Were You Hit By a Drunk Driver?

Were You Hit By a Drunk Driver?

By Pyle Law, Reviewed by E. Thomas Pyle April 14 2021 10:33 pm

Drunk drivers are still on the roads in Kansas. If you suffered injuries in a crash caused by a reckless impaired driver, it is important to stand up for your rights. Contact a Kansas car accident attorney for the help you need.

The latest figures from the Kansas Highway Patrol indicate that about 16,000 people die due to drunk driving crashes each year across the United States. This is more than one-third of the total 42,000 road fatalities that occur. That means drunk drivers kill one American every 33 minutes and injure another one every two minutes.

Impaired driving is completely preventable, and anyone who injures someone else because they made this choice should be held fully accountable. Contact an experienced Kansas car accident attorney as soon as possible if you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a drunk driving crash. 

Damages You Can Recover After a Drunk Driving Accident

When you seek damages from a drunk driver, you need to know how much you are entitled to under the law. In many cases, you can seek compensation for some or all of the following: 

1. Medical costs
2. Medical equipment
3. Lost income
4. Bodily pain and suffering
5. Psychological pain and suffering
6. Scars and disfigurement
7. Permanent disability and impairment
8. Future earning losses 
9. Prolonged medical care

Some people also might obtain punitive damages against a drunk driver due to their egregious conduct.

Each case is different, and the value of drunk driving accident claims can vary widely. We consider the following when calculating your compensation:

1. The nature and severity of your injuries 
2. The type of medical treatment you underwent or are undergoing 
3. If you suffered long-term or short-term injuries 
4. If you had other prior medical conditions 
5. How the injury impact or will impact your daily life
6. Who was at fault in the accident
7. The available insurance coverage
8. Availability of witnesses and evidence
9. Whether the drunk driver was convicted of one or more criminal offenses

Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident

So, what should you do if you are involved in a drunk driving accident? It’s critical to take the following steps when possible:

1. Call 911  – Call the police so they can report to the scene and, hopefully, arrest the drunk driver. You can also benefit from emergency medical care at the scene.
2. Don’t leave the accident scene – Remain at the accident scene until the police arrive. Meanwhile, record everything you can remember about the accident. Also, talk to potential witnesses at the site (if any) and take their contact information. You can take videos of the accident site if you are physically able. 
3. Get immediate medical attention – Get medical attention immediately after clearing with the police. This helps you recover faster and concretize your case and insurance claim.
4. Call a car accident attorney – As soon as you are physically able, contact a car accident lawyer in Kansas to discuss a possible claim.

Consult with a Kansas Car Accident Attorney Right Away

Drunk drivers still hit innocent victims in Kansas and disrupt their lives. If you are an injured survivor, you can ensure that you obtain fair compensation by contacting Pyle Law online or calling 620-374-9299. Our firm offers free case evaluations with a Kansas car accident attorney who can advise you of your rights under the law. Reach out today.