St. Louis is a vibrant and active city with a bustling nightlife, bars, and entertainment venues scattered throughout the region. Unfortunately, this energy comes with a troubling downside: a high number of drunk driving (DUI) accidents. For innocent victims, these crashes can be devastating, leaving behind serious injuries, long-term disabilities, and emotional trauma. At The Gogel Law Firm, our personal injury attorney helps Missouri victims understand their rights and hold drunk drivers accountable.
Why Are DUI Accidents So Common in St. Louis?
Several factors contribute to the high rate of DUI accidents in St. Louis:
- High Concentration of Bars and Events
From downtown clubs to sports arenas and neighborhood pubs, alcohol is a central part of many social scenes in the city. Unfortunately, some drivers choose to get behind the wheel after drinking.
- Lack of Reliable Late-Night Transit
St. Louis does not have a comprehensive late-night public transportation system. Without safe, easy alternatives, impaired individuals often choose to drive rather than pay for a rideshare.
- Urban and Suburban Sprawl
Many people in the St. Louis area live in suburbs but travel to the city for events. Longer drives home increase the risk of impaired driving across highways and residential roads.
- Holiday and Weekend Traffic
DUI crashes often spike on weekends and holidays, when alcohol consumption is more common—and enforcement can be stretched thin.
The Devastating Impact on Victims
Being hit by a drunk driver can change your life in an instant.
Victims may suffer from:
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Broken bones.
- Internal injuries.
- Spinal cord damage.
- Emotional and psychological trauma.
Beyond physical injuries, many victims face overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and long-term recovery challenges. When someone chooses to drive under the influence, the law provides a path for victims to seek justice—and compensation.
How DUI Accident Victims Can Fight Back in Missouri
Missouri law allows DUI accident victims to pursue a personal injury claim against the drunk driver. This civil action is separate from any criminal charges and focuses on recovering compensation for your losses.
A successful DUI injury claim may help you recover:
- Medical expenses (past and future).
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Property damage.
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.
You may still have a strong civil case even if the driver was acquitted criminally. Civil claims have a lower burden of proof, and a personal injury lawyer can gather evidence—such as police reports, breathalyzer results, witness statements, and crash reconstruction data—to support your case.
Let The Gogel Law Firm Help You Get Justice
DUI accidents are preventable. When someone’s reckless driving decision causes harm, they must be held accountable. At The Gogel Law Firm in St. Louis, we provide compassionate, aggressive legal representation for injury victims. We’ll deal with the insurance companies, investigate your case thoroughly, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
If a drunk driver injured you or a loved one, call (314) 775-3864 or schedule a free consultation online. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery.
