Kansas City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Kansas City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

At Fincher Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, our Kansas City drunk driving accident lawyer helps victims of car crashes. Drunk driving causes many traffic fatalities in Kansas City each year. Alcohol-related crashes happen too often on our roads. Our seasoned attorney fights for accident victims who suffer because of drunk drivers.

We are personal injury attorneys who work hard for our injured clients. Our legal team seeks maximum compensation for people hurt by intoxicated drivers. We ensure negligent parties answer for their actions.

Our Kansas City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Fights for Victims

Our experienced car accident lawyer aggressively represents drunk driving accident victims in Kansas City. Our proven track record of success in winning cases ensures that clients receive the highest possible compensation. Our personal injury attorney offers compassionate support during difficult times, understanding how a car crash can profoundly affect lives.

We act quickly, gathering evidence from the accident scene and talking to witnesses to build a solid case. Our legal team knows how to counter insurance companies' tactics to reduce payouts. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe no legal fees unless we secure compensation for you. Let our Kansas City attorneys protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve following a drunk driving accident.

After a drunk driving accident, count on our Kansas City legal team to defend your rights and win the compensation you deserve.

The Devastating Consequences of Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving leads to devastating crashes, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. These accidents harm innocent road users who are going about their daily lives. The effect of these crashes is usually much worse than that of normal Kansas City car accidents.

Right after a drunk driving accident, victims need emergency medical care. Many people go to the hospital in ambulances. They often need surgery and long hospital stays. Medical bills can be extremely high following a drunk driving accident.

Long-term medical care becomes necessary for many victims. Physical therapy may last for months or years. Some individuals require ongoing medical care for the remainder of their lives. This results in significant financial losses for families.

Drunk driving accidents cause many types of injuries. Some are minor, but many are life-changing. Understanding these common injuries helps victims know what to expect.

Common Injuries in Kansas City Drunk Driving Accident Cases

In drunk driving accidents, brain and spinal cord injuries are frequent. These serious injuries can cause permanent problems. Some people can no longer think clearly. Others become paralyzed and need help with daily tasks. These internal injuries often require lifelong medical care.

Broken bones and internal injuries often happen in these crashes. Drunk drivers hit other cars very hard. This breaks ribs, arms, legs, and other bones. These physical injuries often require surgery and lengthy recovery times. Some people may require multiple operations to repair the damage.

Cuts, burns, and soft tissue injuries may seem small, but they can cause big problems. These wounds can leave permanent scars. They often cause lasting pain long after the accident. Even minor injuries can substantially impact daily functioning and work productivity.

Victims should:

  • Seek medical attention immediately after the crash
  • Understand the repercussions of a possible license suspension for a drunk driver
  • consider pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain

Mental health conditions are also recognized as legitimate injuries in personal injury claims. Many victims are scared to drive again. They may have nightmares about the accident. Mental anguish and depression are common after drunk driving accidents.

The Financial and Emotional Toll on Accident Victims

Medical bills start piling up right after the accident. Emergency room visits cost thousands of dollars. Ambulance rides and hospital stays add more costs. Many people lack sufficient savings to cover these bills.

Long-term costs keep growing over time. Physical therapy sessions cost money each week. Prescription drugs are expensive. These ongoing medical expenses can last for years. The total cost often reaches hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Families suffer emotionally when someone gets injured. Spouses and children often worry about their loved ones. They are also stressed about paying the medical bills. Lost wages make money problems worse.

Kansas Laws Regarding Drunk Driving Accident Claims

Kansas has clear laws about drunk driving and personal injury claims. These laws protect victims who get hurt by drunk drivers. Our state takes drunk driving seriously. The legal process provides victims with avenues to seek compensation from the at-fault driver.

The legal blood alcohol limit in Kansas is 0.08% for most drivers. Commercial drivers have a lower limit. When someone drives over these limits and causes injury, they break the law. This makes it easier to prove they were wrong in causing the accident.

Kansas allows punitive damages in drunk driving cases. These extra money payments are intended to punish the drunk driver and deter similar conduct. Regular damages pay for medical bills and lost wages. Punitive damages show that drunk driving is very wrong.

Bars and restaurants can be responsible, too, under Kansas law. If they serve too much alcohol to someone who then drives, they may have to pay damages. This provides victims with additional options for obtaining compensation for their injuries.

Proving Liability in Kansas City Drunk Driving Crash Cases

Proving fault in drunk driving cases requires showing the driver was drunk and caused the crash. Our legal team collects evidence to prove both things. We use police reports, witness statements, and expert opinions. Medical records help show how bad your injuries are.

When police charge someone with DUI, it significantly helps your civil case. The criminal charges show the driver was drunk. This makes it much easier to win your personal injury lawsuit. Our competent attorney knows how to use criminal cases to help civil cases.

Expert witnesses help explain what happened in the accident. Accident reconstruction specialists study the crash. They can show how fast each car was going. They also prove which driver caused the crash.

Comparative Negligence Rules in Kansas

Kansas has a rule that allows victims to receive compensation even if they made minor mistakes. This is called comparative negligence. You can still get compensation even if you're found to be less than 50% at fault. Just keep in mind that your damages will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

Courts look at everything that caused the accident. They give each driver a percentage of fault. The drunk driver usually gets most of the blame. Victims might get a small percentage if they were speeding or made other mistakes.

If a drunk driver runs a red light and hits you while you are speeding, the court might say you are 20% at fault. The drunk driver would be 80% at fault. You would get 80% of your total damages under Kansas law.

Building a Strong Drunk Driving Accident Case

Why You Need a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Kansas City

Getting a lawyer fast after your accident is very important. Evidence can disappear fast. Witnesses forget what they saw. Our Kansas City drunk driving accident lawyer starts working right away. We visit the accident scene and take pictures.

We have a plan for collecting evidence in every case. Our team speaks with all witnesses while they are still able to recall the details clearly. We get copies of all police reports and medical records. We work with experts who can provide an explanation of what happened.

Our knowledgeable attorney looks for every way to get you money. The drunk driver’s insurance coverage may be insufficient to fully compensate you. We check if your own insurance can help. Sometimes bars or restaurants are also responsible. Finding all liable parties helps you get full compensation for your injuries.

We document every way the accident hurt you and your family. This includes medical bills and lost wages. We also calculate pain and suffering damages. Future medical costs are important, too.

Critical Evidence in Auto Accident Investigations

Physical evidence from the scene of the accident tells the story of what occurred. This includes damage to both cars. Skid marks on the road show how fast cars were going. Broken glass and car parts show the impact point.

Video cameras often record accidents as they happen. Traffic cameras, business security cameras, and dash cameras can all help. Cell phone records show that the drunk driver was texting. Modern cars have computers that record speed and braking.

Witness statements give essential details about the accident. People who witnessed the incident can tell us what each driver was doing at the time. They may observe signs of intoxication prior to the collision. Our legal representatives get written statements from all witnesses.

Police Reports and BAC Test Results

Police reports document what officers saw at the accident scene. They write down if the drivers seemed drunk or acted strangely. The report includes the officer's opinion about who caused the crash. These official documents are very critical for your insurance claim and personal injury lawsuit.

Blood alcohol tests prove exactly how drunk the driver was. Field sobriety tests show if they can walk and think clearly. These test results are objective pieces of evidence that strongly support your claim. They provide clear proof that the driver was breaking the law when they hit you.

Official records from the police investigation include photos and measurements. They also have contact information for all witnesses. Our legal team gets copies of all these records. We use them to build a strong case on your behalf.

Compensation Available for Drunk Driving Accident Victims

Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident in Kansas City

Drunk driving accident victims can get money for many different losses. The compensation covers both monetary losses and personal suffering. Kansas law recognizes that these accidents cause terrible harm to innocent people. Victims deserve to be paid back for everything they lost.

Economic damages pay for all your monetary losses from the accident:

  • All medical expenses from the hospital, doctors, and therapy
  • Lost wages from missing work while you recover
  • Property damage to your car and belongings
  • Future medical costs for ongoing treatment

Non-economic damages pay for your personal suffering that cannot be measured in dollars. This encompasses the pain and suffering resulting from your injuries. It also covers mental anguish and depression. Loss of life enjoyment is included when you cannot do things you used to love.

Punitive damages are extra money designed to punish drunk drivers. Kansas allows these damages because drunk driving is considered a form of gross negligence. The drunk driver chose to put everyone at risk. Punitive damages send a message that this behavior will not be accepted.

Surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims when a drunk driving accident results in a fatality. These claims help cover funeral costs and compensate for lost future income. They also compensate for the loss of love and companionship.

Why Drunk Driving Accident Cases Are Different

Criminal charges against the drunk driver make civil cases more complex. Police arrested the driver for breaking the law. At the same time, victims file personal injury claims for monetary damages. Our reliable attorney knows how to handle both types of cases.

Drunk driving cases often result in higher compensation than regular car accidents. This happens because the evidence of wrongdoing is very clear. Juries do not like drunk drivers and often award large damages. Insurance companies are aware of this and are more likely to pay fair settlements.

Insurance problems often happen in drunk driving cases. The drunk driver's policy may not have enough coverage for your damages. Our legal team explores all available insurance options to maximize potential compensation. Your own underinsured motorist coverage may apply.

Public opinion strongly opposes drunk driving. This creates pressure for fair settlements. Juries tend to give large awards to victims. Insurance companies consider this when deciding whether to settle or go to trial.

The Statute of Limitations for Drunk Driving Accidents

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Kansas City Drunk Driving Accident_

Kansas allows a period of two years to initiate a personal injury lawsuit following a drunk driving incident. This deadline is strict and cannot be extended in most car accident cases. Failing to meet this deadline will result in the loss of your legal right to seek compensation.

Certain special situations may alter the filing deadline. If the victim was a minor, the clock might start later. When injuries are not discovered immediately, the deadline may be extended.

Getting legal help right after your accident protects all your rights. Early action preserves evidence and witnesses. It also ensures all deadlines are met properly. Do not wait to contact our Kansas City law office.

FAQs

How Long Do I Have to File a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?

Kansas gives you two years for lawsuits, but insurance claims need to be filed within 30 days of the auto accident.

Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Am Partially at Fault?

Yes, Kansas law allows you to receive compensation if you were less than 50% responsible for the DUI accident.

What if the Drunk Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

Your uninsured motorist coverage may help; alternatively, we can pursue other responsible parties, such as bars that serve alcohol.

How Much Is My Drunk Driving Accident Case Worth?

Case value depends on factors such as your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and the specific circumstances of your Kansas City drunk driving accident.

Will I Have to Go to Court?

Most personal injury claims are settled without trial; however, we prepare every case for the court to achieve the best possible results.

How Long Will My Case Take?

Simple cases may resolve in months, while complex cases with severe injuries often take one to two years.

Contact Our Kansas City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today

Contact Our Kansas City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Evidence often disappears quickly after accidents, making time a crucial factor in the investigation. Witness memories fade, and physical evidence gets cleaned up. Kansas also has strict deadlines for filing claims. Quick action protects your rights and helps get you maximum compensation.

We offer a free consultation to discuss your case with no cost or obligation. Our Kansas City drunk driving accident lawyer will explain your legal options clearly. We fight for full compensation while giving you personal attention during this difficult time.

Contact our law office today to schedule your free case evaluation. We are available 24/7 to help with urgent cases. Call us now to begin protecting your rights and building a strong case for full compensation.

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