When a drunk driver hits a motorcyclist in Missouri, the injuries are often catastrophic. Motorcyclists have no protective cage around them — a collision with an impaired driver at even moderate speeds can cause broken bones, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, and permanent disability. Bur Oak Injury Law handles drunk driving motorcycle accident claims across Columbia and central Missouri. Attorney Chris Miller handles every case personally — no handoffs.
Drunk drivers who cause motorcycle accidents face both criminal charges and civil liability. The criminal case doesn't compensate you — you need a separate personal injury claim to recover your medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Call (573) 499-0200 for a free consultation. No fee unless we win.
Columbia sits at the intersection of I-70 and Highway 63 — routes where DUI accidents are not uncommon, particularly on weekends and holidays. Chris Miller has represented personal injury clients across Boone County and central Missouri since 2012, handling cases where impaired drivers caused serious harm to motorcyclists and other road users.
Insurance companies for drunk drivers still move aggressively to limit payouts. They may dispute injury severity, point to the motorcyclist's speed or lane position, or offer a quick settlement before the full extent of injuries is known. Bur Oak Injury Law manages all insurer communications and rejects premature or inadequate offers.
Missouri law enforcement agencies make thousands of DUI arrests each year. When an impaired driver drifts into a motorcycle's lane, fails to yield at an intersection, or runs a red light, the motorcyclist bears the full force of the impact. Missouri's roads — including I-70, Highway 63, and rural state routes throughout Boone and surrounding counties — see these crashes year-round.
Beyond physical injury, a serious motorcycle crash can mean months out of work, staggering medical bills, and permanent changes to your quality of life. Missouri's comparative fault rules at §537.765 RSMo mean you can recover damages even if you share some responsibility for the accident — your award is reduced proportionally, not eliminated.
Pursuing full compensation from a drunk driver and their insurance company for all injuries, property damage, and financial losses.
When a drunk driving motorcycle crash causes death, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim under §537.080 RSMo.
In cases where the driver's conduct was particularly reckless, Missouri courts may award punitive damages beyond your compensatory losses.
When a drunk driver's insurance is insufficient to cover your damages, we pursue all available coverage sources including your own UM/UIM policy.
Missouri's pure comparative fault rule under §537.765 RSMo allows you to recover damages proportional to the other party's fault. In drunk driving cases, the impaired driver typically bears the majority — or all — of the fault.
Medical bills, emergency transport, surgery, rehabilitation, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and future medical expenses for ongoing injuries.
Physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent scarring or disability.
Under §537.080 RSMo, surviving family members can recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of consortium. See our wrongful death page for more.
Missouri courts may award punitive damages to punish drunk drivers whose conduct was especially reckless, though they require clear and convincing evidence of reckless conduct.
Chris Miller personally handles every step — from the first call through resolution. No handoffs to associates or paralegals.
Under Missouri law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08% or higher under §577.010 RSMo. A DUI conviction — or even a BAC test result — is powerful evidence in a civil personal injury claim. Criminal guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is a higher standard than civil liability, meaning you can prevail in a personal injury case even if the driver is not convicted criminally.
Missouri's dram shop law at §537.053 RSMo limits, but does not fully eliminate, liability for bars or restaurants that serve visibly intoxicated patrons. In some cases, a third-party establishment may share liability for the crash. We investigate all responsible parties.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally five years from the date of the crash under §516.120 RSMo. Do not wait — evidence degrades, witnesses move, and BAC records are retained for limited periods. See what to do immediately after a crash. Call (573) 499-0200 for a free consultation.
No fee unless we win. One attorney handles your case from the first call through resolution.