Why Choose Mullen & Mullen to Handle Your Drunk Driving Injury Case?
Fighting for Justice and Maximum Compensation
We’ve represented a countless number of drunk driving accident victims. That means we understand the devastating changes they experience in their lives. Drunk driving accidents do affect the direct victims the most. However, it’s important to remember they have far-ranging effects on their families and communities also.
As dedicated drunk driving accident lawyers in St. Louis, we maintain an intense commitment to all the people drunk drivers have harmed or killed.
Choosing Mullen & Mullen means you get our experience on your side. It also means that you get our compassion as well. You don’t need us to increase your stress because you already have enough of your own. Know that you can also count on our drunk driving accident lawyers to care for every one of your physical and emotional needs. We will help you navigate Missouri’s overwhelmingly complex legal system, and we will fight tirelessly to get max compensation on your behalf.
Insurers are already familiar with our name and track record. They don’t get a good feeling when they see they must deal with Mullen & Mullen. This isn’t something we’re just saying to make you feel more confident. It’s the truth. To back it up, know that TopVerdict.com has recognized us for achieving 43 “Top 50” Personal Injury Settlements in the past three years. During just one of those years, we were responsible for 19 of the “Top 50” results and they were all cases for clients harmed in motor vehicle accidents.
Here’s how those 19 cases ranked:
- One was in the top 10
- Eight ranked in positions 11-20
- Ten cases ranked in positions 21-50
Combine this impeccable track record with our low 29% pre-suit contingency fee, and you have a formula for feeling confident that you will get more money with Mullen & Mullen than you will with any other drunk driving accident lawyer in the St. Louis area.
In addition, please understand that you never pay us any fees until after your claim has been fully settled.
It’s easy to schedule your free consultation. Just call (314) 465-8733 now. Get the legal guidance you need from our experienced attorneys and let us fight to get max compensation on your behalf.
Make sure you also take advantage of our 29% pre-suit contingency fee, which you can get if we don’t have to file a lawsuit. Additionally, understand that you don’t have to pay anything until after we settle your claim. But you can only get these benefits if you act fast. So, schedule your free consultation now. Let Mullen & Mullen help you by giving you the legal guidance you need to get a favorable settlement during this challenging time.
Our Expertise
Obtaining max compensation from a drunk driver means you need deep legal expertise in drunk driving law. Remember that Mullen & Mullen has been in business for more than four decades. We have more than 95 years of combined experience. Plus, much of this experience has involved holding reckless drunk drivers accountable for the harm they cause.
Our drunk driving accident lawyers understand the nuances of how alcohol-related crashes work. Our experienced team also investigates all the details of such matters for you. If the driver was already obviously intoxicated, but an establishment chose to continue serving them anyway, then we will hold them responsible via a “dram shop” cause of action. Our experience means we routinely settle drunk driving claims for “full policy limits.” To make the situation even better, we do this without the need for filing a lawsuit! Speaking in very practical terms, this means more of YOUR money makes its way into your pocket.
Diagnostic and Medical Treatment Without the Upfront Cost
Strangely, if you’re involved in a drunk driving accident, that makes it harder to get access to the medical treatment you need. This happens because most doctors don’t want to get in the middle of a complex legal situation. Many will opt not to see even if you have good medical insurance. At Mullen & Mullen, however, we have established relationships with many medical systems and professionals who are willing to get involved with the legal system. They also happily delay billing until after you settle your claim. You can only create these relationships by having extensive experience and a strong reputation in the St. Louis area. Know that many drunk driving accident lawyers in the St. Louis area simply can’t match this!
Comprehensive Legal Representation
Choosing Mullen & Mullen to represent you means you have all your needs covered. We also tailor our approach to your specific circumstances. Each case has its own unique ins and outs. Because of that, and because we’re a smaller firm, we place a high priority on personal relationships. We take the time to create a genuine relationship with each one of our clients. In addition, we gather evidence, consult with experts, interview witnesses, and frequently reconstruct the events that led to the cause of your accident. After we gather all this information together, we then build the most persuasive case possible. The goal of creating such an in-depth case is to hold the drunk driver, and the establishment who overserved them, responsible for the harm caused to you.
Compassionate Support
Any drunk driving accident causes extreme physical and emotional trauma at the very least. At its worst, a drunk driving accident changes your life forever. It may even lead to the death of your loved one. Since we’ve been serving the St. Louis area for so long, we have deep knowledge of all the harm and trouble drunk driving accidents can cause. You don’t need any more stress or difficulty on your plate during this time of life. So, our legal team works to make everything as easy on you as possible. We offer compassionate support as each step of the legal process plays itself out. Every one of our attorneys knows how to listen and address all the questions and concerns you have. As your case trudges its way through the legal system, you will be apprised of each step along the way. What does all this mean to you? It means that you get more time to focus on your personal recovery while we fight hard to get you the maximum compensation possible.
Drunk Driving Accident Testimonials
Rudy Gomez on Google said:
This was the 1st accident I was involved in. I didn’t know which law firm to call. Someone I know told me to use Mullen & Mullen Law Firm. I can say it has been the best choice. They came to my home in the beginning. They let me know what I needed to do and what they will do for me. Since then, the lawyers as well as the entire staff have been there for me whenever I have questions or concerns. They will return your calls within minutes of your calling.
My case isn’t over yet, and it does take time having to deal with doctors and therapists. The whole process does take time with no complaints whatsoever. Mullen & Mullen Law Firm has you feeling cared for and appreciated. Their kindness and professionalism are superb. I recommend them to everyone who needs a lawyer who will not only get you the best settlement but who also makes you feel like your case is above the rest.
To the lawyers and entire staff who worked on my case, as well as those who didn’t, thank you very much for your help. I pray that I never need a lawyer again but if I do, you will be who I will turn too.
Caryn Bonosevich on Google said:
Mullen & Mullen is awesome! Joseph and Erika made the process simple. I am thankful for the personal service I received.
Natasha Malone on Google said:
I had the honor to work with Mr. Morrison and his team recently and he was a life saver. He was thorough, detail oriented and as down to earth as they come. He knows his law and doesn’t make you feel like a number in line, but like a human. You can’t go wrong with direct access and a discounted rate. I made the right decision, and you will too.
Trial Experience and Advocacy
If a drunk driver has negligently caused harm to you or your loved one, give our experienced attorneys a call today. We offer free consultations. During your free consultation, our lawyers:
- Assess your case
- Discuss your legal options
- Tell you what to do next
It’s also important to know that you must meet certain critical legal deadlines, such as the statute of limitations. This means you should contact our attorneys as soon as you can. Let our skilled legal team get you max compensation for the harm the drunk driver caused you.
Begin your journey towards healing and justice by contacting our attorneys today. We’ll fight hard to obtain fair compensation for you while you focus on recovering from your accident.
Remember that the consultation is completely free. You also have no obligation to hire us on the spot.
Drunk Driving Injury Claim Frequently Asked Questions and Missouri Law
Below you will find the answers to many common frequently asked questions regarding Missouri drunk driving law.
When a drunk driver hits me, does that automatically entitle me to punitive damages?
You may have this entitlement, but there is no guarantee. Understand that punitive damages have been created to punish grossly negligent behavior and to send a message to those who may choose to engage in similar behavior in the future.
At Mullen & Mullen, we fight aggressively to win punitive damages on your behalf. However, we cannot guarantee you will win them.
How do I prove that the drunk driver was in fact intoxicated when they hit me?
Remember that you must prove this because Missouri law makes it your responsibility to do so. Fortunately, you have several options for proving this. The first, and easiest, way to prove the other driver was intoxicated lies in showing that the driver was in fact arrested on suspicion of DUI or DWI.
What happens if the driver had criminal charges dropped or if they received a “not guilty” verdict?
Even if either of those happened, you may still be able to obtain punitive damages. Understand that criminal cases have a much higher burden of proof than civil ones. To prove a criminal case, you must show “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the accused person engaged in the alleged actions. With civil cases, you simply need a “preponderance of the evidence” to show that it is more likely than not that the accused engaged in the alleged actions.
Of course, you’re going to need evidence to prove your claim. So, how do we compile the evidence needed to prove the other driver was in fact intoxicated at the time of your accident? To start, our skilled in-house private investigators will obtain a copy of the police officer’s crash report, if one exists. In addition, they will also submit an open records request to all necessary law enforcement agencies. An open records request asks for copies of all documents relevant to your accident. These documents can include officer notes, witness statements, and body camera footage. As our team works to gather this information, they also monitor for the advancement of any criminal charges by the prosecution. They do this by staying in close touch with prosecutors as they handle the case.
All that takes a lot of hard work. In addition to it, we also do a thorough background check on the individual who is at fault for your accident. We look at all the financial resources the drunk driver has available, as well as their criminal history (if they have one).
What if the police didn’t take the time to investigate my accident? Is it still possible to prove the other driver was drunk or high?
You can still prove the other driver was drunk or high. It just becomes much more difficult to do so. Understand, however, that your testimony alone may be enough to prove the other driver was drunk or high.
For example, you may have seen the other driver discarding beer cans, slurring their speech, stumbling, or even having a difficult time keeping their balance. You could also have smelled alcohol on them. These are just a few of the factors you could have witnessed. There are many more. The point is that you would simply have to testify about what you saw.
Proving the other driver was drunk or high at the time of your accident also becomes a lot easier if you have another witness who corroborates your testimony. It’s also possible for them to make statements which differ from yours but that nonetheless prove the other driver was drunk or high at the time of your accident.
How will Mullen & Mullen’s drunk driving accident lawyers help me prove the other driver was drunk or high at the time of my accident?
Our in-house accident investigators will do everything in their power to locate all witnesses who can testify about the conduct of the drunken driver. Our investigators have all the necessary skills to identify potential witnesses by thoroughly canvassing all areas near the accident scene. We can also get sworn affidavits from witnesses with relative ease.
How to Properly Engage in the Insurance Claims Process Following a Drunk Driving Accident
You should file your insurance claims as soon after your accident as you can. Speaking only very generally, the faster you file your claims, the faster you can repair your car.
What insurance claims should I file?
You can file one of the below insurance claims, depending on the unique circumstances surrounding your situation:
If you file a liability claim, you can likely seek compensation for property and injury damages.
You can likely file a liability claim also if the drunk driver was employed at the time of the accident. Just like the previous type of claim, you can likely recover property and injury damages.
What if the other driver doesn’t have any insurance at all? Are you simply out of luck?
No! You can file a claim against your own insurance’s uninsured motorist policy if this is the case.
You can also file a claim against the owner of a vehicle if they negligently entrusted it to someone who was drunk or high. As you might expect, this claim potentially gives you access to property and injury damages.
You may also be able to file a claim against your own insurer under your personal injury protection (PIP) policy. This policy seeks to reimburse you for the medical bills and lost wages related to your accident.
What if the other driver is underinsured relative to the amount of damages they caused in your accident?
You still don’t have to worry in this case. In this situation, you can file a claim with your own insurance’s underinsured motorist policy.
What if a bar, restaurant, or another establishment overserved the drunk driver?
Then you may be able to file a “dram shop” / bar liability cause of action.
Our attorneys will file all appropriate paperwork with all insurance carriers on your behalf when your case first begins. That way, you don’t have to worry about it at all. In addition, understand that a household policy may cover you. This also includes even if you don’t own a vehicle.
I have the option to repair or replace my vehicle. What should I do?
It depends on your circumstances. Regardless of what you choose to do, remember that the insurance company wants to do what costs them the least. When it comes to how we handle this situation, we’ll make sure that whatever you do happens in a timely way and gives you the most value possible for your vehicle.
The drunk driver’s insurer told me to take my car to a repair shop that they chose. Should I do this?
No. There’s no way you should do this. Understand that, behind the scenes, going to the insurer’s choice of repair shop gives them the opportunity to pay you as little as possible. So, of course they want you to do that.
In Missouri, you can take your car to whatever auto repair shop you want. So, do that instead.
Does Missouri law entitle me to a rental car?
In almost every situation, you do have this right. It depends somewhat on your insurance carrier. If your car has been deemed a “total loss,” then you likely do not have this right. Also, know that when your car is “totaled,” Missouri law entitles you only to the fair market value for your car. There are a few rare insurance carriers, however, that will give you a rental car even if your regular vehicle has been deemed a “total loss.”
How do you get quick access to a rental vehicle if you need it? If you feel you absolutely need this, then file a property damage claim with your insurer and request your rental vehicle. However, understand that your insurance policy must entitle you to one and know that you will have to pay your deductible. The deductible amount, however, will eventually be reimbursed to you. This usually happens when the insurer pays to repair or replace your vehicle.
Securing a Law Loan
Can I get a law loan against my injury claim?
Likely, you can. To get access to the law loan itself, however, you will need the help of one of our drunk driving attorneys. We work with all major law loan companies, which makes acquiring such a loan much easier. Securing a law loan means you’ll have the funds you need to pay your bills while you wait to get the funds from your law loan itself.
How to Secure Medical Treatment After Your Accident
Can I still access the medical treatment I need if I don’t have health insurance or can’t afford my deductible?
Yes. You absolutely can. At Mullen & Mullen, we have a unique advantage to offer you. Because of our extensive experience serving St. Louis, we have established strong relationships with medical providers in the area. They willingly and happily delay all medical billing until after you settle your claim. We have relationships with every type of medical professional and institution that you can think of, and that means you have nothing to worry about. We work with hospitals, surgeons, anesthesiologists, neurosurgeons, and more. Of course, if you do have insurance, understand that you would have to establish all insurance proceeds prior to having any necessary surgery.
What happens if my health insurer pays some of my medical bills before my claim settles?
If you do end up recovering funds from the other party, then it’s only fair that your insurer gets reimbursed for what they paid. Legally, you call this process “subrogation.” Also, understand that because we have more than four decades of experience, we can likely obtain for you a ⅓ reduction on any health insurance lien you have. Most of the time, this ⅓ reduction covers the cost of any of our fees.
Types of Damages You May Be Able to Recover from the Drunk Driver in Missouri
What damages does Missouri law entitle me to if I’m the victim in a drunk driving accident?
You can potentially recover damages from two major categories: “economic” and “non-economic.”
Economic Damages
Economic damages would include the following:
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Past, present, and future medical expenses
- Replacement value of your vehicle
- Vehicle repair costs
- Diminished value of your vehicle after it’s repaired
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages are far more difficult to calculate. This is because they aren’t physical.
Say, for example, you experienced pain and mental anguish because of the accident the drunk driver caused. Well, how much do you value that pain and mental anguish? No precise mathematical formula exists for calculating this. Note that you can still obtain non-economic damages. Just understand that they’re much harder to quantify.
You can possibly win the following non-economic damages:
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Mental anguish in the past and future
- Past and future impairment
We have more than 95 years of combined experience obtaining economic and non-economic damages for drunk driving victims. We’ll do everything in our power to ensure you get the maximum possible financial recovery. We’ll also work tirelessly to fully develop your damage model. In some cases, it may be necessary for us to retain certain experts when needed to establish both liability and the amount of damages. We will do this whenever necessary.
Injury Cases Against Missouri Bars & Restaurants for Overserving an Obviously Intoxicated Person
What happens to an establishment if they overserve the drunk driver who caused your accident?
If a bar, restaurant, or other establishment overserves an obviously intoxicated individual, then you are entitled to file a liability claim against them if the drunk driver caused your accident. In the legal profession, you call this a “dram shop” / bar liability cause of action. This case type requires you to prove that an obviously intoxicated person was overserved.
Contact Us For a Free Consultation
Call (314) INJURED to talk to a St. Louis drunk driving accident injury attorney right now. We won’t put any pressure on you to hire us on the spot. Simply learn how we’ll approach your case and get some excellent free advice. Make your decision only when you feel 100% ready. Do remember though, that the Missouri statute of limitations gives you just 5 years from the date of your accident to file a claim. BUT if you wait to contact a lawyer it may be too late to gather evidence. It’s critical to your potential claim to ACT FAST.
We’ll come to your home or hospital room if it makes it easier on you! Phone and Zoom consultations are also available. You can call us, or use the form or chat feature on this page to request a free consultation now.
Seriously Hurt? We’ll Come to You!
ST. LOUIS OFFICE
Mullen & Mullen Law Firm in St. Louis
100 S 4th St #550
St. Louis, MO 63102
Phone: (314) 465-8733
By Appointment Only
