Drunk Truck Driver Accident Lawyer in St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis Drunk Truck Driver Accident Lawyer

Semi-trucks require a driver with training, a sound mind, and good judgment to operate safely. Intoxicated truck drivers have impaired judgment and pose a safety hazard to everyone sharing the road. Drunk truck drivers are more likely to cause severe or fatal crashes.

If a drunk truck driver injured you in St. Louis, the Missouri attorneys of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC are ready to answer your questions. Since 1999, our attorneys have helped thousands of truck accident survivors throughout the Midwest demand accountability for their injuries and losses. Call our office at (314) 367-2661 for a free consultation. 

What To Do if You Were Involved in an Accident with a Drunk Truck Driver in St. Louis

After any St. Louis truck accident, your health should be your number one priority. Get medical treatment right away, and follow your physician’s advice throughout the process. Your medical records and treatment files are crucial evidence to prove your injuries if you need to file a lawsuit later.

Before speaking to an insurance company or posting anything about the accident on social media, discuss the situation with a knowledgeable lawyer and follow their advice. Insurers may try to use any comments or photos that you post online to minimize your claim.

Why Hire a Lawyer To Represent You in a St. Louis Drunk Truck Driver Accident?

There’s a lot to deal with after a truck accident. Each step takes time and energy you likely don’t have if you sustained significant injuries. When you hire an attorney, you can leave the dealings with the insurance companies to the lawyer and focus on healing and restoring your quality of life. 

Your legal team can help you face the aftermath of a drunk truck driver accident. We can handle the details on your behalf, including:

  • Obtaining accident reports, medical records, and eyewitness accounts
  • Putting the evidence together to build a claim and lawsuit for your compensation
  • Filing insurance claims
  • Sending a demand letter and negotiating a settlement
  • Representing you in mediation
  • Arguing your case at trial

Why Choose Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC for Your Drunk Truck Driver Accident?

Our clients choose us for our dedicated approach, extensive experience, and strong reputation. Two of our founders, David Craig and Scott Faultless, are Board Certified in commercial truck accident law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Fewer than 100 lawyers in the U.S. hold this certification.

While many truck accident cases don’t go to trial, we aim to develop each case as if it will be tried. We work with reconstruction teams, mechanics, and medical consultants to have a thorough understanding of how a truck accident occurred and the impact on the lives of the accident victim and their families. 

Finally, we believe that good communication is critical. No matter the time of day, our team is happy to pick up the phone and answer any questions you might have.

What Are Recoverable Damages or Compensation in a Drunk Truck Driver Accident in Missouri?

In any truck accident case, a lawyer will pursue two different types of compensation:

  • Economic damages – This provides compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. It could also cover the replacement or repair of a wrecked vehicle.
  • Non-economic damages – This money compensates you for your lost quality of life, physical pain, mental trauma, and emotional distress.

Missouri does not cap economic or non-economic damages in truck accident cases.

Statute of Limitations for a Drunk Truck Driver Lawsuit in Missouri

According to Missouri’s statute of limitations, you have five years from the date of a truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. A court can dismiss your case if you file after the deadline. There are some exceptions that can extend the time allowed to file a lawsuit, such as if you were under 21 or mentally incapacitated when you were injured.

A knowledgeable St. Louis personal injury lawyer can help you understand how the statute of limitations applies to your case.

Determining Liability in a Drunk Truck Driver Accident

All drivers, including commercial truck drivers, are responsible for driving responsibly, obeying speed limits, and protecting others on the road from harm. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is against state law. It’s also against federal regulations for CDL license holders. Because drunk drivers are breaking the law, it follows that they are breaching that responsibility.

An intoxicated truck driver may face criminal charges. But a DUI conviction will not provide the compensation you need to cover your medical bills from the crash. You will need to pursue a separate civil lawsuit demanding compensation from the truck driver and their insurance provider. Your lawyer will need to prove that the driver’s drunk driving behavior caused the crash and that the truck accident caused your injuries and losses.

Common Causes of Drunk Truck Driver Accidents in St. Louis

Both drugs and alcohol severely impair a driver’s physical and mental faculties. If a trucker consumes either before hitting the road, the driver can cause an accident in the following ways:

  • Delayed reaction time – Alcohol slows a driver’s reaction time. For example, a drunk trucker might misjudge their stopping distance in heavy traffic, brake too late, and cause a rear-end collision.
  • Lack of awareness – Drunk truckers have impaired focus and are more likely to fail to recognize hazards ahead. They’re less likely to check blind spots, notice incoming traffic, or mind their trailer when backing up.
  • Exaggerated movements – If a drunk trucker makes excessively sharp turns or hits a pedal too hard, they risk losing control of the truck.
  • Sleeping/unconsciousness at the wheel – A high enough concentration of alcohol can cause excessive drowsiness or even a loss of consciousness and, in turn, cause the driver to lose control of the truck.

Common Injuries from Drunk Truck Driver Accidents in Missouri

Because of an 18-wheeler’s weight, truck accidents are usually more severe than accidents involving passenger vehicles. Truck accidents may lead to the following types of injuries:

Schedule a Free Case Review with Our Experienced St. Louis Drunk Truck Driver Accident Attorneys

If you or someone you love was injured in a drunk truck driver accident, let the Greater St. Louis attorneys of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC evaluate your case. With an AV Preeminent® Martindale-Hubbell® rating and a 10.0 Superb Avvo score, Craig, Kelley & Faultless is a team that our legal peers and our clients trust. 

Our consultations are free, honest, and without any obligation. You won’t pay us a single dollar unless we get you the compensation you need. Contact us toll-free at (314) 367-2661 to speak with one of our lawyers.