Lexington Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys
Fighting for the Rights of Injured Victims Since 1982
Drunk driving accidents are a serious and growing problem in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an average of one person is killed in an alcohol-related crash every 31 minutes(1). An average of one person is injured in an alcohol-related crash every 120 seconds(2). These statistics are alarming, especially when you consider that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in three people will be involved in a crash with a drunk driver at least once during their lifetime(3).
At The Rick Hall Law Firm, LLC, we understand the devastation that a drunk driving accident can cause, and we know how to help. We have the resources to take on the insurance companies that are responsible for paying the injured victim's medical bills and other damages. If you or someone you love has been injured in a drunk driving accident, you need to know your legal rights. Our Lexington drunk driving accident attorneys are here to help you. We can provide you with the information you need to take the next steps and protect your interests.
To schedule a consultation, call (803) 590-9900 or contact us online.
Common Causes of Drunk Driving Accidents
When people drink and drive, drunk driving accidents can happen. This is due to a variety of reasons, including:
Impaired Judgment: Alcohol and drugs can impair a person's judgment, leading them to make reckless decisions while driving, such as speeding, tailgating, or ignoring traffic signals.
Reduced Reaction Time: Intoxication slows down a driver's reaction time, making it difficult to respond promptly to unexpected situations on the road, such as sudden stops or swerving vehicles.
Decreased Coordination: Alcohol and drugs can affect a driver's physical coordination, making it challenging to maintain proper control of the vehicle, steer accurately, and maintain lane discipline.
Blurred Vision: Impaired vision can result from intoxication, affecting a driver's ability to see clearly and judge distances accurately, increasing the risk of collisions.
Drowsiness: Alcohol and certain drugs can induce drowsiness or fatigue, leading to inattentiveness and the potential for falling asleep at the wheel.
Overconfidence: Some individuals under the influence may become overconfident in their driving abilities, taking unnecessary risks and engaging in dangerous behaviors.
Inability to Concentrate: Alcohol and drugs can hinder a driver's ability to focus on the road and maintain attention to their surroundings, making it easier to miss critical cues.
Reduced Peripheral Vision: Intoxication may reduce a driver's peripheral vision, making it challenging to spot pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles in their blind spots.
Impaired Judgment of Speed and Distance: Alcohol and drugs can distort a driver's perception of speed and distance, making it difficult to gauge safe following distances or make accurate judgments when changing lanes or passing.
To prevent drunk driving accidents, it's crucial for individuals to avoid driving under the influence and for society to promote responsible alcohol consumption, enforce strict DUI laws, and educate the public about the dangers of impaired driving. Additionally, using designated drivers, public transportation, or rideshare services when drinking is advisable to ensure everyone's safety on the road.
Understanding the Consequences of Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents can have devastating consequences for both the victims and the individuals responsible for causing the accident. At The Rick Hall Law Firm, LLC, our experienced Lexington drunk driving accident attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured victims and holding drunk drivers accountable for their actions.
Here are some important facts to understand about drunk driving accidents:
- Severe Injuries: Drunk driving accidents often result in serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and even fatalities.
- Legal Consequences: In addition to facing civil lawsuits, drunk drivers may also face criminal charges, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
- Insurance Coverage: Victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance company to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, victims may also be eligible to receive punitive damages, which are meant to punish the drunk driver for their reckless behavior.
By working with our experienced Lexington drunk driving accident attorneys, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case.
What Should I Do After a Drunk Driving Accident?
After a drunk driving accident, you will want to do everything you can to protect your rights and interests. While you may be dealing with injuries, property damage, and other consequences, you will want to take action right away. If you do not, you could lose valuable legal rights that may be difficult to reclaim later on.
After a drunk driving accident, you should:
- Call the police and request an accident report
- Seek medical treatment
- Contact your insurance company
- Contact an attorney
If the insurance company calls you after a drunk driving accident. They will want to know what happened, how you were injured, and if you plan to file a claim. Do not tell them anything. Simply tell them you need time to talk to an attorney. Once you have a lawyer on your side, you can follow their advice to ensure the insurance company does not take advantage of you. If you tell the insurance company too much, you could accidentally give them ammunition against you.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Drunk Driving Accident?
You may be entitled to compensation after a drunk driving accident. You may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Loss of household services
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
You will want to work with an attorney to calculate the exact amount of your damages. In some cases, you may be able to recover punitive damages. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate you for your losses but to punish the person responsible for causing the accident. Punitive damages are meant to punish drunk drivers for their reckless behavior and to deter others from driving drunk.
How Can a Lexington Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Help Me?
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, you are likely facing substantial injuries, the loss of a loved one, mounting medical bills, and the consequential loss of wages. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed as if you have nowhere to seek solace.
The Rick Hall Law Firm, LLC is aware of the impact that drunk driving accidents can have on individuals and their loved ones. We are equipped with the necessary resources to tackle insurance companies and ensure that they are accountable for covering medical bills and other damages incurred by the victim. It is crucial to understand your legal rights if you or a loved one has been a victim of a drunk driving accident. Our team of Lexington attorneys is available to assist you in obtaining the necessary information and taking the appropriate steps to safeguard your interests.
To book a consultation, give us a ring at (803) 590-9900 or reach out to us via our online contact form.
Our Settlements & Verdicts
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$277,704 Poor Workmanship, Arbitration Award
The homeowner was left to deal with serious construction defects due to the builder's poor workmanship.
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$550,000 Neck Injury
The client suffered severe neck injury due to a rear-end collision.
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$550,000 Negligently Performed Hip Operation
The client suffered as a result of a negligently performed hip operation.
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$2,000,000 Wrongful Death
Wrongful death and survival action in which our client’s husband was killed after being struck by a tractor that had just collided with a wide load.
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$1,000,000 Defective Product
The plaintiff and her two children, causing severe burns which resulted in extensive burn treatment, including skin grafts.
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$550,000 Severe Burn
The plaintiff was struck in the neck by a shell fired from a defective Sixteen Shot Super Stallion causing severe burn injuries to neck that required multiple surgeries.
Hear It From Our Clients
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"He's the best!"Mr. Rick Hall is a wonderful lawyer. He goes above and beyond for all his clients. He makes sure his clients get justice for their case. He asks questions and cares about his clients.Rachael W.
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"I wasn't just another case to him"I want to thank Mr. Hall and everyone in his office that helped me with my case. They are the most courteous and professional group I can recall working with when I needed help.Tripp R.
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"Rick is second to none"Rick is a tireless advocate for his clients. He does the hard work to make sure his clients get full value for their case. Rick is second to none.Brian M.
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"He takes your case personally"Rick Hall represented my family in a case that involved the wrongful death of our mother. I can tell you, from my heart, that this man and his staff care deeply.Vivian G.
