It’s no secret that drunk driving is dangerous and puts everyone sharing the road at risk.
But despite efforts that go back decades to address the issue of drinking and driving, these types of preventable car accidents continue to plague Kansas roads and highways.
Here’s what drivers in Kansas need to know.
Driving drunk can have fatal consequences
Recently, several local news stories illustrated the deadly impact of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Here are details of some of the crashes involving DUI negligence.
Deadly two-car crash in Wichita
A driver was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide, drunk driving, reckless driving, and other charges after he allegedly rear-ended a car. The driver who was rear-ended died, and two passengers in the vehicle were treated for serious injuries, according to a KSN.com story.
Fatal DUI crash near downtown Wichita
A 33-year-old man was arrested and initially charged with aggravated battery, driving under the influence, and no proof of insurance after he rear-ended an 80-year-old Wichita woman. The collision caused the woman’s vehicle to strike the curb and a tree, and she was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash. According to KWCH, the investigation is ongoing, and the case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.
Motorcyclist charged with drunk driving
Police say a motorcyclist was drunk when he failed to yield to an emergency vehicle and crashed into an SUV. The rider sustained potentially serious injuries after the crash, which caused the motorcycle to catch fire. Police charged him with DUI, according to KWCH.
What should you do if you get hit by a drunk driver?
Across the United States, thousands of people die because of the reckless actions of drunk drivers.
In Kansas, 88 people died in 2018 due to drinking and driving, according to responsibility.org. These are all tragedies that could have been prevented.
Unfortunately, victims who face serious injuries and families mourning the death of a loved one don’t always get justice. Crashes caused by drunk drivers can be complicated for a number of reasons, including but not limited to:
- The driver might deny being intoxicated.
- The drunk driver challenges breathalyzer results.
- The drunk driver’s blood sample is stored improperly, which could mean there’s no proof of DUI.
- The driver’s insurance company argues you were somehow at fault for the crash.
- The insurance company denies the claim or makes a “lowball” settlement offer.
The complex legal issues surrounding your accident can quickly become frustrating and time-consuming, even though you should be focused on recovering and putting your life back together. The last thing you need is to deal with stubborn insurance companies and the seemingly endless red tape associated with a serious accident.
An attorney can help you hold them accountable
If you were injured or a loved one died in a crash caused by a drunk driver, you have the right to pursue financial compensation for your losses through the civil justice system.
Keep in mind that any criminal charges the driver faces from the State of Kansas in connection to the crash are separate from your case, which means you can still seek damages from the at-fault driver even if they’re acquitted or charges against them are dropped.
Again, claims involving drunk drivers can be very difficult to manage without the help of an attorney who knows what legal standards apply to your case and how to aggressively advocate for your best interests.
At Bretz Injury Law, you can count on our experience and compassion to guide you down the right path.
Attorney Matthew L. Bretz serves on the National Board of Directors for MADD and has represented numerous victims of drunk driving over the years. He is committed to making drunk drivers answer for their actions, and by doing so, send a message that this type of reckless behavior will not be tolerated on our roads.
When you meet with us, we will listen to you and help you explore all of your options. Our goal is to maximize compensation, and when we represent clients, we always fight for the best possible outcome. We also take car accident cases on contingency, which means there’s no upfront money to hire us and you pay no fees unless we win your case.
Contact us in Kansas today for a free consultation to see how a passionate and experienced drunk driving accident lawyer can help you.
