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A car accident caused by someone driving drunk can change everything. Injuries, bills, and missed work all pile up while you try to understand what happened. In these moments, knowing who to trust or what steps to take next can be hard.
A drunk driving car accident lawyer can help you get answers, take action, and protect your future.
When you work with Walner Law, you get a team that treats your case like it matters—because it does. We know the challenges drunk driving crash victims face and work hard to help you through each step of the legal process.
Car accidents involving alcohol often result in serious injuries, long recovery periods, or permanent disability. Victims and their families deserve real financial support.
Types of compensation available
People hurt in drunk driving crashes may be eligible for compensation in several areas:
In some cases, more than one person or business may be responsible. The driv
Many people know what to do at the scene of an accident, but the weeks that follow are just as important.
Always see a doctor after a crash, even if you think you’re fine. Some injuries take days to appear. Keep all appointments, take medication, and follow through on physical therapy or other care.
Save your medical records, receipts, repair estimates, and any communication with your insurance provider. Take notes about how your injuries affect your daily life.
Report the accident to your insurer, but be careful about what you say. Stick to the facts. Don’t speculate or admit fault.
You might get a call from the drunk driver’s insurance company. Don’t answer their questions or accept any offers until you speak with a lawyer.
Getting legal help sooner strengthens your case. We can preserve evidence, speak with witnesses, and protect your claim from the beginning.
St. Louis is no stranger to drunk driving accidents. The city’s size, roadways, and nightlife can all create conditions for dangerous crashes.
Busy highways like I-70, I-64, and I-55 see frequent drunk driving arrests and accidents. Weekend nights and holidays are especially risky. Missouri’s drunk driving laws hold drivers accountable, but the process of seeking civil compensation is separate from criminal penalties.
St. Louis courts may be more familiar with drunk driving cases due to their frequency, but each judge and jury sees things differently. That’s why a legal team familiar with local courts, city records, and defense tactics gives you an edge.
We work in St. Louis every day. We know the patterns, we know the roads, and we know how to show a jury exactly how this crash changed your life. Our presence in Missouri also gives us an understanding of how state laws apply specifically to drunk driving injury claims.
Some drunk driving accidents lead to a DUI arrest or criminal trial. Victims often believe this means their injury case will be resolved automatically. That’s not how it works.
Even if the driver is convicted of driving under the influence, that outcome does not guarantee you will receive compensation. The state files criminal cases to punish the wrongdoer. Your injury claim is a civil case focused on your recovery, and you must file it yourself.
Police reports and court records might confirm the driver’s guilt, but they rarely include everything needed to calculate medical bills, missed paychecks, or long-term health consequences. That’s where a legal team can help build your civil case.
We follow any criminal charges against the drunk driver and use relevant information to support your injury claim. We also gather evidence that the criminal court doesn’t address, such as testimony from your doctors or financial records showing lost income.
This approach ensures your voice is heard, even if the criminal system moves slowly or ends with a plea deal.
Some drunk driving accidents are complicated by who was behind the wheel. If the driver was underage or driving someone else’s car, different legal questions come into play.
When a teenager causes a crash while intoxicated, their parents might also be held liable in some situations. If they provided alcohol, ignored warning signs, or allowed access to the vehicle, they could be brought into the case under Missouri’s liability rules for minors.
The vehicle owner’s insurance may be responsible for damages if the drunk driver borrowed a family member’s car. This often confuses victims who assume only the driver’s coverage applies.
We investigate who owns the car, who pays the premiums, and whether other policies (like umbrella insurance) might be triggered.
Negligent entrustment means someone gave their car to a driver they knew—or should have known—was unsafe. This includes lending a vehicle to someone who has a history of drunk driving, no valid license, or signs of intoxication. In these cases, the owner can be sued directly.
We take a deeper look at how the crash happened and who may share in the responsibility. If a parent failed to supervise an underage driver or a car owner turned a blind eye, we gather the evidence needed to show the full picture. These details can expand your claim and increase your compensation, even when the driver doesn’t have adequate resources.
It’s harder than it should be. After a drunk driving crash, it might seem obvious that the other driver was at fault. But that doesn’t mean their insurance company will make it easy for you.
After a crash, the drunk driver’s insurance company starts building its defense. They may:
They have teams of lawyers and adjusters whose job is to protect their bottom line. Your pain and financial stress are not their concern.
Trying to fight an insurance company without help is like stepping into a boxing ring with one hand tied. They count on you being too tired, confused, or desperate to push back. Many victims accept far less than they deserve simply because they didn’t have someone in their corner.
Our firm knows these tactics. We have decades of experience dealing with insurance carriers and forcing them to take our clients seriously. We gather medical records, witness statements, expert opinions, and more to build a strong case. Then we demand the settlement you need—and we’re prepared to go to court if they refuse to be fair.
When you work with Walner Law, you don’t have to chase paperwork, return phone calls, or figure out what comes next. W
The legal process after a drunk driving crash can feel cold and confusing. That’s by design. The system wasn’t built to support you but to protect companies and limit payouts. But you don’t have to face it alone.
At St Louis Car accident lawyer at Walner Law, we help drunk driving accident victims in St. Louis and throughout Missouri get the money they need to recover. We handle the legal fight, protect your rights, and stand up to insurers who try to deny or delay your claim.
Call us now at (312) 410-8496 for a free consultation. Speak with a dedicated drunk driving car accident lawyer who knows what it takes to hold reckless drivers accountable.
Yes. Missouri follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you are found to be less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation.
Not always. Many drunk driving accident claims are settled before trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, your lawyer may recommend going to court to pursue full compensation.
Possibly. Missouri has dram shop liability laws, but they are limited. If the bar knowingly served alcohol to someone visibly intoxicated or underage, and that person caused the crash, you may have grounds for a claim.
A hit-and-run adds complications but does not end your case. You may be eligible for compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage or by identifying the responsible driver through investigation.
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically three years from the date of the accident. However, there may be exceptions depending on the circumstances, so it’s best to act quickly.
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The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
