Lexington, KY Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Twenty-five years ago, the worst drunk driving crash in United States history killed 27 people and injured 34 others.  And it happened not too far from here, in Radcliff, Kentucky.  To this day, hundreds of people are killed or injured daily in this country as a result of drunk driving — a 100 percent preventable crime.  Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) estimates that 24% of the traffic deaths in Kentucky are due to drunk driving and that three in every ten people in America will be involved in a drunk driving accident at some point in their lives.

In Kentucky, driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher is a crime, and those who are caught committing this crime will be punished by the criminal justice system.  However, that doesn’t help pay the bills of the victims of a vehicle accident caused by a drunk driver.  To accomplish this, you need an experienced personal injury attorney.  For more than 25 years the professionals of the Julie Butcher Law Office have been helping drunk driving injury victims throughout the Bluegrass State to recover the compensation they deserve.  Punitive damages may be recoverable for the gross negligence of the drunk driver.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver or by a driver whose judgment was impaired, call the Lexington drunk driving accident lawyer, Julie Butcher at (859) 233-3641 or use the toll-free number, 866-77JULIE.

Seeking Compensation From the Responsible Party

To receive compensation for an injury caused by a drunk driver, certain requirements must be met.  You must prove that the accident occurred because of the reckless or negligent actions of another party.  You must prove that you sustained injuries and that the injuries were caused by the accident and not solely by a preexisting condition or unrelated event.

While the drunk driver who caused the accident is clearly liable, there may be others who share in the responsibility and who can be pursued as you seek compensation for your injuries.  For example, if a bar serves too many drinks to a person who is already visibly intoxicated, and that person then causes a drunk driving accident on their way home, the bar can be held liable for the victim’s injuries.  They also could be liable if they failed to screen an underage drinker.

Types of Compensation Available

If you were injured because of another party’s negligence or careless actions, including getting behind the wheel while intoxicated, you are entitled to compensation. Financial damages cannot undo the pain and stress you and your family may have undergone, but they can help ease the burden.  Some of the types of damages which can be sought in a personal injury lawsuit following a drunk driving accident are:

• Medical expenses, including ambulance bills, hospital and doctor bills, lab tests, and the cost of medication, equipment, and prostheses
• Future medical expenses, such as anticipated surgeries, treatment or nursing care, that are necessary to address problems caused by the accident
• Recovery of income you lost because you were injured and unable to work, as well as the cost of taking time off for doctor visits and therapy
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Damages for pain, suffering and disfigurement
• Repair or replacement of any property damaged in the accident.

Steps You Should Take After a Drunk Driving Accident

In the immediate aftermath of a vehicle accidents, it usually never occurs to victims that they may have to settle the matter through a lawsuit.  However, it is important that you or your loved ones document the accident and injuries from the beginning, so that the information will be available to you and your car accident attorney if that becomes necessary.

Obtain the name, address, phone number and insurance information from the party that caused the DUI accident. Get the same information about witnesses.  Have someone take photographs of the auto accident scene, the damaged automobiles, your injury, and your progress during recovery.  Document all physical injuries, as well as emotional difficulties you face each day.

Do not give a statement to the insurance company or sign a release without discussing it with your attorney.  Let your attorney represent you in talks with the insurance company.

The insurer may want to settle and close the case as soon as possible, preferably before you know the full extent of your injuries.  While you should not rush to settle, neither should you delay too long in seeking the advice of an attorney.  The statute of limitations in Kentucky for drunk driving accident cases is two years from the date of the accident or two years from the date of last no fault payment, whichever is later. If the statute of limitations has expired, you will not be able to pursue a drunk driving injury claim, no matter how badly you were injured.

Steps We Will Take to Help You

When you call the Julie Butcher Law Office about your Kentucky drunk driving injury, you will get our full attention.  We will listen intently, investigate thoroughly, and provide you with aggressive representation.

We will obtain your medical records to document the nature and extent of your injuries.  This includes getting a history of the medical care you received before the accident, so the insurance company cannot argue that your expenses were due solely to a preexisting condition.

We will meet with doctors and vocational specialists to assess your abilities in the workplace and your anticipated future earning capacity.

Often, thorough research and skillful negotiation will result in a settlement and eliminate the necessity of going through a trial.  At the Julie Butcher Law Office, however, we will pursue your right to fair and full compensation across the conference table or in the courtroom.  You deserve no less than our best.

Compassion… Integrity… Results

These are the attributes we offer every client, every day.  If you have been injured by a drunk driver, we will be glad to make a free and confidential evaluation of your case.  Call Kentucky personal injury attorney Julie Butcher today at (859) 233-3641 or use our online inquiry form.