In Lexington, Kentucky
Drunk drivers can and should be held accountable for the harm they cause. Take action today. Contact us now to learn more about dealing with insurers, establishing liability, and recovering compensation.
Liability, Damages, and Next Steps
Drunk driving accidents can shatter lives in an instant. In Kentucky, as elsewhere, the victims of these crashes often face serious injuries, emotional trauma, and overwhelming financial burdens.
If that’s you, an experienced Ashland drunk driving accident lawyer can help navigate the complex legal process, hold negligent drivers accountable, and recover the compensation you deserve. Whether you were hurt in a crash caused by an impaired driver or lost a loved one, understanding your legal rights is an essential step toward justice.
That’s where the experienced drunk driving attorneys at Peterson Law Office can help.
Despite tough state laws, drunk driving continues to be a major issue across Kentucky.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that substance-impaired driving accounts for nearly one-third of all fatal crashes in the US each year. Here in Ashland and surrounding Boyd County, law enforcement continues to combat DUI-related accidents that leave victims with lifelong injuries and families grieving from unimaginable losses.
Part of what makes drunk driving accidents, so devastating is that they’re completely preventable.
Every driver knows the risks of getting behind the wheel after drinking, yet many still make that reckless choice. Victims of these crashes should never bear the cost of someone else’s negligence.
Early in 2025, one of these crashes occurred on U.S. Route 60 near downtown Ashland when a driver under the influence of alcohol veered over the center line and hit another vehicle head-on. The accident injured two local residents and sent one to the hospital with severe leg and spinal injuries. Police arrested the intoxicated driver at the scene, charging them with DUI and first-degree assault.
This tragedy speaks to the importance of taking legal action to deter this kind of behavior and protect victims. For those injured in similar crashes, an attorney can help ensure that justice is pursued both criminally and civilly.
Drunk driving collisions often happen at high speeds or involve head-on impacts, leading to severe injuries. Victims suffer from broken bones, spinal cord damage, internal bleeding, or traumatic brain injuries.
Even less visible injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, can affect victims for years.
Long-term medical care, physical therapy, and emotional counseling are often needed. An Ashland drunk driving accident attorney can work with doctors and financial experts to estimate future care costs and ensure the settlement reflects the full impact of the injuries.
Beyond physical injuries, victims often experience lasting emotional trauma. Anxiety, depression, and fear of driving again are common responses. Families may struggle with anger or guilt, especially in cases of severe injury or loss.
Attorneys who handle these cases understand the emotional side of recovery and can connect victims with counseling and community support services. Emotional healing is just as important as physical recovery, and as a victim, you should never have to face it alone.
The moments immediately following a drunk driving crash are chaotic, but taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights.
The sooner you get an attorney involved, the stronger your case will be. Evidence like surveillance footage or breathalyzer data can disappear quickly, so acting fast ensures it’s preserved.
After a drunk driving crash, victims often face a long recovery filled with medical bills, missed work, and emotional distress. An Ashland drunk driving accident lawyer provides vital support by handling every aspect of the legal process while you focus on healing.
An attorney can:
Unlike standard car accident claims, drunk driving cases can involve both civil and criminal proceedings. While criminal charges focus on punishing the offender, the civil case is designed to help victims recover compensation for their losses.
Kentucky’s impaired driving laws make it illegal to operate a vehicle if you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, a driver can still be held liable even if their BAC is slightly below this limit if alcohol impaired their ability to drive safely.
Liability in a drunk driving crash may extend beyond the impaired driver. For instance, a bar or restaurant that overserved alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person could be held responsible under Kentucky’s dram shop laws. An experienced lawyer will investigate all potential sources of liability to maximize the victim’s recovery.
Victims of drunk driving crashes may have a right to financial compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
In some cases, victims can pursue punitive damages as well. These are awarded in addition to regular compensation and are meant to punish especially reckless behavior, such as driving while heavily intoxicated.
Sadly, not all victims survive drunk driving accidents. Families who lose a loved one can file a wrongful death claim against the offending driver. These claims can cover funeral expenses, lost income, loss of companionship, and other losses, both emotional and financial.
While no amount of money can replace a loved one, holding the responsible party accountable can bring a sense of justice and help prevent future tragedies. A compassionate Ashland attorney can guide families through this process with sensitivity and care.
Insurance adjusters may seem sympathetic at first, but their goal is often to minimize payouts.
They might offer quick settlements that fail to cover long-term expenses or pressure victims to make recorded statements that could later be used against them.
Your attorney will deal directly with the insurer, negotiate, and ensure your rights are protected. With a lawyer managing the details, you can avoid mistakes that might weaken your claim.
Hiring a lawyer familiar with Ashland and Boyd County courts can make a major difference in your case. Local attorneys understand how regional judges, juries, and insurance adjusters handle DUI-related claims. They also know local law enforcement procedures and may have prior experience working with accident investigators in the area.
A local attorney can also provide the personalized attention that large, statewide firms often can’t. You’ll have direct communication, regular updates, and an advocate who genuinely cares about your recovery.
A drunk driving accident doesn't have to define the rest of your life. If you've been hurt, the time to take action is now. Contact Peterson Law Office today to schedule your free consultation.
Once you hire an attorney, they’ll start gathering evidence to build a strong case. They’ll review police reports, toxicology results, and any available video footage. They may also work with accident reconstruction specialists to show how the driver’s intoxication caused the crash.
If a fair settlement can’t be reached through negotiation, your attorney may file a lawsuit in Boyd County Circuit Court. Although most cases settle before trial, being prepared for litigation ensures you have leverage during discussions.
In addition to your civil claim, the drunk driver will likely face criminal charges. While the criminal case focuses on penalties such as jail time, fines, or license suspension, your civil claim is independent and focused on compensation.
Your attorney can use evidence from the criminal case, such as a guilty plea or conviction, to strengthen your civil claim.
Drunk driving is a community problem, and its prevention requires collective effort. Local organizations in Ashland, like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and local law enforcement agencies, continue to promote awareness and education. Designated driver programs, rideshare services, and public safety campaigns all play a role in reducing DUI-related incidents.
By taking legal action, you also help foster future deterrence. Each successful claim sends a message that drunk driving will not go unpunished, reinforcing accountability across the community.
Drunk driving accidents cause unnecessary pain and suffering across communities like Ashland.
By holding negligent drivers accountable and seeking maximum compensation, you not only rebuild your life but also help make Kentucky roads safer for everyone.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a drunk driving accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath on your own. At Peterson Law Office, our experienced lawyers can help you pursue justice, negotiate with insurers, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Time is limited, so contact us today to schedule a free consultation and begin rebuilding your life.
Lexington • Richmond • Winchester • Georgetown • Mt. Sterling • Somerset • London • Danville
If you have any questions about a potential personal injury claim, call us or fill out the form below to schedule a free, confidential case consultation.
(859) 469-6390
