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Drunk Driver Accident

At Wilt Injury Lawyers, we take care of our clients like we take care of our family. Schedule a free consultation with us today so you can get the help you deserve.

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Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Louisville, KY

Drunk driving accidents are a leading cause of fatal and severe injury crashes across the country. With the 2020 traffic accident data just recently published, we’re seeing it was a deadly year not just for car accidents overall, but for drunk driving accidents as well. If you or a loved one were hurt in one of these accidents, it’s crucial you work with an experienced injury attorney to hold the drunk driver accountable.

When You’re Injured by an Impaired Driver in Lexington or Louisville

Our firm has the resources and knowledge to handle drunk driving accidents. We believe in working hard to secure justice after intoxicated and impaired drivers cause others harm, because driving drunk is one of the worst types of negligence. We can help you file your claim, work with authorities, and stand up for your rights. Contact us in Lexington or Louisville today.

How Can We Help Today?

What is Drunk Driving?

Drunk driving in Kentucky means “Operating a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or above, or of 0.02 or above for persons under age twenty-one, or while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or other substance which impairs driving ability.”

The state of Kentucky notes this can also include “illegal drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and/or inhalants such as glue, gasoline, spray paint, etc.”

How Common Are Drunk Driving Accidents in Kentucky?

In their Overview of Motor Vehicle Crashes in 2020 report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) analyzes all the traffic accident data from the year. They found that alcohol-impaired driving increased overall across the United States.

Per the NHTSA: “In 2020, there were 1,938 unrestrained passenger vehicle occupant fatalities in crashes that involved alcohol-impaired driving and speeding, a 23-percent increase from 1,581 for the same metric in 2019.” Here in Kentucky, there was a 31.8% increase in drunk driving-involved car accidents, with 199, compared to 151 in 2019. They also noted that speeding fatalities jumped from 114 in 2019 to 162 in 2020.

Alex Otte, the national president for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), told WBKO, “So many things can be done to combat drunk driving; it comes down to personal responsibility. I know that no matter how much I kick and scream or what laws I change, there will always be people who make this deadly choice, and they just have to take responsibility for their actions.”

Wilt Injury Lawyers can help.

Common Injuries from Drunk Driving Accidents

Accidents with drunk drivers tend to be serious, with severe injuries. Drunk drivers often don’t see another vehicle or object in their path, tending to cause high-speed, catastrophic crashes. Injuries can be life-altering, including:

  • Back and neck injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Severe burn injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Internal injuries
  • Fractured, crushed, or broken bones
  • Traumatic amputation injuries
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Wrongful death

Whether you experienced injury or lost a loved one in a Kentucky drunk driving accident, the car accident attorneys at Wilt Injury Lawyers will work to ensure you secure the compensation you need to move forward with the resources you need.

What’s the Difference Between a Criminal Case and a Civil Case?

Because drunk driving in Kentucky is against the law, when a drunk driver injures you, they will likely be arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI). Although the criminal justice system will deal with the DUI aspect of the case, any criminal penalties handed down by the state of Kentucky revolve around punishing the offender for breaking the law, not for the specific damages against you personally.

On the other hand, a civil personal injury claim is a lawsuit you bring against the at-fault driver for things like your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Also, criminal and civil proceedings run separately from each other, so it’s not necessary to wait for the outcome of a trial to bring your claim. Our attorneys can also determine if the evidence from the criminal case is helpful for your civil claim and strategize the best time to begin your claim. We can explain more in a personal consultation.

Who is Liable for the Accident and Injuries?

Generally, the intoxicated driver who hit you is liable for your injuries and damages. However, in some cases, the driver may not be the only liable party. Depending on the circumstances, other potential liable parties for your Kentucky DUI accident and injuries can include:

  • An establishment, like a bar, restaurant, or liquor store, that provided the driver with alcohol. Under Kentucky dram shop laws, a victim of a drunk driving accident cannot hold the establishment liable for selling alcohol to an intoxicated driver alcohol. However, in some instances, they can – if the individual was visibly drunk at the time, or if the person was under legal drinking age.
  • A social host, if they knowingly allowed an intoxicated or underage guest to continue drinking, knowing they intended to drive their vehicle following the event.

Our attorneys can examine your case in depth to determine all possible at-fault parties and ensure we pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Value of Your Accident Claim

At Wilt Injury Lawyers, we are champions for the injured and will walk you through the legal process from start to finish. We work to secure the best possible outcome – whether that means negotiating and obtaining the best possible settlement or going to trial and fighting for the maximum compensation to which you’re entitled. This can include:

  • Medical bills
  • Wage loss
  • Property damage
  • Rehabilitation services and equipment
  • Miscellaneous expenses related to your injuries
  • Pain and suffering

Our attorneys may also seek punitive damages. These are awards issued by the court to the personal injury victim that go above and beyond their damages. The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the driver, set an example for the public, and prevent similar instances from occurring in the future.

Do you have a drunk driving injury lawyer near me?

Wilt Injury Lawyers has offices in Louisville and Lexington:

Louisville Office

13113 Eastpoint Park Blvd. Suite A Louisville, KY 40223
Phone: 502-253-9110

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Lexington Office

196 W. Lowry Lane, Suite 1 Lexington, KY 40503
Phone: 859-263-8818

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