Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the reckless actions of a drunk driver in Kansas, it is crucial to contact an experienced DUI accident attorney. Every licensed driver on the road has a fundamental duty- to obey traffic laws and drive safely. When a driver chooses to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, that duty of care is instantly and egregiously violated. These accidents are entirely preventable, and the law rightly holds drunk drivers accountable for the harm they cause.
At Wallentine Injury Law, we focus primarily on civil personal injury litigation. Our mission is to fight for the compensation you deserve after a DUI-related crash—not only to address your financial losses, but to help restore your quality of life. While a criminal prosecution of the drunk driver serves the important purpose of protecting the public and deterring future offenses, it does not address the personal harm done to you. That is where we step in. Our firm is dedicated to making sure that you, as the injured party, are not left to bear the consequences alone.
Our experienced Kansas personal injury attorneys and compassionate legal team are here to guide you through this challenging time. We understand that no two DUI accidents—and no two injury recoveries—are alike. That’s why we offer a personalized legal approach tailored to your unique circumstances and needs.
Wallentine Injury Law can be your trusted advocate. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you focus on healing while we fight to protect your rights and your future.
DUI Accident Statistics in Kansas
Unfortunately, DUI-related accidents and injuries remain far more common than they should be. Raising awareness about this ongoing public safety issue not only promotes better driving practices but can also strengthen your personal injury case against the negligent driver.
In the United States, one in three Americans will be affected by impaired driving in their lifetime. Additionally, approximately 16,000 of the 42,000 motor-vehicle crash fatalities each year involve alcohol. Alcohol related accidents account for one death every 33 minutes and one injury every 2 minutes each day.
In 2022, Kansas saw 410 traffic fatalities. Of those 410 fatalities, 33% involved alcohol with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.01 or higher. 67% of fatalities involved no alcohol. Although the rates are lowering significantly in recent years due to the state’s and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) vigorous campaigns, laws, and enforcement, there is still a major issue present.
At Wallentine Injury Law, we are committed to being part of the solution. One way to fight back is by holding drunk drivers financially accountable through civil personal injury claims. Taking legal action sends a clear message that this behavior is unacceptable, and it helps promote safer roads for everyone. Advocate for yourself and the greater public good by reaching out to our team today.
Common Injuries Suffered After a DUI Accident
Personal injury claims arising from drunk driving crashes center on the injuries victims sustain. When someone chooses to drive under the influence, they put both themselves and others at serious risk of harm. Like all auto accidents, DUI-related crashes can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering, with lasting impacts on victims’ health and well-being.
Here are some of the most common injuries we see in DUI accident cases:
- Soft-tissue injuries- Soft-tissue damage is one of the most frequent injuries resulting from DUI accidents. These injuries affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons — often in the neck, back, and shoulders. Strains, sprains, tears, and whiplash are common examples. Though sometimes underestimated, soft-tissue injuries can cause significant pain, require surgery, and require weeks or months of recovery
- Limb injuries- Limbs are especially vulnerable during high-impact collisions. Arms, legs, hands, feet, and even ribs can be fractured, crushed, or dislocated. Severe fractures often require surgical intervention, followed by extensive physical therapy to regain mobility and strength.
- Psychological injuries- Not all injuries are visible. Many DUI crash survivors experience emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These mental health challenges can be just as debilitating as physical injuries and deserve serious attention in any personal injury claim.
- Spinal cord injuries- The force of a DUI collision can damage the spinal column, leading to ruptured or fractured vertebrae. Victims may suffer from chronic pain, limited mobility, or, in the most severe cases, partial or complete paralysis.
- Internal organ injuries- Blunt-force trauma from a collision can severely damage internal organs such as the spleen, liver, or kidneys. These injuries can cause dangerous internal bleeding and require emergency medical treatment. Without prompt care, they may be life-threatening.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)– TBIs are among the most devastating outcomes of DUI wrecks. These injuries typically result from the head striking the steering wheel, dashboard, window, or from penetrating trauma. TBIs can cause long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, and physical disability.
At Wallentine Injury Law, we have handled nearly every type of injury arising from motor vehicle crashes, and we know that DUI-related accidents are often among the most severe and life-changing. Our mission is to ensure you receive not only the compensation you deserve but also the medical care you need. We work closely with trusted healthcare professionals to help you begin your recovery and rebuild your life.
What Kansas Laws Apply to My Case?
Knowing and understanding the laws that apply to Kansas DUI accident cases is crucial to building a strong personal injury claim. At Wallentine Injury Law, our attorneys and paralegals are well-versed in the relevant statutes and legal standards, and we use this knowledge to advocate for you with authority and precision.
Key Kansas DUI laws that may apply in your case include:
- Blood alcohol content (BAC)- Kansas has a legal BAC limit of .08% for drivers over 21. For commercial drivers, the limit is .04%. There is zero tolerance for drivers under the legal drinking age of 21.
- K.S.A. 8-1001- Provides general administrative provisions for alcohol or drug tests when driving.
- K.S.A. 8-1005- Outlines rulings/procedures of using test results as evidence in criminal prosecutions.
- K.S.A. 8-1013- Establishes general definitions relevant to DUI law, such as alcohol concentration, alcohol or drug-related conviction, and more.
- K.S.A. 8-1567- Outlines penalties for driving under the influence.
- K.S.A. 8-1602- Establishes procedures for accidents involving personal injury.
- K.S.A. 60-513- Establishes the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim, including a DUI accident. You have two years to file a DUI accident claim in Kansas.
What Compensation Can I be Awarded?
Driving under the influence is a serious offense — one that often leads to devastating wrecks. The severity of this conduct is reflected not only in the harm it causes but also in the extensive legislation designed to deter such reckless behavior.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI accident, you have the right to pursue full and fair compensation through a personal injury claim. Our attorneys fight to ensure that victims of drunk driving crashes are not left to shoulder the financial, physical, and emotional burdens alone.
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to recover damages such as:
- Medical expenses- Any medical bills that relate to your injury sustained.
- Lost wages- Present and future wages lost due to your inability to work after an injury.
- Pain and suffering- Any physical pain or emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Punitive damages- Damages that exceed normal compensation, aimed at punishing the defendant who was found negligent.
Our experienced legal team works closely with medical providers, insurance companies, and all other necessary parties to pursue the full compensation you deserve after a DUI accident. We will guide you through every step of your recovery and legal journey.
Contact Wallentine Injury Law
When the unexpected hardship of a DUI accident turns your life upside down, don’t wait to seek legal help. With nearly 20 years of personal injury experience, our Kansas attorneys have the knowledge, skill, and dedication to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact Wallentine Injury Law today to begin a free consultation. You Need Jerry!
