A drunk driving crash changes everything in a matter of seconds. When someone makes the reckless choice to get behind the wheel while impaired, innocent people pay the price, and you deserve a clear path toward the fair compensation you need to move forward.
At Hollis Law Firm, our personal injury lawyer is ready to stand in your corner and fight for our clients’ rights when it matters most. We believe every person who has been harmed by a drunk driver deserves to be heard, educated on their options, and empowered to make the decisions that are right for their situation. Our team will listen carefully to what you’ve been through and pursue every avenue available to help you recover.
What Should You Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Overland Park?
The steps you take in the days following a drunk driving collision may significantly affect your ability to recover fair compensation. It is important to seek medical attention right away, even if you feel okay, because some injuries may not be immediately apparent. You should also report the accident to law enforcement and request a copy of the police report, as this document may include critical details about the other driver’s impairment.
Preserving evidence is equally important. Save photographs from the scene, hold onto any medical records, and avoid making formal statements to the at-fault driver’s insurance company before speaking with a lawyer. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and a single offhand comment can be used against your claim.
How Does Kansas Law Handle Drunk Driving Accidents?
In Kansas, a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher is legally considered impaired. When that driver causes an accident, they may face both criminal charges and civil liability for the harm they caused. As a victim, you may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim for your injuries, regardless of the outcome of any criminal case against the driver.
Kansas follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means that if you are found to share some degree of responsibility for the crash, your compensation may be reduced proportionately. As long as your share of fault is less than 50%, you may still recover damages. An experienced car accident lawyer can help evaluate how these rules apply to your specific case.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Drunk Driving Crash?
The damages available in a drunk driving injury claim go beyond just medical bills. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to seek compensation for a wide range of losses. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving claims nearly 12,500 lives every year in the United States — and countless more are left with serious, life-altering injuries.
The types of damages often pursued in these cases include:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment costs tied to your injuries
- Lost Income: Wages you were unable to earn during your recovery, including future earning capacity if your injuries are long-term
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the crash
- Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident
- Wrongful Death Damages: If a family member was killed, additional losses such as funeral costs and loss of companionship may be recoverable
Every case is different, and the value of your claim depends on the nature and extent of your injuries. Our team will work to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
What Types of Injuries Are Common in Drunk Driving Accidents?
Drunk driving collisions tend to be severe because impaired drivers often fail to brake or swerve before impact, meaning crashes occur at full speed. This frequently results in some of the most devastating injury types seen in personal injury law.
Head and Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious outcomes of high-impact crashes. Symptoms may not be immediately obvious but can include chronic headaches, memory problems, mood changes, and cognitive difficulties that affect daily life long after the accident.
Catastrophic and Fatal Outcomes
High-speed drunk driving crashes can result in spinal cord damage, internal injuries, and, in the most tragic cases, death. If your family has lost someone due to a drunk driver’s actions, our Overland Park wrongful death lawyer may be able to help you pursue the justice and accountability your family deserves.
Why Should You Choose Hollis Law Firm for Your Drunk Driving Accident Case?
At Hollis Law Firm, our approach is straightforward: we listen first. Our philosophy is that you make the decisions, and we provide the knowledge, strategy, and advocacy to carry them out. Our drunk driving accident lawyer takes the time to fully understand your situation before recommending a course of action, and we are transparent with you every step of the way.
We believe that when someone has been hurt by a reckless driver, the playing field should be level. Call us to level the playing field against insurers and defense teams who have significant resources on their side. With Hollis Law Firm, you are not navigating this alone.
Seek Justice With an Overland Park Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer at Hollis Law Firm
Drunk driving accidents cause real harm to real people, and the consequences can extend far beyond the initial crash. From financial strain to the emotional weight of what you have experienced, these cases require a thoughtful and aggressive approach to ensure victims are treated fairly.
If you’ve been hurt by an impaired driver in Overland Park or the surrounding areas of Kansas and Missouri, Hollis Law Firm is here to help. Our attorney is ready to evaluate your case and fight for our clients’ rights at every stage of the process. Reach out today by using our contact form to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward fair compensation.
