What Does Impaired Driving Mean?
If you’ve been involved in an accident where a driver was impaired, it’s essential to know the facts. Being well-informed and following the guidance of a personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Impaired driving is defined as the operation of a vehicle while affected by an outside influence that weakens a person’s ability to drive safely. Impaired driving can include several factors:
- Alcohol use
- Illegal drugs like marijuana in some states
- Legal drugs, such as prescription medication
- Sleepiness
Drunk Driving In Missouri
When people think of impaired driving, most think of driving while drunk. Missouri has historically been one of the worst states regarding fatalities caused by drunk driving.
In 2023, substance-impaired driving contributed to 18% of all Missouri traffic fatalities, with 183 people killed and 755 seriously injured in crashes involving at least one impaired driver.
Driving Under The Influence Of Narcotics And Prescription Medication
In Missouri, a driver can be charged with a DWI if they are impaired by prescription or over-the-counter medication. If it’s decided that the driver was impaired, they can be liable for any injury or damage caused.
There are a variety of common prescription drugs that can impair a driver, including:
- Antidepressants
- Decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Anti-anxiety medication
- Narcotics
- Sleeping pills
Symptoms of Drug Use
The symptoms that these drugs cause can include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Impaired cognitive function
- Slow reaction times
Those injured because of an impaired driver are often owed compensation. However, prescription medication cases can be complicated because they are difficult to prove. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help investigate the accident and explore all of your options.
Driving And Marijuana In Missouri
Missouri has some of the toughest marijuana laws in the nation. However, in November 2022, voters approved Amendment 3, legalizing recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older.
While the policy has been changing, driving while under the influence of marijuana is still illegal and can result in serious legal consequences. Even if someone has a prescription for medical marijuana, this does not excuse driving while high.
If you were injured in a car accident resulting from a driver under the influence of marijuana, you have a case for a personal injury lawsuit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk/Impaired Driving Accidents
Call 911 immediately so law enforcement responds to the scene. A police report documenting the other driver’s impairment is critical evidence. Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine, since some injuries take time to appear. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before speaking with a lawyer. Contact a drunk driving accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve evidence.
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but having one significantly improves your chances of receiving full compensation. Insurance companies routinely offer low settlements to unrepresented victims. An experienced DWI accident attorney knows how to investigate the crash, identify all liable parties, and negotiate for the compensation you actually deserve. At Tolbert Beadle, we handle drunk driving cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
Yes. A criminal DWI conviction is not required to bring a civil lawsuit. Criminal cases require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, while civil cases only require a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it is more likely than not that the driver was impaired and caused your injuries. A police report, witness accounts, field sobriety test results, and other evidence can support your civil claim even without a criminal conviction.
Missouri’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is five years from the date of the accident. While that may sound like plenty of time, it is important to act quickly. Evidence disappears, witnesses become harder to locate, and insurance companies begin building their defense immediately. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the stronger your case will be.
Missouri requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, but not everyone does. If the drunk driver was uninsured, you may be able to file a claim under your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. If they had insurance but not enough to cover your damages, your underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage may make up the difference. A lawyer can also investigate whether other parties, such as a bar that over-served the driver, share liability.
Learn More About Impaired Driving
Want more information on drunk and impaired driving laws and how to seek compensation for your injury? Check out our personal injury blog for more great content about impaired driving injuries and more.
Hit By A Drunk Driver – Now What?
Accidents caused by drunk drivers are devastating, causing endless amounts...
Read More
Four Common Accidents That Result In A Call To The Hurtline
Few things are more stressful than a car wreck that...
Read MoreContact A Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by an impaired driver, we can help explore your options for legal action. During your free consultation, we will discuss our plan to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Schedule your free consultation with Tolbert Beadle today.
