seeking compensation after a drunk driving crash often requires an understanding of the total losses at issue, and the options for compensation available. Those who obtain guidance and advocacy after a drunk driving crash may improve their chances of securing a favorable outcome.