Bowling Green Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys

Fighting For Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Kentucky

Despite the vast body of research and anecdotes proving that drinking and driving is a bad idea, motorists continue to make the decision to do so with shocking regularity. Data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that every day in the U.S., 29 people are killed in motor vehicle crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver. Though alcohol is the main culprit in accidents involving an impaired driver, drugs both legal and illegal are involved in about 16% of all motor vehicle crashes.

Our Bowling Green drunk driving accident attorneys are available to take clients all over the state. If you choose to work with us, we can help you get the compensation you need to pay for your medical bills, ongoing treatment, car repairs, and more.

Ready to schedule your free consultation? Call (270) 423-0023 now to get started with our drunk driving accident attorney in Bowling Green. 

What is Considered Drunk Driving in Kentucky?

Alcohol reduces brain functionality, impairing your ability to think, reason, and react—even after only a couple of drinks. Under Kentucky’s DUI laws, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or 0.08% or more if you’re over the age of 21; if you’re under the legal drinking age, you can get a DUI if you’re caught driving with a BAC of 0.02% or more. For most people, it takes about four or five drinks to reach the level where it is considered against the law to operate a vehicle.

Common DUI Accident Injuries

Accidents involving a drunk driver tend to cause the most severe motor vehicle accident injuries due to the extreme recklessness involved. Unfortunately, the ones most affected are typically the victims, not the drunk driver.

Serious injuries that tend to result from drunk driving accidents include:

• Catastrophic injuries
• Brain injuries
• Back injuries
• Broken bones
• Wrongful death

Devastating injuries involve more extensive medical treatment, which inevitably involves costly medical bills. If you have been hurt at no fault of your own, it shouldn’t be your responsibility to pay for your recovery. By filing a personal injury claim, you can receive the just compensation you deserve, which will be calculated based on the exact damages you have suffered.

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident

Here are essential steps to follow:

• Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention: Check for injuries and seek medical help for yourself and others involved. Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to get a medical evaluation as some injuries might not be immediately apparent.
• Call the Police: Report the accident to the police, and make sure to inform them if you suspect the other driver is intoxicated. The police will document the scene and collect evidence, which will be critical for your case.
• Collect Evidence: If you can, take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from witnesses and record details about the other driver, including their insurance information and vehicle registration.
• Do Not Admit Fault: Be careful with your statements at the scene. Do not admit fault or making statements that could be misconstrued. Stick to the facts when talking to the police and insurance companies.
• Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer: Contact our drunk driving accident attorney as soon as possible. Legal representation is critical for navigating the complexities of drunk driving accident claims and ensuring your rights are protected.

Types of Damages You Can Recover

Damages are the losses you have experienced as a result of your accident. Rather than leaving you to pay for everything out of your own pocket, you can sue the drunk driver who caused your accident to receive a settlement that will pay for all of your accident-related expenses.

Damages suffered in a drunk driving accident may include compensation for the following:

• Lost wages from taking time off of work
• Medical bills, both past and future
• Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
• Costs for any damaged or destroyed property, including your car

Do Drunk Driving Accidents Fall Under Civil or Criminal Law?

Personal injury claims are considered civil law matters, but accidents involving a DUI can also involve criminal charges. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to claim “punitive damages” in addition to the others listed above. This means the drunk driver and their insurance company may owe you extra money as a punishment for their recklessness.

Working with an attorney can strongly increase your chances of receiving the maximum compensation you are owed. If you are on the fence about hiring a lawyer, we offer free consultations during which we would be happy to answer your questions.

Local Resources and Support for Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Bowling Green

Living in Bowling Green, we understand our community's unique challenges regarding drunk driving accidents. The local government, including the City of Bowling Green and the Warren County Sheriff's Office, works tirelessly to reduce the incidence of impaired driving through various initiatives and public awareness campaigns. However, accidents still happen despite these efforts, leaving victims needing comprehensive support and legal guidance.

One of the most pressing concerns for residents involved in drunk driving accidents is the financial burden that follows. Medical bills can quickly pile up, and the cost of ongoing treatment can be overwhelming. Additionally, many victims cannot work, leading to lost wages and further financial strain. Our team in Bowling Green is well-versed in navigating these local challenges and is committed to helping you secure the compensation you need to cover these expenses.

We also recognize that the emotional and psychological impact of a drunk driving accident can be just as debilitating as the physical injuries. The trauma of such an event can lead to long-term mental health issues, which is why we advocate for compensation that includes pain, suffering, and mental anguish. By working closely with local healthcare providers and mental health professionals, we ensure our clients receive the holistic care they need to recover fully.

At our Bowling Green office, we pride ourselves on our deep connection to the community. We know the roads, the local traffic patterns, and the common accident hotspots. This local knowledge allows us to build stronger cases for our clients, demonstrating the facts of the accident and the broader context that may have contributed to it. Whether your accident occurred on Scottsville Road, near Western Kentucky University, or in the quieter residential areas, we have the local insight to help you navigate your personal injury claim effectively.

How Our Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Can Help You

Here’s how we can assist you:

• Thorough Investigation: We perform a detailed investigation into the accident, collecting vital evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage. We work diligently to establish the other driver’s negligence and intoxication.
• Experienced Negotiation: Dealing with insurance companies could be daunting. We handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring you obtain a fair settlement that covers medical fees, lost earnings, property damage, and pain and suffering.
• Litigation Support: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court. We build a strong case and aggressively represent your interests to achieve the best possible outcome.
• Compassionate Guidance: We understand the emotional toll a drunk driving accident can have on victims and their families. We provide compassionate support and clear guidance throughout the legal process, answering all your questions and addressing your problems promptly.
• Maximizing Compensation: Our primary objective is to secure maximum compensation for you. We work with medical experts, financial analysts, and other professionals to accurately estimate the full extent of your damages and ensure all current and future losses are accounted for.
• Legal Expertise: Navigating the legal system could be very complex, especially when dealing with DUI laws and personal injury claims. We have extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of Kentucky’s legal landscape, enabling us to build a robust case on your behalf.

Contact Our Bowling Green Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving accident in Bowling Green, don't hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to provide the local expertise and compassionate support you need to move forward. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards securing the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact us here to schedule a free case evaluation with a Bowling Green drunk driving accident lawyers.