Louisville Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

According to the Kentucky State Police, there were 3,302 alcohol-related collisions in 2022. Of that number, 1,432 of those collisions resulted in injuries with 153 fatalities. While that number represents a reduction of incidents than the previous year, that is still too many injuries and deaths. Across the country, one person is killed every 53 minutes by a drunk driver. In Kentucky, 17% of all highway fatalities are caused by a drunk driver.

The Kentucky Department of Transportation has established the rules related to drunk driving. To determine if a driver was driving under the influence, their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is measured through a blood test or breath test. If the test results measure at .08 or above, that person is considered legally impaired. There is a zero-tolerance approach for a driver under the age of 21. That means that a driver at that age with a BAC of .02 or higher is considered legally impaired.

It might only take 4-5 drinks to reach those BAC levels. A drink is considered to be a 12-ounce beer or a 5-ounce glass of wine. A drink is also considered to be a single shot of liquor. Despite the urban myth, coffee does not sober a person up. Alcohol is processed primarily through the liver, and the body can burn around one-half an ounce of alcohol in an hour. The only way that alcohol leaves is over time.

These would all lead to criminal charges. Those charges are separate from any civil complaint that you might bring against the at-fault party. You can bring a civil action against the driver, even before the criminal action is resolved. If you take legal action, the Louisville car accident attorney you engage with will explain the differences to help you make an informed decision about how best to proceed with your claim.

In addition to the driver, there could be additional at-fault parties named in a drunk driving lawsuit. For instance, the Kentucky Dram Shop Law allows the owner of a bar, restaurant, or other venue and the employee who served alcohol to someone intoxicated to be held liable. Although this is a viable law, it is often hard to prove and could complicate your chances of receiving compensation. Your drunk driving accident attorney will know if this is worth adding to your claim.

It is also vital that you meet the Kentucky statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Kentucky allows for only one year to bring an action. That time starts on the day of the accident. Fortunately, you don’t have to fully recover from your accident to seek compensation. You can and should begin the process early by speaking with the team at McCoy & Hiestand, PLC.

Our support begins with a free case evaluation. That is where we will listen to your story and review your supporting documentation. After that, we’ll make a determination on the best course of action. Our Louisville drunk driving accident lawyers will also be able to answer all questions about the challenges and potential rewards for your claim.