Columbia Drunk Driving Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Every driver on the road has a responsibility to follow the laws and keep the roadways safe for themselves and those around them. One of the most egregious failures of this social contract is getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Drunk drivers cause serious injuries and death, and these consequences can be even more severe for motorcycle riders who are relatively unprotected on their vehicles.
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in one of these tragic and preventable accidents, call a Columbia drunk driving motorcycle accident lawyer to assert your rights.
Contact our dedicated motorcycle accident attorneys today for a free consultation.
What is the Definition of a DWI?
Missouri law (RSMo § 577.010) defines DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) through the use of BAC (Blood Alcohol Content). Drivers are typically considered to be DWI if they have a BAC over 0.08%. This threshold is even lower for some drivers. For example, commercial drivers have a threshold of 0.04% and a near-zero tolerance of only 0.02% for drivers under the age of 21 (RSMo § 577.500).
To prove liability involving a drunk driver, a case will typically rely upon police reports (which often include breathalyzer or blood test results), eyewitness statements to reckless driver behavior, footage from surveillance or dashboard cameras, forensic accident reconstruction evidence, and prior DWI history of the driver.
What Steps Should Someone Take After a DWI Motorcycle Crash?
After a drunk driving accident, the injured person should immediately seek medical treatment, especially for emergency needs. Once medically stable, preserving evidence can help strengthen a future legal case. This may include getting the contact information of witnesses, taking pictures and video at the scene, documenting injuries as thoroughly as possible (including with pictures), and getting a copy of the police report.
Contacting an attorney in Columbia as soon as possible will help ensure the further preservation of evidence from the motorcycle crash. For example, an attorney may work with a forensic analyst to gather evidence at the scene of the accident. Evidence such as skidmarks and debris will be most reliable in the immediate aftermath. Likewise, interviews with witnesses are typically more accurate and thorough when they are conducted soon after the event, while memories are still fresh.
What Compensation is Possible?
A personal injury case will typically allow for the recovery of damages, including:
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
This means that expenses like an ambulance ride, emergency room treatment, ongoing medical care, prescription medications, motorcycle repair, and physical therapy may all be eligible for compensation. A Columbia drunk driving motorcycle accident attorney can help you identify and pursue all potential sources of recovery in your case.
In Missouri, a DWI case is also eligible for punitive damages—additional financial penalties imposed on the drunk driver as punishment for extreme negligent behavior. These punitive damages are typically part of a civil case, which is separate from the criminal proceedings against the driver for breaking the law.
Reach Out to a Motorcycle Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer In Columbia Today
A Columbia drunk driving motorcycle accident lawyer could help you file a personal injury lawsuit if you have been hurt due to the negligence of an intoxicated driver. When you call, we will go over your case in detail and help ensure that you are seeking fair and thorough compensation for your losses.
It can be challenging to handle a legal case while also recovering from a serious accident. We are here to help and will make sure you do not have to fight for your rights alone. Call now to get started with a free consultation.