Drunk driving accidents can be life-altering. They often cause vehicle damage, medical bills, and significant trauma and stress.If you were involved in a car accident caused by an intoxicated driver, hiring a lawyer may help you receive fair compensation.

For legal assistance, contact Rhoads & Rhoads Law Firm, your trusted Kentucky lawyers, at 888-709-9329.

Hiring a Lawyer for Drunk Driving Accidents in Kentucky

Hiring a lawyer is an important first step toward receiving fair compensation for the accident and the damages done to you. While insurance claims may compensate you for damage to your car, as well as medical bills, civil suits are more likely to compensate you for both economic and non-economic damages. This may include aspects such as lost wages from missed work to pain and suffering resulting from the car crash.

If you lost a loved one in the crash, you might be eligible for companionship loss compensation. Even if the drunk driver faces criminal or vehicular homicide charges, you may still pursue compensation through a civil case.

The two primary types of payment are considered punitive or compensatory. Compensation covers loss of wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses that you have suffered. Punitive is compensation that is also considered a punishment for the offending DUI crash driver.

In addition to helping you identify what you may be eligible to be compensated for as well as whether you have a compensatory or punitive case, a car accident attorney can also help you in a variety of other ways. They can mediate between you and the insurance company, help you file necessary paperwork, track down witnesses and evidence for civil or criminal charges, and support you throughout the process.

What to Do If You Have Been Hit by a Drunk Driver

If you have been hit by a drunk driver, there are a few things you should do following the accident. First, and immediately, you should assess yourself and anyone else involved for any injuries.

If anyone has been severely injured, they should seek immediate medical care. Be polite and stay out of the way, allowing first responders to render aid to injured parties.

Remember that even if you do not seem like you have been injured, it is always safest to consult a medical professional as some injuries may be internal.

Next, you should see that the police have been called. Filing a police report is an essential part of a proper investigation and ultimately pursuing a case against the other driver, as reports will be used as evidence of what occurred. Be as factual as possible when talking to any on-scene police officers but avoid taking blame upon yourself as any statements you make may be included in the report. Additionally, avoid leaving the scene of the accident until police officers have cleared you to do so.

After contacting emergency services, you should gather evidence if you are able. This includes things like taking photographs of the accident, photographs of any damage to your vehicle or property from the crash, photographs of any injuries, and gathering contact information from any witnesses.

Leaving the scene is a crime, but some drivers under the influence may do so in hopes of avoiding punishment. If this happens, try to remember any identifying information about the car and driver.

Contact your insurance provider. While most insurance claims will be paid through the offending driver’s insurance, you may wish to also notify your insurance provider (for example, if the other driver does not have current insurance).

Reach out to a car accident attorney. Provide your attorney with as much information as possible. This should include any evidence you gathered, names of witnesses, and copies of any insurance claims you have put in. It should also include proof of any damages you suffered. This will include evidence of damage such as a mechanic’s estimate for motor vehicle damages, medical bills and your doctor’s notes (x-rays, lab reports, etc., may be included here), evidence of missed work, and more. If you are experiencing PTSD following the accident, you may wish to also provide a statement from a therapist or other mental health counselor to support your claim.

Recent Head-On Collision Case: A Tragic Example

A recent head-on collision case in Owensboro, Kentucky serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving and reckless behavior on the road. On May 10, 2023, Maddox Hall, a 20-year-old Daviess County man, was involved in a fatal crash on New Hartford Road that killed Morgan Culyer-Foster and severely injured two others.

Initially arrested by the Owensboro police department on charges including DUI, vehicular homicide, and wanton endangerment, Hall’s case was later presented to the Daviess County grand jury. As a result, he was indicted on four counts of amended charges, including murder, two counts of first-degree assault, three counts of wanton endangerment, leaving the scene of an accident/failure to render aid with death or serious physical injury, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence.

This tragic death underscores the importance of responsible driving and highlights the severe legal consequences of driving under the influence. It also highlights the critical role that experienced attorneys play in navigating the complex legal processes that follow such devastating accidents, especially when charges are amended, or new charges are brought forward after a person is killed.

Rhoads & Rhoads | Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Owensboro, Kentucky

If you or a loved one has been in an accident caused by a drunk driver, an experienced accident attorney can help. Rhoads & Rhoads’ team of attorneys understand the complexity of Kentucky accident laws and can support you throughout the process of seeking compensation.

With offices in Owensboro, KY, we are happy to help those in Owensboro and the wider Kentucky area. Injuries from an accident aren’t your fault and you should be fairly compensated for the damages you or your loved ones have suffered.

Reach out to our team at Rhoads & Rhoads today by calling 888-709-9329 for a free case review.