Lexington DUI Accident Lawyer

Experienced Lexington DUI accident lawyers know that driving under the influence is a major concern for drivers in Kentucky. Despite the Bluegrass State introducing stricter penalties in 2020 for those arrested on drunk driving charges, more than 17,000 Kentuckians are still arrested for driving under the influence every year, accounting for over 5% of all arrests in the Bluegrass State.

Drunk drivers also cause over 1,250 crashes in KY annually, leading to almost 100 fatalities and over 400 injuries. Consider calling Regard Law Group, PLLC, to represent you if you’re ever involved in one.

A lawyer will help you put together a robust personal injury case. You could collect compensation by filing a legal claim and use it to cover medical bills, auto repair costs, and other expenses. Contact us at 859-281-1318 to begin working with a trusted attorney in Fayette County.

What Differentiates DUI Accidents From Other Motor Vehicle Crashes?

At first glance, a DUI accident might not look that different from any other motor vehicle crash. However, a few factors set them apart from a legal standpoint.

For starters, DUI crashes usually lead to those involved suffering more serious injuries than those in other types of accidents. When drunk drivers exceed Kentucky’s legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.08% for anyone 21 or older, their impairment tends to cause a wide range of problems, such as slower reaction times, coordination issues, and poor judgment. This may result in more catastrophic crashes and more severe injuries for crash victims.

These victims also sustain more than just physical injuries. They often suffer from emotional trauma following their crashes, especially when accident scene photographs and videos make it clear they’re lucky to be alive after being hit by drunk drivers.

However, the biggest difference between DUI crashes and other car accidents is that drunk drivers typically face criminal charges. These may lead to harsh penalties, including driver’s license suspensions, stiff fines, community service, and jail time. Someone with a drunk driving conviction might even need to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in their vehicle.

You must hire a Lexington DUI accident lawyer who understands these differences. They should also comprehend the potential connections between the outcomes of criminal and civil DUI cases.

What To Do After a DUI Crash in Lexington, Kentucky

Being involved in a drunk driving accident in Lexington will shake you to your core and leave you wondering what to do next. Taking the proper steps after this type of crash is paramount.

Work your way through the following steps to ensure a Lexington DUI accident lawyer can create a compelling case on your behalf:

1. Remain on the scene and call 911 to have police officers sent to launch an investigation.
2. Seek medical attention immediately and keep track of medical records and injury documentation.
3. Document the scene of your crash using your smartphone to snap photographs and videos.
4. Identify anyone who may have witnessed your crash and exchange contact information.
5. Consider contacting a personal injury lawyer to explore your legal options.

Ideally, you should speak with a lawyer before reaching out to your car insurance company to file a claim. An attorney from Regard Law Group, PLLC, will provide legal guidance and prevent you from having to communicate with insurance adjusters on your own.

What To Expect When Filing a DUI Accident Claim

If you haven’t ever filed a personal injury claim following a DUI crash, you might not feel adequately prepared. Knowing what to expect will make you feel less anxious when it’s time to take legal action.

Here is how the process of filing a personal injury claim will play out:

1. You speak with a lawyer about your crash and its impact during a free consultation.
2. An attorney evaluates your case and determines its viability.
3. They file a lawsuit against the drunk driver who caused your crash and arrange to have them served with legal documents.
4. They strive to negotiate a settlement with the defendant and attempt to stop your case from going to trial.
5. They take your case to trial if necessary.
6. They present your case in court and try to convince a judge or jury to award you a judgment.
7. They collect a contingency fee for their services if you earn a settlement or judgment.

A Lexington DUI accident lawyer from Regard Law Group, PLLC, will stand by your side and clear up any confusion. To further strengthen your case, they will also seek to prove the “four Ds” of negligence on a defendant’s part: duty of care, deviation, direct causation, and damages.

Which Damages a Lexington DUI Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover

Your involvement in a DUI crash in Lexington, Kentucky, will probably leave you with your fair share of injuries, but they won’t be the only things you will walk away with after a drunk driving crash. You might also face medical bills and other expenses that could leave you with tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of debt.

Filing a claim puts you in a position to recover damages and minimize the financial impact of a crash. You may recover the following at the end of your case:

• Economic damages: Monetary losses you can easily calculate, such as medical bills, property damage, and lost wages
• Non-economic damages: Subjective losses that aren’t measured monetarily, like pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and disfigurement
• Punitive damages: Compensatory damages designed to punish defendants in personal injury cases for demonstrating gross negligence

An experienced DUI accident lawyer in Lexington will determine which damages you should aim to recover early in your case.

Arrange for a Free Consultation With a Reputable DUI Crash Lawyer From Regard Law Group, PLLC

Drunk driving accident cases are often more complicated than other personal injury claims. For this reason, you should bring the right attorney on board to represent you.

Regard Law Group, PLLC, will connect you with a dedicated attorney to handle your complex case. They will speak with you about the details of your crash and explain how issues like dram shop liability and implied consent law might affect your case’s outcome.

Call us at 859-281-1318 or complete this form to schedule a free consultation with a Lexington DUI accident lawyer.