One of the most dangerous and reckless behaviors on the road is when a driver chooses to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. They don’t just put their lives at risk, but they endanger the safety of others as well. Drunk driving is the cause of many preventable accidents and fatalities every year.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver in Louisville, you may be entitled to compensation. At Thomas Law Offices, we understand that there is no excuse for this negligent behavior, and we want to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
A Louisville drunk driving accident lawyer can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable for their actions and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
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Drunk Driving Is a Negligent Behavior
Driving under the influence is a major contributor in severe and fatal accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- Thirty-seven people died in drunk driving-related crashes, which account for one person every 39 minutes.
- In 2022, 13,524 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths.
Despite the risk, millions of people drive impaired every year in the United States, per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Alcohol impairs a driver’s reaction time, judgment, coordination, and ability to operate a vehicle safely. Many of these accidents could have been avoided if the driver exercised good judgment.
In Kentucky, driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal for drivers 21 and older. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, it is 0.02%. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect a driver’s abilities, leading to tragic accidents.
Under Kentucky law, driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal and automatically considered negligence per se in civil cases. What does that mean? If the driver is found to be intoxicated at the time of an accident, they are presumed to be negligent.
However, you still need to prove that the driver’s actions directly caused your injuries. An experienced attorney will investigate the accident and collect key evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.
These Accidents Result in Serious Injuries
While impaired, these drivers might speed in their vehicles or swerve over the road. Sometimes, they can head down the wrong side of the street. In all these cases, it can lead to catastrophic injuries and even death. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns or lacerations
- Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
- Fatalities
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured due to a drunk driver’s negligence, a Louisville drunk driving accident lawyer can help you pursue a compensation claim. Reach out and learn about how we can help you and your family.
The Long-Term Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents often result in devastating consequences that extend far beyond the initial crash. For victims, they usually face a lifetime of physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Many of these injuries are severe, and they will need ongoing medical care and extensive rehabilitation to help them regain mobility or adjust to their new physical limitations.
Unfortunately, this care can be costly and time-consuming. Crash victims deal with years, or maybe a lifetime, of treatments, surgeries, or therapy. Often, these car crash victims will suffer permanent disabilities or disfigurement in the form of traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or severe burns and scarring. These life-altering conditions affect the victim’s quality of life.
The psychological toll is just as damaging. Many survivors experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or a loss of enjoyment in life. Family members may also suffer from emotional trauma as they have to care for and cope with the injuries sustained by their loved ones.
The long-term loss of income is a financial hurdle for many drunk driving accident victims. When someone cannot return to work due to injuries or disabilities, they may lose their source of income. In cases where a victim’s injuries permanently affect their earning capacity, the financial strain can be enormous. They may stress over medical bills, mortgage payments, and other essential living expenses.
Victims can seek compensation for these losses against the reckless driver. With that, they can get the financial support needed to rebuild and regain control of their lives. If you want to learn more, contact our Louisville drunk driving lawyer today.
Possible Compensation in Drunk Driving Crashes
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages, such as:
- Medical expenses: Compensation for medical costs can cover hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and any future medical treatment needed for your recovery.
- Lost wages: If your injuries caused you to miss work, you could claim compensation for lost wages. In cases where your injuries affected your ability to earn income in the future, you may also be entitled to compensation for lost earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: This non-economic damage may provide compensation for your chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment in life resulting from the accident.
- Property damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you can seek compensation for repairs or replacement costs.
Sometimes, drunk driving may be considered gross negligence or reckless behavior. As a result, you can be eligible for punitive damages. However, this compensation is not always awarded in this case. You will have to consult with your attorney to see if you qualify.
Many drunk driving incidents lead to fatalities. If this crash resulted in the death of a loved one, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of future income, loss of companionship, and emotional distress through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Why You Need a Lawyer on Your Side
Dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be overwhelming, especially when you are recovering from serious injuries. You want a skilled and knowledgeable drunk driving accident lawyer in Louisville to assist with your case. We can help by:
- Investigating the accident and collecting evidence of the driver’s intoxication, such as police reports, breathalyzer results, and witness statements
- Pursuing legal action against a drunk driver
- Handling the legal process and filing all necessary paperwork on your behalf
- Negotiating with insurance companies to make sure you receive fair compensation
- Representing you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached
By working with an experienced attorney, you can be assured that they will fight to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need. If you want to find a legal team that has your best interests in mind, contact us at Thomas Law Offices.
A Louisville Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Is Here to Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, you need to act quickly. Kentucky law limits your time to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. You don’t want to delay in seeking legal help.
At Thomas Law Offices, we are ready to defend your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. Schedule a consultation with our Louisville drunk driving accident lawyer today to discuss your case and explore your options.
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