Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC helps people that have been injured in car accidents caused by drunk drivers in Kentucky. You already know the dangers of drunk driving. And you’ve probably never done it yourself. Yet, this doesn’t always protect you from others that drive under the influence of alcohol. Our team can make sure that you and your family take advantage of legal options. Set up a free consultation today.
Should I Get a Lawyer?
A drunk driving accident can turn your life upside down fast. One moment you’re going about your day, and the next you’re dealing with doctor visits, time off work, and a lot of uncertainty about what comes next. Medical bills start piling up. Paychecks may stop. And on top of all that, there’s the stress, anger, and exhaustion that comes with being hurt because someone else made a reckless choice.
You don’t have to handle all of that on your own. You do have legal rights after a drunk driving accident, but knowing how to use them—and when—can make a real difference. That’s why you should think about working with our lawyers. We can:
- Looking into what happened and securing DUI-related evidence
- Dealing directly with the insurance company
- Explaining your options in plain, straightforward language
- Managing the injury claim so you can focus on getting better
Not every situation calls for a lawyer, but a drunk driving accident usually does. Drunk driving accidents tend to leave people dealing with more than just vehicle damage. The injuries are often more serious, recovery takes longer, and the financial impact can add up quickly. That’s where we can help, but the process starts early—even right after the accident itself.
What Information Do I Need For a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?
Even with something as obvious as a drunk driving accident, the details matter. Not in a complicated way—but in a “this helps show what really happened” way. You don’t need to have everything on day one. Some information is available right away, and some comes together over time. What’s important is knowing what to keep and why it matters. Here’s what to focus on:
- The police report. This is a big one in DUI cases. It often includes observations of impairment, test results, and whether the driver was arrested or cited.
- Medical records and treatment notes. These show what injuries you suffered and what care you’ve needed. Follow-up appointments and ongoing treatment are just as important as the initial visit.
- Pictures and videos from the scene. Vehicle damage, road conditions, visible injuries—anything that helps show how serious the accident was.
- Witness contact information. Statements from people who saw the accident or the driver’s behavior can help fill in gaps.
- Your own notes about daily impact. Pain levels, mobility issues, sleep problems, and changes to your routine don’t always show up in medical records unless you track them.
Again, this doesn’t have to be perfect or complete right away. The point is to build a clear picture over time—one that reflects the real impact of being hurt by a drunk driver, not just what fits into a few forms.
Why Do Drunk Driving Accidents Really Happen in Kentucky?
Drunk driving accidents don’t usually come out of nowhere. In Kentucky, many of them trace back to familiar situations—late nights, rural roads, and a decision that should have never been made. Here’s normally why these kinds of accidents happen:
- Drivers convince themselves they’re “fine to drive,” even though alcohol has already affected their judgment, reaction time, and coordination.
- Long, rural stretches of road can give drivers a false sense of safety.
- It’s also when they happen. Drunk driving accidents tend to happen at night or on weekends, when people are trying to unwind.
When alcohol is involved, small mistakes turn into serious injuries fast. And for the people hit by a drunk driver, the consequences often last long after the flashing lights are gone.
What Legal Options Do I Have After a Drunk Driving Accident?
After a drunk driving accident in Kentucky, you generally have the option to file an injury claim to recover for what you’ve lost—just like any other car accident. Again, thouhg, the issue is how you do that. Basically, you can either:
- File an insurance claim out of court
- File a personal injury lawsuit
In some cases, the claim stays within the insurance process. But even when liability is clear, an insurance company is going to do whatever they can to save money. If their offer doesn’t take care of all your needs, you can move forward with a lawsuit. One way or the other, the point is to recover “damages” for your:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages or lost earning potential if you can’t work anymore
- Repair/replacement costs for your car or other property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses in fatal accidents
Every situation is different. The right path depends on what happened, how badly you were hurt, and how the insurance companies respond. Also, there’s still deadlines. You only have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. If you miss it, you won’t be able to file a claim at all.
Who Is Responsible for a Drunk Driving Accident?
This can be one of the more surprising angles of a drunk driving accident. Obviously, the drunk driver is going to carry most of the legal responsibility for the car accident, but others can potentially be involved under the right circumstances. That could mean:
- People who give alcohol to minors or keep giving drinks to someone who is already clearly drunk.
- Bars or restaurants that continue serving alcohol when it’s obvious a customer shouldn’t be driving
- Employers who let workers drive company vehicles even though they’re under the influence
The key takeaway is that it’s not always just the driver that’s responsible for a drunk driving accident. That can increase the number of people—and insurance companies—involved. But the more people that are involved, the more confusing things can be. That’s why it helps to have the right support and guidance.
Getting Help After a Kentucky Drunk Driving Accident
Virtually everybody in Kentucky understands that drunk driving accidents are more serious. Whether it’s from your own personal experience, news stories, or other efforts, it’s easy to see how one of these accidents could end up leaving you injured—or worse.
If you or someone close to you was hurt by a drunk driver, it’s okay to ask questions and get clear answers before deciding what to do next. Our Kentucky drunk driving accident lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC will be there to explain your options, help gather evidence, talk with insurance companies, and make things easier for you. Set up a free consultation today.
