When there’s a drunk driver, everyone on the road is vulnerable. This is one of the things that make a DUI so frustrating–it’s entirely preventable. But a story from LEX 18 shows what can happen to you as either a driver or passenger in a DUI accident.
The Kentucky State Police (KSP) says that a man was arrested and charged with DUI, vehicular homicide, and two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment after he caused a crash on Buckner Hill Road on Friday, May 31, 2024. The man, who was driving a Chevy Lumina heading west on Buckner Hill Road when he drifted into the eastbound lane. A driver in a Jeep swerved to try to avoid the Lumina, but sideswiped the van and lost control of his vehicle. The Jeep hit an embankment, rolled over, and ejected all four in the vehicle. The driver of the jeep and a passenger were transported to University of Louisville Hospital, where the passenger later died of his injuries. The driver suffered severe injuries, while the two other occupants refused medical treatment.
The driver of the Lumina also refused medical treatment.
What Can You Do If You’re Involved in a DUI Accident?
As frustrating and scary as it is, a DUI car accident isn’t all that different from any other car accident in terms of the legal process. However, the part of a DUI car accident that is different involves the information and evidence you need to get at the scene.
Here’s what you can do if you’re involved in one of these accidents:
- Call the police and an ambulance – The very first thing you should do is call the local police and an ambulance. Make sure to tell them you suspect the other driver of being under the influence. Also, when the ambulance arrives, get checked out by EMTs.
- Gather as much information you can from the other driver – If the driver stays on the scene, try to get as much information as you can from them. If they won’t cooperate, have the police get this information. You can take down their car and license plate information, as well.
- Document the scene – At the same time, use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene. Make sure to get visual documentation of any damage to your car, damage to the other car, and your injuries.
- Tell your insurance what happened – To take care of any immediate financial needs, report the accident to your insurance company so they can start their claims process. You might have to go through your policy’s uninsured motorist coverage if the driver flees the scene and you don’t have any information on them.
- Get further medical care – Once you have information gathered at the scene, either have the ambulance take you to the hospital, or drive yourself to it or an urgent care to get checked out by a doctor. Some of your injuries might not show up right away because of the adrenaline.
Any car accident brings a lot of uncertainty, but this is even more true when the other driver is under the influence. However, you have options, and our Kentucky car accident lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC will be there to fight for your rights.
Contact Kaufman & Stigger After a Kentucky Car Accident
If you or a loved one have been hurt in a DUI or any other type of car accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll explain your options, what you can do, and what you can get in a claim.
