Holiday weekends bring more than fireworks, barbecues, and road trips — they also bring a sharp increase in DUI accidents. In Missouri and Kansas, DUI accidents spike during Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s.
If you or someone you love was injured in a holiday DUI accident, you may be overwhelmed — but you are not alone. At Monsees & Mayer, we help victims understand their rights and hold drunk drivers and negligent establishments accountable.
Why Holiday Weekends Are So Dangerous for Drivers
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- Over 40% of traffic deaths on July 4th involve alcohol
- New Year’s and Labor Day consistently rank among the deadliest driving holidays
- Missouri and Kansas law enforcement report increased DUI arrests and fatalities on major holiday weekends
With parties, long-distance travel, and late-night driving, impaired drivers often take the wheel — and innocent people pay the price.
Legal Options for Victims of Holiday DUI Accidents
If you’re hit by a drunk driver, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensatory damages such as:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages (past and future)
- Pain and suffering (past and future)
You may also be entitled to recover punitive damages — additional damages intended to punish the drunk driver for reckless behavior and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.
Can You Sue a Bar or Restaurant That Served the Driver?
Yes, in some cases. Under Dram Shop Laws in Missouri, bars and restaurants can be held liable if they:
- knowingly served alcohol to someone visibly intoxicated, or
- knowingly served a minor.
Unlike Missouri, Kansas does not recognize a cause of action for dram shop liability concerning the service of liquor or alcohol to intoxicated persons.
What to Do After a DUI Crash Over a Holiday Weekend
- Call 911 and report the crash
- Get medical attention immediately
- Document the scene: photos, videos, and witness statements
- Request a copy of the police report (especially if DUI testing was done)
- Do NOT speak to insurance companies without legal representation
- Contact Monsees & Mayer for a free consultation
Statute of Limitations in Missouri & Kansas
- Missouri: 5 years from the date of the crash or 3 years for wrongful death claims
- Kansas: 2 years for adults or until age 19 for minors.
Don’t delay — time-sensitive evidence (like toxicology reports, surveillance video, and witness accounts) can disappear quickly after a holiday weekend.
Why Choose Monsees & Mayer for Holiday DUI Accident Cases
We know how to handle high-stakes DUI claims and are prepared to investigate all liable parties, including:
- The impaired driver
- The establishment that over-served them
- Event hosts or third parties, in some cases
We fight aggressively for victims injured due to reckless, impaired driving, and we never charge unless we win your case.
