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Drunk driving is one of the most-cited causes of serious car collisions not only in Kentucky but across the country. When a person gets behind the wheel while impaired, their ability to operate a vehicle safely is severely diminished.
Our car wreck attorneys provide dedicated legal advocacy and representation for those involved in drunk driving car accidents in Covington. We could offer the unwavering support you need throughout your case while taking on the task of pursuing full and fair compensation on your behalf, so you can focus on your physical recovery.
A driver is forbidden to operate a motor vehicle in Kentucky if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, a driver can also get in serious trouble for getting behind the wheel while impaired by alcohol, even if their BAC is below this legal threshold. People in Covington who are injured by drunk drivers can seek legal recourse through the civil court system by filing a personal injury claim. Here, an injured person can pursue payments for their physical, emotional, and financial losses.
Some of the most commonly reported injuries caused by drunk drivers include scarring, nerve injuries, broken bones, severe head trauma, crushing injuries, as well as injuries to the neck and spine. Available compensation for drunk driving accident victims can range from recovery of their medical bills and lost wages to damages for pain and suffering. Compensation for losses such as diminished earning capacity, emotional anguish, and mental distress may also be recoverable.
It is important to understand that the general filing deadline for all car accident cases in Kentucky is two years from the date of the accident. While there are circumstances that can extend this filing window, missing the filing deadline usually leaves someone unable to recover any compensation at all.
When it comes to filing a personal injury claim after a drunk driving car crash in Covington, it is important to understand how the state’s no-fault laws play a role. As a no-fault state, Kentucky requires injured victims to obtain reimbursement for their medical bills, lost wages, and other similar costs from their own insurance policy’s personal injury protection coverage, no matter who was responsible for the accident.
Drunk driving accidents commonly result in grave injuries that can quickly exhaust the limits of the injured party’s personal injury protection coverage, which is often capped at $10,000 unless they previously opted for a higher amount. Additionally, state law states that if a person is injured in an auto accident and accrued $1,000 or more in medical bills as a result, they can sue the at-fault driver for compensation. If the accident led to a serious injury, such as lasting disfigurement, the loss of a limb, or a fractured bone, the injured victim could also transcend the no-fault system to sue the drunk driver.
Filing a claim after drunk driving car accidents in Covington is rarely a straightforward matter. Our experienced lawyers are here to help.
A seasoned member of our legal team could evaluate the evidence surrounding the accident and collect police reports, photos, video footage, witness statements, medical bills, and other supporting documentation to build a complete case for damages. We could also negotiate for the maximum settlement or court award that may be owed to you. To speak with a knowledgeable attorney about your options, call our office today and set up your free case evaluation.