St. Louis Car Crash Could Result In Lawsuit Against Drunk Driver

January 11, 2013

St. Louis Car Crash Could Result In Lawsuit Against Drunk Driver

In the early morning hours of September 27, a drunk driving crash on Interstate 44 in St. Louis cost one man his life. Matthew Snyders, age 44, lost control of his car around 5:30 a.m., hit the median, and came to rest stalled in the center lane. Joshua Sandar, the driver of an oncoming semi truck, swerved to avoid the immobilized car, but could not maneuver out of the way in time. Sandar struck Synders' car and another vehicle. Sandar, just 34, was killed in the crash.

Snyders only suffered mild injuries, and he was also charged with DWI after the crash. Further charges could be filed as the investigation continues. In addition, Snyders' role in causing the accident could lead to significant legal liability.

Drunk Drivers, Other Negligent Motorists Can Be Held Liable For Crashes

All drivers, from commercial truckers to weekend cruisers, have a duty of care to others on the road. Breaching this duty means putting the safety of other motorists in jeopardy. When a driver is negligent (in other words, makes a mistake) and causes a crash, he or she carries the liability in the accident.

There are many things a driver can do wrong that cause a crash. Violation of traffic laws, following too closely, driving drunk; anything that is unsafe and results in a crash can establish fault on the part of a negligent driver.

The at-fault driver may be held accountable in court for any harm that results from a car crash. This may include property damage, injuries to other motorists, or, like the recent St. Louis crash, even death. Of course, there is no way to undo injuries and suffering, but financial compensation can be awarded to account for noneconomic losses. Compensation in car accidents includes monetary damages for things like vehicle repair costs, medical bills, pain and suffering, wages lost due to an inability to work, and, in wrongful death cases, reasonable funeral expenses.

If the at-fault driver carriers liability insurance as required by law, his or her insurer will pay for some or all of the damages. Negligent drivers can also be held personally responsible if they have enough personal assets to cover the damages and their insurance policy does not pay in full. For negligent drivers of commercial vehicles, their employer may be on the hook for damages. And, even when an at-fault driver is indigent and uninsured, your own underinsured motorist policy may provide payment.

Establish Fault by Calling A St. Louis Car Accident Attorney

If you've been in a car accident, the importance of establishing that the other driver was negligent cannot be understated; your ability to recover compensation in a legal action depends on it. In some types of accidents, establishing fault is relatively straightforward. In others, however, it is a fact-intensive process that requires strong legal arguments. Once fault is established, you'll also need to prove the extent of your injuries in order to be fully compensated.

If you have been injured in an auto accident, or if a family has been killed, you may be legally entitled to compensation. Contact a St. Louis auto accident attorney today to begin building a case.

Article provided by Robert J. Albair, P.C.
Visit us at http://www.robertalbairlaw.com/