What Should I Do If I Was Hit By A Drunk Driver in Kentucky?
Knowing the right actions to take immediately after getting hit by a drunk driver can protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover full compensation.
Schedule a free consultation with our Kentucky drunk driving lawyer at Bryant Law Center to seek compensation. Contact us today.
Call 911 Immediately
Police officers will arrive at the scene, document the crash, and likely conduct field sobriety or breathalyzer tests on the impaired driver. Their report can provide crucial evidence for your personal injury claim in Paducah, KY. Emergency medical services can also evaluate and treat your injuries. Always accept medical attention. Even if you do not feel seriously hurt, adrenaline can mask symptoms of internal injuries or concussions.
Seek Medical Treatment
You should visit a doctor or hospital as soon as possible after the accident. Medical records linking your injuries directly to the crash will be essential when pursuing a claim. Common injuries from drunk driving accidents in Kentucky include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
Delaying treatment can harm both your health and your legal claim.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If it is safe, collect as much evidence as possible at the scene. Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and your injuries. Ask witnesses for their names and contact information. Write down what you remember about the other driver’s behavior, such as slurred speech, stumbling, or the smell of alcohol. This evidence can strengthen your case against the impaired driver.
Obtain the Police Report
In Kentucky, police must file a crash report if the accident results in injury, death, or more than $500 in property damage. This report can help prove that the driver was impaired. You can request a copy of the report through the Kentucky State Police or the local law enforcement agency that responded to the crash.
Report the Drunk Driving Accident to Your Insurance
Notify your insurance company about the accident, but be cautious when speaking with adjusters. Insurance representatives may attempt to minimize your claim. Provide only the basic facts and avoid recorded statements without first speaking with an attorney.
Hire a Paducah Car Accident Attorney
Dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving crash can be overwhelming. An experienced car accident lawyer in Paducah can:
- Investigate the accident and collect evidence
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Calculate the full value of your damages
- Pursue compensation through settlement or trial
- Seek punitive damages when applicable
Having legal representation ensures that your rights remain protected and that you are not pressured into accepting less than you deserve.
Understand Kentucky’s Drunk Driving Laws
Kentucky law makes it illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04 percent, and for drivers under 21, the limit is 0.02 percent. A drunk driver who causes an accident can face both criminal penalties and civil liability.
Even if the driver faces criminal charges, you must pursue a separate civil claim to recover compensation for your injuries. Criminal cases punish offenders, while civil cases compensate victims.
Pursue Compensation After A Drunk Driving Accident in Kentucky
Victims of drunk driving accidents in Kentucky may recover damages such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
In some cases, Kentucky courts may also award punitive damages. These damages punish reckless behavior and send a strong message against drunk driving.
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident with a drunk driver, contact our Paducah car accident lawyers at Bryant Law Center to discuss your legal options today.