Suspected Louisville Drunk Driver Injured Sends Police Officer to Hospital
A serious DUI crash in downtown Louisville early Friday morning has once again shown how dangerous drunk driving can be on Louisville’s city streets. According to local news reports, the terrible crash happened just before 3:30 a.m. at the intersection of Second Street and West Market Street on Friday, December 5. An LMPD First Division officer was responding to a call for backup regarding a possible break-in when the accident occurred. The officer was driving a marked cruiser with lights and sirens activated when he entered the intersection. At that moment, another driver crashed into the police vehicle, causing damage to both cars and a nearby utility pole. First responders took both the officer and the other driver to the hospital. Thankfully, both are expected to recover. LMPD later confirmed that the officer was released from the hospital and is now recovering at home. The other driver, a 32-year-old male, has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence. According to his arrest citation, police detected a strong smell of alcohol, found empty and partially filled whiskey bottles in his vehicle, and learned Lewis had consumed multiple drinks before the crash. It remains to be seen what will happen in the case, and whether the suspect DUI driver will be ultimately convicted of any of the charges he faces.
Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Louisville and Your Rights Under Kentucky Laws
The frightening accident involving the LMPD officer reflects a situation that many Louisville residents face every day they hit the road: dangerous drunk drivers. Drunk driving accidents are unfortunately not uncommon in Louisville, and Louisville drunk driving accident victims often experience serious injuries, long-term medical needs, and financial hardship. When someone is hit by a drunk driver, they may wonder what their legal rights are and how to hold the impaired driver accountable.
Under Kentucky laws victims of drunk driving crashes have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries. This may include payment for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, future medical care, and property damage. Because drunk driving shows a disregard for the safety of others, victims may sometimes be eligible for punitive damages as well. These damages are intended to punish reckless behavior and discourage drivers from making the same dangerous choices. However, dealing with a DUI accident claim is not always simple. Insurance companies often try to limit payouts, even when the other driver was clearly impaired and at-fault. Adjusters may question the severity of your injuries or argue that you are partly at fault. This is why having an experienced Louisville drunk driving accident lawyer on your side can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.
How an Experienced Louisville Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
The truth is that drunk driving accidents can change lives in seconds. If you were injured by a drunk and dangerous driver in Louisville, you do not have to face the legal process alone. An experienced Louisville drunk driving accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, protect your claim, and pursue the compensation you need to move forward after the crash. If you or a loved one were injured in a drunk driving accident in Louisville, contact the experienced Louisville drunk driving car accident lawyers at Haney Law, PLLC. Contact Haney Law, PLLC today and speak with a lawyer about your rights, options, and next steps now.
Source:
whas11.com/article/news/local/officer-freed-car-crash-downtown-louisville/417-cf319188-3a64-478f-8b1b-f825db0355fe