If you are involved in an auto accident, you should note the other driver’s appearance if you can.
Drunk driving is the cause of numerous car and truck accidents on Missouri highways. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people are injured, and tens of thousands are killed in alcohol-related accidents nationwide.
This attorney is very smart, very experienced, returns phone calls and knows the answers when asked. One call and I knew this was a great law firm for auto accidents.
Response from the owner: Our law firm appreciates this. This is a comment we get from so many people who call…”none of the lawyers we called told me all the things that you did.” Whether we take a car accident case or not, helping people is a good thing.
5 Star Lawyer for sure! Best you will find in Saint Louis.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the 5 Star Rating. Reviews like this are great. Injury victims quickly figure out the TV advertisers are not good. We work hard at being the best we can be and it reflects in our representation of car accident victims.
Watch this lawyer in action. Was way better than all the others. Get this lawyer for an automobile accident for sure.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the recommendation. Besides doing cases, our attorneys train for this. Hard work, case knowledge and technique is key to success in car accident litigation.
Very pleased with The Hoffmann Law Firm. Lawyers are attentive, friendly and go the distance to force the settlement you want. The TV lawyers recommend low offers. This law firm gets the maximum.
Response from the owner: We get calls from car accident victims that had to fire the TV lawyers that they hired. They give the same two reasons: 1) they never spoke to a lawyer at the Big TV law firms, only a paralegal, and 2) the paralegal recommended they accept a low offer. At our law firm, you only talk to the lawyer and if an offer is low we tell you to sue. Thanks!
Several lawyers said to call this lawyer because he is the best. You will appreciate this law firm. Helped with the injury and property claims. Attentive and knowledgeable. Great reputation in St Louis.
Response from the owner: Thanks Lexi. Our #1 source of cases is other lawyers referring us cases that are too big for them to handle.
Would use this accident law firm. Best in Saint Louis. Highly rated and it shows. After one phone call, you just know this attorney is better. 5 Stars!!
Response from the owner: Thanks for recommending our lawyers in St Louis. There is a major difference in lawyers as you well know.
Car accident lawyers on tv are not good . Get this attorney ! He is a pro !!
Response from the owner: Thanks Nathan. TV lawyers market for car accidents, use paralegals instead of lawyers and give their employees settlement quotas hence forcing cheap settlements. At our law firm, you get a lawyer who keeps pushing forward for more.
Quality lawyer. Best law firm for a car accident. Advice was way better than other lawyers I called in St. Louis. Helped with property and injury.
Response from the owner: Thanks. The TV lawyer advertisers are just car accident settlement mills. As soon as people call a real attorney, they always tell us how much better and more helpful we were. Appreciate this.
This lawyer is big time. Smooth. The other lawyers on the other side were not nearly as good as this attorney. I recommend friends in St Louis to him for accident injuries and they all say the same thing…”that lawyer is great.”
Response from the owner: Very nice of you to say. Our lawyers work hard on auto accident cases.
Family used this car accident attorney after a crash. Located in St Louis. This lawyer answers the phone and will walk you through the process. Knows his stuff!
Response from the owner: Taking calls, going over the car accident injury and property process is important. Clients that call always say we are the only lawyers that explained everything. Much appreciated.
Tried the lawyers on TV. They were not good. Hired this car accident lawyer instead because he had great reviews. The reviews are correct. This attorney is as good as they get. He does big injury cases that need to be litigated.
Response from the owner: Car accident lawyers on TV do not litigate cases. It is mass production. They have quotas. Local attorneys are best on auto accidents.
Used this attorney for an auto accident. Highly recommend this lawyer in St. Louis. Communicates well.
Response from the owner: Communicating with clients is essential. Taking the client though the car accident claims process is important otherwise major mistakes can occur. It is an effort that we make. Thanks!
Fantastic law firm, I would recommend! Received free consultation related to an auto accident when my parked car was damaged by a baseball. Very supportive advice, these guys are good!
I was in a car accident in St.Louis and hired Chris as my lawyer. He was amazing!!! He helped me every step of the way and was able to get me a great settlement!!!Highly, highly, highly recommend him!
Response from the owner: Each step is important in a car accident. Thanks for recommending us for car accidents injury claims.
When I had my accident he was very professional, honest and caring to me and my family it wasn't about the money it was about the care, he made sure me and my kids were took care of and I really appreciate it this is a gexcellant law firm also his secretary is the best,so I would like to say thank you chris for everything melinda .
Great car accident lawyer in St. Louis. This is a very good car accident lawyer in St. Lious. Takes phone calls. Listens. Experienced in injury litigation.
Response from the owner: Thanks Maddie. Our law firm brings experience to the table on car accident cases.
Although Mr. Hoffman did not represent me in my case he was willing to take the time to get me in touch with someone who specializes in the type of incident I needed legal representation with. Attorney's such as Mr. Hoffman are difficult to find. He took personal time to keep in touch with me and give me sound legal advice and guidance. I highly recommend speaking with Mr. Hoffman if you require his services. I truly believe he is the type of person who cares and will make sure the job gets done RIGHT. Do not hesitate to contact him
In an auto accident in St. Louis, the other car pulled out and hit us. The collision was very bad. We were all injured and used this attorney. He is very experienced in handling injury claims and got a great settlement after filing a lawsuit for us. 5 Stars!
Response from the owner: Thanks Ms. Santoni. Side impact car accidents are some of the worst our lawyers see. We have to file lawsuits on nearly every case because insurance companies deny almost every claim, but I am glad we got yours resolved. I appreciate you recommending our lawyers and giving us a 5 Star rating.
My daughter and I were in an car accident. We for both injured badly. After I finally got out of the hospital, I started looking for lawyers in Saint Louis and found this attorney who does accident and injury claims. It said their attorney would answer 24 hours a day. I called their law firm at 10 p.m. and a injury lawyer answered. He was polite, knowledgeable, and advised me of what needed to be done for myself and my daughter regarding the car accident. I hired them to do or auto accident case. They kept me well informed during the car accident case in Saint Louis County Court. I was well prepared for depositions. He help with everything. I got a good settlement as did my daughter for our injuries. Although the car accident was scary, it was bearable having a good helpful attorney on our side. I highly recommend this Saint Louis car accident law firm. Their attorneys and lawyers are great. Highly recommended
The Chris Hoffman law firm takesgreat care of all my legal needs. They are caring and personal and will fight for what you need. I highly recommend them. You will be very satisfied and know he got you the best deal available.
Response from the owner: Great cleints are the start to pursuing any legal case and you are the best! Thanks for the recommendation Barbara!
A true professional in terms of car accident cases. I definitely recommend this lawyer for any injury after a St. Louis accident. Very good at what these attorneys do!
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for such a great review. Our attorneys work hard at providing great service. Car accident cases are fought by insurance companies from the property damage through the personal injury claim. This forces people to get local lawyers to do their claims. Missouri and Saint Louis, in particular, is known for accident claim denial even against your own insurance carrier. Thanks again!
You will not find better attorneys for a car accident in St. Louis. Very experienced. These attorneys know all the facets of an accident case and have great advice when problems come up during the injury claim.
Response from the owner: Thanks Jack. Our attorneys appreciate a great review like this. It helps car accident victims know who are the real lawyers in St. Louis who do this work versus the mere advertisers who refer victims to lawyers they have never met for a kickback. Much appreciated!
Thanks for helping with my car accident case. These lawyers are best in St. Louis.
Response from the owner: You are welcome and thanks for the review! A lot of car accident victims read these and find it helpful in choosing a lawyer for their case. Great cases always start with great clients!
great lawyer for auto accident cases . I thought this law firm did great work .Very happy with their services. I would recommend them to others.
Response from the owner: It was very nice of you to leave a review. Thanks Brenda! A good case always starts with a great client. We appreciated the recommendation. It is good to hear back from clients and have them refer us to other injury victims after a car accident. Wish you well!
This is the best choice for a car accident attorney. These lawyers get great settlements.I was recommended to them from some people I know and was happy to get a great recommendation.
Response from the owner: Our attorneys appreciate the compliment! It is great to hear we are doing well. It means a lot when you recommend our lawyers to other car accident victims. Thanks again!
Glad I switched to this auto accident lawyer. These lawyers fight hard for their injury clients. I highly recommend these lawyers.
Response from the owner: We are happy you switched as well. Good clients are the basis for a good case. Fighting to protect your rights after an accidental injury is our sole focus. Your recommendation means a lot. Thanks again for the review.
If you are injured in a car accident you should hire this attorney. This is the best legal representation. These attorneys are very professional.
Response from the owner: Thank you for reviewing our law firm and recommending our lawyers. Attorneys appreciate feedback on whether they are doing well on cases and reviews are one of the best means for this.
ST.LOUIS AUTO ACCIDENT? I RECOMMEND THIS LAWYER FOR ANY ACCIDENT CASE INVOLVING INJURIES. VERY GOOD LAWYERS!
Response from the owner: Appreciate the Good Words! SInce our law firm started focusing exclusively on car and auto accidents, the focus had increased our knowledge and the learning curve has greatly benefited out settlement results. Specializing is key for any lawyers! All benefit from this. Thanks again for the review!
Not only do you need to ensure you are not on the road driving drunk, but you also need to be aware of your surroundings while driving to ensure that you are not the victim of a drunk driving accident caused by a DUI driver in another vehicle.
Car accidents caused by drivers making poor decisions endanger the lives of everyone, who is unfortunate enough to share the roads with them. While there is no sure way to protect yourself against a drunk driver, you can take practical measures like wearing your seatbelt and being aware of your surroundings while on the road.
The Dangers of Drinking and Driving: We Hold Drunk Drivers Accountable
According to the CDC, from 2003 to 2012, a total of 3,314 people were killed in Missouri because of a drunk driver. Approximately 40% of all driving fatalities are caused by drunk driving. These accidents could have been avoided. If you or a family member were unfortunate enough to be involved in a drunk driving accident, please retain an experienced lawyer immediately. The sooner an experienced drunk driving accident attorney gets involved, the better.
An experienced car accident attorney can work with a toxicology expert to gather evidence from police reports, the scene of the accident, and from witnesses. At The Hoffmann Law Firm L.L.C., in St. Louis, our car and truck accident attorney, Chris Hoffmann, can assist you in obtaining the compensation you need for present and future needs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C., we only handle auto accident claims and are very good at our job. Drunk driving, whether it results in a car accident or a truck accident, is a tragedy that should have been avoided. Let us help you obtain the maximum compensation for your claim. While no amount of money will make things right, we can at least help you avoid further complications from your drunk driving accident.
Injuries Sustained in Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents are truly devastating. You can sustain serious injuries that affect you in the long term. Your injuries may require ongoing medical treatment, cause you to miss work, and can even be permanently disabling. But the truth of the matter is that any injury – even minor injuries – and any property damage due to drunk driving accidents are unacceptable.
Common injuries sustained in drunk driving accidents include:
Because drunk driving is against the law, it is necessary that the police are called to the scene. If drunk driving is suspected, police will administer a roadside sobriety test to determine whether the at-fault driver is inebriated.
The Penalties for Drunk Driving
Missouri law makes driving a car with a BAC of .08% or higher illegal. The penalties for this action depend on the severity of the offense, though in most cases, it involves a ticket the offender has to pay and other administrative punishments like license suspension.
The more serious the repercussions of your
actions are, the harsher the punishment. And, when the DUI also involves a
child present in the vehicle, you can also be charged with child endangerment.
In Missouri, a drunk driver can be charged with this offense either in the first or second degree:
First degree: a person commits the crime of endangering the child if they knowingly act in a manner that puts the child at risk.
Second degree: applicable if the person violates state traffic laws with a child passenger under 17.
Endangering a child in the first degree is considered a Class C Felony, and the second degree is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. The courts will decide which of the two to charge the driver with based on the circumstance of the DUI, particularly in how much danger the child was. For instance, if they caused an accident where the child got hurt and was also driving under the influence, then the charge will be child endangerment in the first degree. If the child dies, it is a class A felony.
Fines or time served are not the only problems they can face in these situations. Driving under the influence potentially puts the child at great risk of getting injured or, even worse, killed. Missouri law states that parents or guardians are completely responsible for the child’s well-being, and any actions that threaten it are severely punished by law.
Moreover, there can also be an additional problem involving custody. If the drunk driver’s crime is severe, the courts may rule that you are unfit to take care of the child and either temporarily or permanently remove them as guardians. The child will then be placed under the care of a family member or, if that is not an option, under the care of the state or foster family.
Proving Alcohol Intoxication
If a drunk driver has hit you, you cannot recover compensation unless it is proven that the other driver was, in fact, intoxicated. One of the most obvious signs that a person is intoxicated is by how they look and act. If you are involved in an auto accident, you should take note of the other driver’s appearance if you are able.
The police report is likely the most important document in a DUI or DWI conviction. It generally contains enough information to justify the driver’s arrest and conviction. However, the testimony from eyewitnesses is still important. Additional evidence may be needed to prove that the driver was actually impaired at the time of the accident.
At times, the at-fault driver is not charged with driving under the influence or driving when intoxicated. In these situations, any evidence, such as observations of witnesses who saw stumbling, smelled alcohol on the driver’s breath or witnessed erratic driving, can be helpful.
Statement by At-Fault Driver
Statements made by the suspected at-fault driver should be written down or recorded. For example, a statement such as “I just had three cans of beer” can be used as evidence.
Field Sobriety Test
A field sobriety test is used to determine any impairment of normal faculties. The driver is usually asked to perform basic tests to establish their impairment level. The results of field sobriety tests are documented and recorded. The test can be used to establish that the driver was drunk at the time of the crash.
Blood or Breath Test
In most cases, a reporting officer will conduct the driver’s breath test. The test is the strongest evidence against a drunk driver and can prove that the driver had a higher BAC than permissible levels.
Police Reports
A police report documents an accident, the involved parties, and the police officer’s findings. It is also an indicator of what the police officer will testify to at the trial. A thorough police report is extremely important because the responding police officer can be a key witness in civil and criminal cases.
Eye Witness Statements
An eyewitness statement can help preserve what was witnessed at the time of the crash. A statement should be taken immediately after the accident, and any eyewitnesses should be asked to sign it. An eyewitness could be anyone who has firsthand knowledge of the accident, such as passengers, bystanders, or someone who witnessed the driver consuming alcohol.
Visual Recordings
Any recordings on someone’s cell phone or a police car’s video recording device can be used as evidence.
Steps You Can Take If You Plan on Drinking
If you plan on going out and drinking, you must understand how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Understanding these tips ahead of time could save lives.
Decide on a Designated Driver
If your group plans to drive to wherever you’ll be drinking, you should decide on somebody to be the designated driver (DD). If you don’t have a plan, the odds are that everyone may end up drinking, and you’ll be left in a dangerous situation. One crucial point is that you must ensure your driver does not succumb to drinking at some point in your outing. To do this, make your DD somebody who is very responsible, and if you see them drinking, speak up about it.
Take a Taxi or Ridesharing Service
One thing that can relieve the stress of having a DD is taking a taxi or ridesharing service. The cost is well worth your peace of mind, and you won’t have to worry about parking.
Give Your Keys to a Friend
If you drive somewhere with the intention of not drinking but then decide you want to, you might end up driving drunk later that night. To avoid this, you can give your keys to a trusted friend before you ever start drinking and tell them to keep your keys until tomorrow.
Keep Your Phone Charged
If you are too drunk to drive, you will likely want to call a friend, taxi, or rideshare service. Unfortunately, you cannot do this if you don’t have a functional phone. Ensure this doesn’t happen by fully charging your phone before you leave and not overusing it during your outing.
Have a Zero Tolerance Policy
Sometimes, people will think they can drive after just a few drinks. They believe their BAC is under the legal limit and will be safe. Then, they are surprised to get into an accident or receive a DUI. To avoid this, have a zero-tolerance policy. Don’t get behind the wheel even if you have only one or two drinks.
Speak With a St. Louis Drunk Driving Lawyer
It is best to consult with an experienced St. Louis drunk-driving lawyer. You will most likely have questions influenced by the specific circumstances of the accident you were involved in, and these should be directed to an experienced attorney. For example:
What if the drunk driver was driving without a license?
What happens if the at-fault driver goes to jail? Can you still collect the compensation for injuries and other damages related to the accident to which you are entitled?
The expenses that result from these accidents can add up quickly, and if you cannot work for a period of time while you are recovering, you and your family could depend on these monetary damages to get by financially. An experienced auto accident attorney can protect your legal rights and fight to get you the full compensation you are entitled to.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!
