Our Kansas City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Answer Your FAQs

Man holding a beer and falling asleep while driving. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, our Kansas City drunk driving accident lawyers will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Drunk driving accidents are devastating for everyone involved. When an intoxicated person makes the choice to get behind the wheel, they put themselves and everyone around them at risk.

You deserve to seek compensation after an accident that wasn’t your fault, but navigating the legal system alone can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, when you agree to representation from one of the personal injury lawyers at Wendt Law, you can rest easy knowing that someone is fighting on your behalf who will work tirelessly to secure maximum compensation and justice for your suffering.

Finding representation for a personal injury case is a highly personal, and important decision. We offer everyone a free consultation, this gives you an opportunity to ask questions and get to know your potential attorney.

Call us now at (816)-531-4415.

Why Choose Wendt Law?

If you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence then you need a personal injury law firm that can hold the at-fault driver accountable.

Our attorneys are always prepared to go to court for personal injury cases. We understand that some cases, especially those that involve serious injuries, cannot settle for fair amounts and require trials for full compensation. We are also prepared to handle a criminal DUI case and are committed to justice.
We have over 50 years of combined experience helping victims of personal injury, including numerous drunk driving accident victims.
Our lead attorney, Samuel Wendt, is award-winning, including Top 50 Super Lawyers in Kansas City and Thomson Reuters’ Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyer several years running for his exceptional work in personal injury law.
At Wendt Law, we believe that everyone should have access to high-quality legal representation, which is why we offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis. That means you only pay if your case is successful, and our fee is taken as a percentage of your settlement. No hidden fees and you will not be left out of pocket.

We are deeply committed to the attorney-client relationship. We will always take the time to listen and respond to you and will do everything possible for your case.
We have experience dealing with large insurance companies with big legal teams and will not be afraid to fight them in court if they will not settle your claim fairly.
We offer a free case evaluation to everyone, so you can make an informed choice.

Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident in Kansas City, MO

Police lights at night. Our Kansas City drunk driving accident lawyers hold drunk drivers accountable.

The steps you take after a car accident can seriously affect your claim. It is important to know what steps to take to protect your rights. One of the most important things you could do is to contact a law firm that offers a free consultation so that you can get quick advice from a legal professional.

Check for Injuries – The first step is to check yourself, and everyone around you for catastrophic personal injuries that require immediate medical attention. If so, you must call for paramedics as quickly as you can.
Call The Police – Any accident with severe property damage or any personal injury should be attended to by the police. They will also complete a police report which will be invaluable in your case. Even if you do not think the accident warrants police presence, if the other driver is visibly intoxicated then you should contact the police so that they do not put anyone else in harm’s way.
Collect Evidence – If your injuries allow, then it is a good idea to collect evidence from the scene that could serve your case. Take pictures, get the contact information of any witness, take down the information and car registration of other drivers, and ask the police officer for his name and number so that you can easily get a copy of the police report later.
Seek Medical Attention – If paramedics were not called to the scene then you must see a doctor as soon as you can. Without a medical report, you may not be able to make a claim. Additionally, you may have hidden injuries, and the sooner you seek advice from a medical professional, the better you protect your health.
Contact Insurance – You are required to inform your insurance company of a crash, however, do not sign anything, agree to any amount of money, or admit fault in any way. Once you accept a settlement, you will give up your right to fight for more. Insurance adjusters are skilled at getting people to accidentally weaken their claims. Approach insurance companies with caution, and seek advice from an attorney who is prioritizing your interests.
Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney – An attorney will protect your rights, and maximize your chance at fair compensation. Call Wendt Law today for a free initial consultation, and we will offer you immediate advice to protect your future. You should not have to deal with a drunk driving accident claim alone.

Common Injuries After an Accident with a Drunk Driver in Kansas City

man holding his neck after a car accident. If a drunk driver has caused you suffering, contact our Kansas City drunk driving accident lawyers now.

An intoxicated driver often acts erratically, which can lead to serious accidents and life-changing injuries. Our Kansas City drunk driving accident attorneys represent victims with all types of serious injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury such as a concussion or swelling of the brain is common after an auto accident. A jolt or blow to the head could impact the brain and lead to lifelong brain damage. You can claim compensation on behalf of a loved one if their injuries prevent them from doing so. The money will help you make the necessary adjustments to your home and life without financial stress.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Some of the most severe injuries are those to the back and spinal cord. A crush or fracture could lead to permanent injury such as paralysis. Even less serious injuries such as nerve damage or a slipped disc can cause chronic pain and could seriously impact your quality of life. It is essential that this is taken into account and that you are properly compensated.

Whiplash

Whiplash is the most common car accident injury. Whiplash can be severe, leading to long-lasting pain and impairment. You should recover compensation for any injury which causes ongoing pain or a change in the way you lead your life.

Broken Bones

The forward motion of the vehicle could result in a collision with the dashboard or ignition, which could lead to broken legs, shattered knee caps, or broken ribs. Broken bones or torn ligaments will inevitably lead to damages such as medical expenses and lost wages.

Wrongful Deaths

In the worst accidents, death can occur. If you have lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, then you deserve compensation. Wrongful death claims can be complex, and add stress to what is an already incredibly painful situation. That is why you need an attorney who understands your situation and who can handle your case with the care and consideration it deserves.

How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help Me in Kansas City, MO

Most people who have been involved in accidents involving drunk drivers, should not try and handle the case alone. Drunk driving crashes can lead to life-changing and serious injuries which deserve quality legal representation.

A lawyer will ensure that you are not taken advantage of by insurance companies, whose goal is to save money and minimize your compensation. At Wendt Law, we have the skills and resources to demand maximum compensation from the drunk driver, and any other reckless parties such as the dram shop for supplying alcohol.

It isn’t only tangible economic damages that you should be compensated for such as medical bills and lost wages, but also your pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment in your life. These things are not easy to quantify, but your attorney at Wendt Firm will not rest until you get what you deserve.

Your drunk driving accident attorney will guide you on every step of your injury claim. They will investigate your crash and collect evidence such as eyewitness statements, CCTV footage, mechanic reports, and police reports. They may draw upon experts such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts to ensure that the full extent of your injuries are considered.

While everyone agrees that a drunk driver should be held accountable for their actions, the courts require you to prove fault for an accident. Your attorney will prove that the at-fault driver breached their duty of care to you and that you suffered as a result.

Can I Claim Punitive Damages Following a Kansas City Drunk Driving Accident?

A successful personal injury claim will compensate you for both economic and non-economic damages. There is also a third category called punitive damages, which are only awarded in specific circumstances.

Punitive damages serve to punish the perpetrator, rather than compensate the victim. They are awarded in circumstances where the at-fault parties’ actions were particularly reckless. They are therefore relatively common in drunk driving accidents, due to the egregious nature of the act.

Only a judge can award punitive damages, and only if they believe the situation justifies it, and the evidence is absolutely clear. The defendant must have acted in a deliberate way and with disregard for others’ safety.

In a drunk driving accident case, your attorney may fight for punitive damages by demonstrating that the driver reasonably could have foreseen the risk of harm to others by drinking and driving.

Drunk Driving Laws

Regardless of whether you are in Missouri or Kansas, every state in the United States is governed by federal laws which state that driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or above is breaking the law. However, for people under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol is considered drunk driving.

BAC can be affected by gender, weight, tolerance, as well as how much someone has drunk. Unfortunately, it is common for people to drive over the limit without realizing it.

Driving while intoxicated seriously hinders your ability to make judgments, react quickly and drive safely. It can also lead to loss of muscle control, poor coordination, and lack of concentration.

Contact Wendt Law Today

There is never a good reason to put other people at risk. Car accidents are mentally and physically traumatic and can affect people for the rest of their lives.

If you or someone you love has been in a drunk driving accident, you deserve to recover damages. In doing so, you will also be holding the at-fault party accountable for their actions, which may prevent them from putting others at risk in the future.

At Wendt Law, our attorneys are award-winning. Our commitment to personal injury victims in Kansas City and our personalized approach to cases, have secured us many successful claims, and happy clients.

Call us now for a free consultation at (816)-531-4415.