Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Lexington

Drinking over the legal amount and getting behind the wheel is reckless and places everyone on the road at risk of a severe crash with devastating consequences. Kentucky follows an at-fault driver rule, meaning motorists work with their own insurance company for payment to cover losses after collisions regardless of fault.

Drunk driving car accidents in Lexington often leave those involved with life-altering and catastrophic injuries and other losses their policy may not cover. In those cases, the injured party has the legal right to pursue action against the drunk driver and collect compensation in civil court. Meet with a diligent car accident lawyer at Maze Law Offices to learn more.

Damages in Drunk Driving Vehicle Collisions

Impaired driving is a substantial cause of all traffic accidents, and it is also a leading cause of fatal collisions each year. Drinking alcoholic beverages reduces a driver’s brain function and impairs thinking and reasoning abilities. Intoxicated motorists may also have slower reaction times, reduced capacity to focus on driving, and poor judgment while behind the wheel.

Compensation for Damages

While there is no set amount of compensation people are eligible to collect for all accidents, bodily harm and property damage can be severe in car accidents involving alcohol, and settlement amounts can be substantial. Some examples of recoverable damages include:

• Loss of companionship
• Car and other property damages
• Ongoing medical treatment and procedure, medication, and medical equipment
• Loss of future earning potential and pay while the injured party stays home to recuperate
• Medical expenses, including emergency room treatment, ambulance fees, and hospital stays
• Psychological injuries such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and pain and suffering

An attorney with experience in handling drunk driving car crashes in Lexington could help gather the documentation to collect a fair award for damages.

Examples of Injuries

Some examples of injuries people sustain in crashes involving impaired drivers include:

• Wrongful death 
• Spinal cord trauma
• Internal organ damage
• Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
• Severe head, skull, and traumatic brain damage
• Severe burns causing permanent scarring and disfigurement

Motorists operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol are more likely to make hazardous maneuvers, speed, drive recklessly, or take their eyes off the road for distractions, all of which can lead to causing severe injuries.

Driving Under the Influence is Unlawful

Driving with a 0.08 percent blood alcohol content (BAC) or higher is unlawful in Lexington and nationwide. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Office of Highway Safety provides tips for motorists to avoid intoxicated driving and keep themselves and everyone around them safe from preventable accidents, including:

• Knowing there are no tricks to sober up quickly, and the time to process alcohol varies depending on body weight
• Planning when drivers know they will drink alcoholic beverages, such as pre-arranging a ride home and leaving car keys at home
• Using one of the many available options for sober rides after a night of drinking, such as taxi cabs, ridesharing companies, or a sober friend

A lawyer who is knowledgeable about Lexington drunk driving car accidents could answer questions and review options for collecting compensation during a private consultation.

Speak to an Attorney Experienced in Lexington Drunk Driving Car Accidents

A drunk driver can change the course of your life and leave you with permanent disabilities and extensive property damage. When you are in an avoidable collision with an intoxicated motorist, you should not have to pay the financial costs of their negligent actions.

A compassionate lawyer skilled in handling cases involving drunk driving car accidents in Lexington could help you through the process and fight for the justice you deserve. Contact Maze Law Offices today for a free consultation.