Driving under the influence is a personal choice that too many people in Kentucky make. And unfortunately, it puts everyone else on the road with them at risk—without them even knowing it. Most of the time, it leads to an accident that is more serious than normal. That’s exactly what happened recently in Laurel County, according to a story from LEX 18.
On Friday, February 20, 2026, three people were injured in a head-on collision on Kentucky Route 192 just west of London. Laurel County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) deputies responded to the scene, where an initial investigation found that a woman in a Subaru Outback crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a Nissan Maxima. Both cars came to a stop on the road, blocking both lanes. The woman in the Outback and the male driver in the Maxima were both taken to a local hospital with injuries, while the passenger in the Maxima had to be airlifted to UK Hospital in Lexington for further treatment.
LCSO said that the woman was arrested and charged with DUI after being taken from the hospital to the Laurel County Correctional Center. She was released the following day.
Do I Have to Prove Anything When I’m Hurt in a DUI Accident?
It’s pretty obvious what went wrong when someone is driving under the influence and causes an accident. But when you’re injured in one of these accidents, you’re likely going to have to file either an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
Even with a DUI, an insurance company or judge isn’t just going to take your word for it. Either way, you’re going to have to provide evidence about what happened. You can do that by providing things like:
- The police report. With a DUI, officers usually write down what they saw—things like confusion, slurred speech, delayed answers, or open containers in the car. That’s really important in these kinds of claims. Also, bodycam footage can show the person’s state in a way the report won’t.
- Pictures/videos from the scene. The actual scene is important too. Try to get pictures/videos of where the cars ended up, skid marks on the road, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. That speaks for itself to a jury.
- Medical records. Your injuries might be obvious, but they’ll still require documentation. Keep any medical records, doctor’s notes, image scans, and bills to connect your injuries to the accident itself.
- Witness statements. Other drivers, passengers, or even someone standing nearby might have seen something you didn’t. Swerving. Acting strangely. Saying something odd afterward. Those outside perspectives can help fill in any gaps there are.
Again, what separates a DUI from a typical accident is how serious it is. Driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs slows reaction time, changes how the driver acts, and generally makes things much more dangerous. But when you’re hurt, it’s worth exploring your legal options.
Kaufman & Stigger Can Help After a DUI Car Accident in Kentucky
When a driver is under the influence and causes an accident in Kentucky, it’s incredibly painful. Unlike a lot of car accidents, ones that result from impaired driving are totally preventable. That doesn’t change what you’re going through though. At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, our Kentucky car accident lawyers understand what you’re up against and can help you through the claims process.
We’ll explain your options, help you gather evidence, handle the back-and-forth with the insurance company, and just make things easier while you recover. Reach out today for a free consultation.
