Car accidents are always stressful and uninvited events, however, at times they are unavoidable no matter how alert you are. Furthermore, when you or a loved one is hit by a drunken driver, the trauma and loss is oftentimes much more devastating. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence the following statistics of being involved in a drunk driving accident in a lifetime are:
- 32 percent of fatal car crashes involved a pedestrian or driver under the influence.
- Over 3,952 fatal car accidents have drivers that tested positive for drugs.
- Car accidents are the number one cause of death in teens due to underage drinking.
- Two in three people will die due to a drunk driving accident.
Although there are many public awareness campaigns toward warning teens and all drivers of the dangers of driving while impaired, sadly the number of car crashes related to such circumstances continue to increase.
What Are My Rights?
After being involved in a car crash resulting from a drunk driver, your mental and physical health will take a tremendous hit. Therefore, when you or a loved one is involved in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, you may need many medical interventions to repair the damage. Furthermore, after the car crash, the litigation process will begin, and the negligent driver may face criminal felony charges for driving while intoxicated while the injured party will have a right to compensation. Such compensation can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, and funeral expenses if needed.
What Happens After the Accident?
The first thing that must happen after a car accident is to gather all related information. Likewise, having a full investigation conducted will ensure that the negligent party is held accountable for his or her actions. Furthermore, it is important to find witnesses to the car crash if possible to report if the other driver was speeding, driving erratically, or swerving prior to the accident.
Therefore, it is imperative to hire a skilled Kansas City car accident attorney to help you navigate through the litigation process. They will make sure a full investigation is conducted, and the negligent party is held accountable. Additionally, they will order a copy of the police report, and help you recover from your traumatic experience. It pays to have a knowledgeable team of attorneys on your side following a car crash with a drunk driver to manage all the complexities of the litigation process.
The experienced car accident lawyers at Klenofsky & Steward, LLC have handled countless drunk driving cases and can help you. We will vehemently fight on your behalf, and make sure you receive the fair financial compensation you deserve. Please contact us today for a free consultation.
