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Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
Drunk Driver Auto Injury Law Firm in Covington, KY & Cincinnati, OH
Drunk driving accidents can change lives in an instant, leaving victims with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional trauma. These crashes are entirely preventable, yet they continue to cause harm on roads throughout Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, you deserve justice.
At The Lawrence Firm (TLF), we understand the challenges victims face after a DUI-related crash. With offices in Cincinnati, OH, and Covington, KY, our dedicated legal team fights for the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain you have endured. Holding negligent drivers accountable is not just about securing financial recovery—it’s about protecting your future. Give us a call toll-free at (800) 698-4054 or reach out online to discuss your case with an experienced Ohio or Kentucky car accident lawyer today.
The Impact of Drunk Driving Crashes
Drunk driving victims often suffer severe injuries, some of which can be life-altering or even fatal. This includes catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal damage, and more.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from high-impact crashes can cause memory loss, cognitive impairment, and permanent disabilities.
- Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries may lead to paralysis, chronic pain, and loss of mobility, often requiring long-term rehabilitation.
- Broken bones, including fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis, frequently require surgery and extensive recovery.
- Internal organ damage from blunt force trauma can result in punctured lungs, liver damage, or internal bleeding, posing life-threatening risks.
In the worst cases, deadly accidents can leave families grieving a sudden loss while facing medical bills, funeral costs, and financial uncertainty. In 2022 alone, Ohio saw 531 drunk driving fatalities, while Kentucky reported 190 deaths, reflecting a rising trend in alcohol-related crashes. Victims and their families may have legal options to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim for these devastating losses.
Drunk Driving Laws in Ohio and Kentucky
In both Ohio and Kentucky, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% for drivers aged 21 and older. This means that if a driver’s BAC reaches or exceeds this level, they are considered legally impaired and can face DUI charges. Commercial drivers, such as those operating trucks or buses, are held to a stricter standard with a 0.04% blood alcohol content limit, reflecting the increased responsibility and risk associated with operating large vehicles. Additionally, both states enforce zero tolerance laws for drivers under 21, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol in the driver’s system can result in penalties. These laws are in place to reduce the dangers of impaired driving and protect everyone on the road.
In Ohio and Kentucky, legal intoxication while driving carries serious penalties, including significant jail time and fines. These criminal penalties are separate from civil liability in personal injury lawsuits. However, if a driver who is legally intoxicated causes an accident, their blood test results and DUI/OVI conviction can serve as strong evidence of negligence.
Victims of drunk driving crashes may pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, holding the drunk driver financially accountable in civil court for the harm they have caused in addition to the penalties they face for a criminal offense.
Common Drunk Driving Accident Scenarios
Below are some of the more common traffic accidents resulting from driving under the influence our Ohio and Kentucky personal injury lawyers see here at TLF.
Driver vs. Passenger Accidents
Passengers injured in a drunk driving accident have the right to seek compensation, regardless of whether they were in the impaired driver’s vehicle or another vehicle involved in the crash. If a passenger is injured while riding with a driver under the influence, they may file a personal injury claim against the driver’s auto insurance policy to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
In some cases, if another driver was also at fault, multiple parties may be held liable. Unlike the drunk driver, who may face legal penalties, an injured passenger is considered a motor vehicle accident victim and has the right to pursue financial recovery for the harm they have suffered.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Drunk driving accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists are often devastating due to the lack of protection these road users have against a moving vehicle. Impaired drivers may fail to see pedestrians in crosswalks or cyclists riding in designated bike lanes, leading to high-impact collisions that result in severe and sometimes permanent injuries. Victims frequently suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal bleeding, and even fatal injuries.
Because alcohol slows reaction time and impairs judgment, drunk drivers are less likely to stop or swerve in time to avoid a crash. When a pedestrian or cyclist is injured by an intoxicated driver, they or their family may have the right to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death claim to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Commercial Vehicle DUI Accidents
Commercial vehicle accidents, especially when drunk driving is involved, pose a serious risk to everyone on the road due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, and buses. Because of the potential for catastrophic damage, commercial drivers are held to a stricter blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.04%—half the legal limit for non-commercial drivers. When a commercial driver operates under the influence and causes an accident, both the driver and their employer may be held liable.
Trucking companies and other commercial vehicle operators have a duty to properly screen, train, and monitor their drivers. If they fail to enforce safe driving policies or knowingly allow a driver with a history of DUI offenses to stay on the road, they could face significant financial liability in a personal injury lawsuit. Victims of commercial DUI accidents may pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, long-term disabilities, and emotional trauma caused by the crash.
Accidents Caused by Dram Shop Violations
In Ohio and Kentucky, dram shop laws hold alcohol-serving establishments accountable when they negligently provide alcohol to individuals who subsequently cause harm due to intoxication. In Ohio, under Ohio Revised Code § 4399.18, a liquor permit holder can be held liable if they knowingly sell alcohol to a noticeably intoxicated person or a minor, and that individual’s intoxication directly causes injury, death, or property damage.
Similarly, Kentucky Revised Statute § 413.241 stipulates that an establishment may be liable if it serves alcohol to a person when a reasonable person under similar circumstances would know that the individual is already intoxicated. These statutes enable victims to pursue compensation from establishments that violate responsible serving practices, thereby contributing to accidents or injuries.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Drunk Driving Accident
Filing a personal injury lawsuit after a motor vehicle accident caused by a drunk driver can help victims recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses incurred as a result of the accident. Once the accident occurred, it’s important to act quickly and speak with a skilled attorney who can investigate the circumstances of the crash, gather critical evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.
At TLF, our Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati drunk driving accident lawyers are experienced in holding intoxicated drivers accountable for the harm they cause. If you are seeking justice after a tragic loss or injury, our team provides the legal representation needed to pursue full and fair compensation for your drunk driving case.
Types of Compensation Available for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents
Victims of drunk driving accidents in Ohio and Kentucky may be entitled to various types of compensation to help cover their losses. These damages fall into three main categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages. The goal of a personal injury lawsuit is to ensure that victims receive fair compensation for the harm caused by an impaired driver.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover financial losses directly related to the accident. This includes medical expenses, such as emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and ongoing treatments needed for recovery. If the victim suffers long-term injuries, they may also be compensated for future medical costs, including rehabilitation and assistive devices like wheelchairs or prosthetics.
Additionally, victims can recover missed wages if their injuries prevent them from working. In more severe cases, where an individual suffers a permanent disability, they may also seek compensation for loss of earning capacity, which accounts for the income they would have earned had they not been injured. Property damage is another key component of economic damages, covering the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle or personal belongings lost in the crash.
Non-Economic Damages
Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages address intangible losses that are harder to calculate but are just as significant. One of the most common claims in a drunk driving accident lawsuit is for pain and suffering, which accounts for the physical pain and discomfort experienced by the victim. Victims may also seek compensation for emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the psychological impact of the crash.
For families who have lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, compensation may also include loss of companionship. This applies to spouses, children, or other close family members who suffer emotionally and financially from the absence of a loved one due to wrongful death.
Punitive Damages
In both Ohio and Kentucky, courts may award punitive damages in cases where the drunk driver’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious. Unlike other forms of compensation, punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault driver and deter future misconduct. In Ohio, punitive damages are capped at two times the amount of compensatory damages or $350,000, whichever is greater. In Kentucky, there is no statutory cap on punitive damages, meaning courts have greater discretion in awarding higher amounts when the driver’s behavior was especially reckless.
By seeking compensation through a personal injury lawsuit, victims of drunk driving accidents can hold the at-fault driver accountable and secure the financial support they need to rebuild their lives. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure that all damages—economic and non-economic—are fully considered and pursued in court.
How a Kentucky or Ohio Drunk Driving Accident Attorney at The Lawrence Firm (TLF) Can Help
At The Lawrence Firm (TLF), our drunk driving accident lawyers have in-depth knowledge of the legal systems in both Kentucky and Ohio, and our dedicated team is committed to helping victims pursue justice and recover the compensation they deserve. We handle cases involving significant injuries caused by individuals driving under the influence, and we take swift legal action to hold all liable parties accountable.
Through detailed investigations that include accident reconstructions, toxicology reports, and expert testimony, TLF builds strong cases designed for a successful outcome. Our attorneys negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to ensure clients receive the maximum amount possible for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial. During your free initial consultation, we’ll evaluate your case and help you determine the best course of action to move forward with confidence.
Standing Up For Drunk Driving Accident Victims
In drunk driving accident cases, the Covington and Cincinnati auto accident attorneys at TLF provide compassionate, personalized legal support to help injured clients recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Our experienced drunk driving accident lawyers understand the devastating impact that an intoxicated driver can have on a person’s life, which is why we take the time to listen, answer questions, and advocate fiercely on each client’s behalf.
We handle every part of the legal process—from gathering evidence and calculating damages to negotiating with insurance companies and going to trial when needed—so you can focus on healing. Our team is fully committed to securing the justice and compensation you deserve while easing the burdens you face after a serious accident. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and let us help you take the next step forward.
If You’ve Been Injured in a DUI Accident in Northern Kentucky or Southwest Ohio, Contact TLF Today
If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to someone else’s reckless decision to drive under the influence, you have the right to take legal action—especially in cases involving fatal accidents or long-term harm. The sooner you take action, the stronger your case will be. Our Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky drunk driving accident lawyers at TLF are ready to fight for the full compensation you deserve, holding negligent drivers accountable for the harm they have caused.
For a free consultation with an experienced drunk driving accident attorney on our team, simply call our toll-free number at (800) 698-4054. You can also reach our Cincinnati, OH office directly at (513) 651-4130, our Covington, KY office at (859) 578-9130, or contact us online to get in touch today.
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We are happy to offer a free consultation to evaluate your case. If you hire us as your legal counsel, we will represent you on a contingency-fee basis. You will pay no attorneys’ fees unless we recover financial damages.