Despite public awareness campaigns and law enforcement initiatives, drunk driving continues to plague the roads surrounding Covington, Kentucky. If an impaired driver caused an accident that hurt you or killed a close family member, you’re dealing with physical and emotional pain along with lost income and other financial hardships.
You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s reckless decision to drink and drive. A Covington drunk driving accident lawyer at O'Connor, Acciani & Levy can review your case at no cost and inform you of your legal options for obtaining compensation from the at-fault party.
You can trust us to work diligently to hold the at-fault party accountable and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Don’t let another day pass without seeking the legal help you need. Contact O'Connor, Acciani & Levy now for a free consultation.
Covington Drunk Driving Accidents Guide
- Common Injuries in Covington Drunk Driving Accidents
- Potential Damages Available to DUI Accident Victims in Kentucky
- Kentucky Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
- What Should I Do If a Drunk Driver Hits Me in Covington?
- Why Choose Our Firm to Handle Your Covington DUI Accident Claim
- Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents in Covington, KY
- Contact an Experienced Covington Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Now
Understanding Covington Drunk Driving Accidents
In Kentucky, drunk driving is formally known as "Driving Under the Influence" (DUI). The state takes a firm stance against this dangerous behavior, setting clear legal limits to define intoxication:
- For drivers 21 and older: A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher
- For commercial drivers: A BAC of 0.04% or higher
- For drivers under 21: Any detectable amount of alcohol
It's important to note that a driver can be charged with DUI even if their BAC is below these limits if they're visibly impaired. This includes impairment from drugs, both illegal and prescription.
Common Injuries in Covington Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents often result in severe injuries due to the impaired driver's delayed reactions and poor judgment. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From concussions to severe brain damage, these injuries can have life-altering consequences.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to partial or complete paralysis, forever changing a victim's life.
- Broken Bones: Fractures, especially compound fractures, can require multiple surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Even at lower speeds, the sudden impact can cause painful and long-lasting neck and back problems.
- Cuts and Lacerations: While sometimes seen as "minor," deep cuts can lead to significant blood loss and permanent scarring.
- Emotional Trauma: The psychological impact of a drunk driving accident, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, shouldn't be underestimated.
Potential Damages Available to DUI Accident Victims in Kentucky
When they help you successfully navigate a drunk driving accident claim, a lawyer can help you recover various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Loss of Earning Capacity
- Pain and Suffering
- Property Damage
- Loss of Consortium
In cases of extreme negligence, the court may award additional damages to punish the drunk driver and deter similar behavior.
The damages you're eligible for will depend on the specifics of your situation. That's why you must work with an experienced Covington drunk driving accident lawyer who can accurately assess your case and fight for the full compensation you need.
Kentucky Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
The latest crash data from the Kentucky State Police paints a sobering picture of DUI crashes in our state:
- In a recent year, 3,302 total DUI accidents occurred throughout Kentucky.
- Of those, 978 involved injuries, and 138 involved fatalities.
- Around 4% of all alcohol-related collisions were fatal, and around 30% involved injuries.
- Although alcohol-related fatalities dropped 8% from the previous year, injuries from DUI crashes increased by approximately 2%.
What Should I Do If a Drunk Driver Hits Me in Covington?
If you're reading this, chances are you've already been through the immediate aftermath of a drunk driving accident. You've received medical treatment and are now facing the daunting task of recovery—both physical and financial. Here's what you should focus on next:
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, prescriptions, and doctor's visits. Save all bills and receipts related to your accident, including costs for transportation to medical appointments or home modifications needed due to your injuries.
- Follow Your Doctor's Orders: Stick to your treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments. This is crucial for your health and also demonstrates the seriousness of your injuries if you need to file a claim.
- Don't Talk to the Other Driver's Insurance Company: They may try to contact you for a statement. Remember, their goal is to minimize their payout, not to help you. Direct all communication through your lawyer.
- Be Cautious on Social Media: Insurance companies often monitor social media accounts for evidence they can use against claimants. Avoid posting about your accident or your activities while recovering.
- Start a Journal: Document how your injuries are affecting your daily life. Note pain levels, activities you can no longer do, and the emotional impact of the accident. This can be valuable evidence for your claim.
- Contact a Covington Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer: This is perhaps the most crucial step. Here's why:
- Legal Knowledge: Drunk driving cases can involve both criminal and civil law. An experienced lawyer can navigate these complexities on your behalf.
- Fair Compensation: Insurance companies often make lowball offers to accident victims. A skilled lawyer can accurately assess the full value of your claim, including future medical needs and long-term impacts.
- Gathering Evidence: Your lawyer can collect and preserve crucial evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage.
- Negotiation Skills: Most cases settle out of court. A good lawyer knows how to negotiate effectively with insurance companies to get you the best possible settlement.
- Peace of Mind: Dealing with the aftermath of an accident is stressful enough. Having a lawyer handle the legal aspects allows you to focus on your recovery.
Remember, the sooner you involve a lawyer, the better. Evidence can disappear, witnesses' memories can fade, and there are time limits (statutes of limitations) for filing claims. Don't wait to seek the legal help you need and deserve.
Why Choose Our Firm to Handle Your Covington DUI Accident Claim
Your drunk driving accident case is too important to trust to just anyone. O'Connor, Acciani & Levy stands out as the right choice to handle your claim for several reasons:
- We have a deep understanding of Kentucky law and the Covington court system. This local insight helps us navigate your case effectively.
- Our firm has a history of successful outcomes in drunk driving accident cases. We've secured millions in compensation for our clients.
- You’re not just a case number to us. We provide personalized attention to every client, taking the time to understand your unique situation and needs. Check out our client testimonials as evidence of the stellar client service we provide.
- As an established firm, we have the resources to take on even the most complex cases, including access to top expert witnesses and advanced investigative techniques.
- We understand the emotional and physical pain you’re experiencing. Our team approaches every case with empathy and respect.
- We believe in keeping our clients informed. You'll always know the status of your case and what to expect next.
- From handling insurance claims to representing you in court if necessary, we'll be with you during every stage of the claims process, fighting hard for your rights and future.
As members of the Covington community, we have a genuine interest in making our streets safe for all. We also have a strong commitment to helping our clients obtain justice and fair compensation after suffering injuries or losses because of someone else’s reckless decision to drive while intoxicated.
You don’t have to worry about how to pay for a lawyer to help with your drunk driving accident claim because O'Connor, Acciani & Levy operates on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront or any attorney fees along the way. Instead, we will handle your claim and fight to recover the maximum compensation for you, and we only accept attorney fees if we secure compensation on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents in Covington, KY
Kentucky has a very short statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including drunk driving accidents. You generally have only one year from the date of the accident to file a drunk driving accident lawsuit in court. Some exceptions may exist to extend the time you have to file, but you shouldn’t wait. You must consult a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any legal deadlines or allow crucial evidence to disappear.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still have options. These could include filing a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage (if you have it), pursuing a personal lawsuit against the driver, or exploring other potential sources of compensation. Our lawyers can help you understand all available options.
Yes, you may still be able to receive compensation even if you were partially at fault. Kentucky follows a "pure comparative fault" rule. This means your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover damages even if you were 99% at fault. However, establishing fault in drunk driving cases can be complex, which is why you must have skilled legal representation.
There's no set formula for calculating pain and suffering damages in Kentucky. These non-economic damages are typically based on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, the duration of your recovery, and any long-term or permanent effects. Our experienced attorneys can properly document the adverse effects the drunk driving crash has had on your life and include that in your claim.
A criminal case against the drunk driver is separate from your civil case for damages. However, the outcome of the criminal case can potentially strengthen your civil claim. For example, if the driver is convicted of DUI, this can be powerful evidence of their negligence in your civil case. Your lawyer can advise you on how the criminal proceedings might impact your case and can coordinate with the prosecutor's office if necessary.
Contact an Experienced Covington Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Now
You've been through enough dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident in Covington. It's time to take the first step towards justice and recovery. At O'Connor, Acciani & Levy, we're ready to handle all aspects of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us now at (859) 581-8300 for your free, no-obligation consultation. Our Covington personal injury attorneys will evaluate your claim to determine whether you qualify to seek damages and answer your questions.
If you have a valid DUI accident claim, you can count on us to work diligently to ensure you get everything you need to realize as full of a physical recovery as possible.
