Distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents in the United States, resulting in an estimated 920,000 accidents and 280,000 injuries nationwide, according to the NHTSA. Reckless or aggressive drivers cause nearly 2,000 injuries yearly, according to AAA. Intoxicated drivers, whether impaired by drugs or alcohol, caused 6,879 accidents in Kentucky alone in 2020, with drivers impaired by alcohol causing nearly 2,700 injuries. 33,686 people were injured on Kentucky’s roadways in 2019, followed by 29,058 in 2020. Too many accidents are due to drivers’ blatant negligence. The injuries caused by these negligent drivers can be devastating to their victims, potentially leading to long-term medical care, extensive medical bills, loss of income, reduced earning capacity, and an incredible amount of stress on themselves and their families.

When a negligent driver’s actions cause a car accident resulting in serious injuries, the victim may file a claim if there are at least $1,000 in medical bills or the accident resulted in specific damages. These damages include permanent injury, loss of a bodily function, a compound, compressed, or displaced fracture, or the fracture of a weight bearing bone. If any of these occur, the victim could receive compensation to assist in the financial strain of their injuries. Similar to many other personal injury lawsuits, the case must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. There are multiple types of compensation that could be paid, including economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Economic damages typically include medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and other monetary losses. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, lost quality of life, emotional distress, and inconvenience due to the injury. Punitive damages are intended to punish the actions of the at-fault driver.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident, it’s important to find an experienced lawyer who will fight for the compensation you deserve. At Colyer Law Firm, we know how devastating the injuries after an accident can be and the effect they can have on daily life. Our team will walk you through the process and offer complete transparency about your options and possible compensation. Contact us for a free consultation today.