It’s incredibly tough to think about a car accident turning fatal, but unfortunately, it’s something that happens every day here in Louisville. But they don’t happen for no reason. And frequently, they happen because someone else decided to drive while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. That’s unfortunately the exact outcome of a recent accident, according to a story from WDRB.
Kentucky State Police (KSP) deputies say a 79-year-old man was killed when a 51-year-old man crossed the center line and collided head-on with his vehicle. A passenger in the 79-year-old man’s car was also critically injured in the collision. KSP reports that an initial investigation showed that the collision happened on Highway 245 in Bardstown around 4:15 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026. The 79-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, while his passenger was taken to University of Louisville Hospital with serious injuries.
The 51-year-old man was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, vehicular assault, and murder. He is currently being held at the Nelson County Jail, and KSP is still investigating the accident.
Do I Need to Get Information After a DUI Car Accident in Louisville?
A lot of people think that a DUI accident is automatic. And while it’s clearly obvious who was at-fault, the claims process still has to play out before you and your family are able to get the support Kentucky law provides.
In short, you and your family still have to file a claim to get damages. And that means you’ll need certain information to help things along. Here’s what to focus on:
- The police report where the responding officer notes signs of intoxication
- Witness statements from others involved or those who might have seen the accident
- Pictures of the damage, skid marks, traffic conditions, and where the vehicles stopped
- Dash cam or body cam footage that show the other driver’s condition
- Medical records
- Your own notes
- Costs associated with your loved one’s funeral or burial
After an accident, it’s easy to start replaying everything in your head and wondering whether the other driver was under the influence. But that’s not something you need to figure out on your own at the scene—and if it’s a situation like the one above, you might not even be at the scene. That can make things more difficult, but it doesn’t change what you and your other surviving family members are now facing. But our team of Louisville DUI car accident lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger can help you all through it.
Kaufman & Stigger Helps Families After Fatal DUI Accidents in Louisville
After a DUI car accident in Louisville, life can change very quickly. And unfortunately, one of those changes could leave you and your family facing the loss of a loved one. But Kentucky law gives you the opportunity to take steps toward getting help. Through a wrongful death claim, you and the rest of your family can still recover damages like:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the accident before your loved one passed away
- Lost financial support the person would have provided
- Loss of future income and benefits
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and care
- Emotional suffering experienced by surviving family members
- Loss of the everyday relationship and support that person brought to the family
- Punitive damages in DUI cases
At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, we know how tragic this situation is. When you and the rest of your family are ready to move forward, reach out for a free consultation and let us help you through the legal process.
