More Drunk Driving Fatalities for Kentucky Drivers


Despite constant reminders about the dangers of drinking and driving, Kentucky drivers continue to lose their lives in car accidents caused by others who are driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Two of the most recent cases occurred during the week of July 4th.

On Thursday, July 5, 2012, an 18-year-old was riding a small motorcycle in Melvin, Kentucky. He was struck by a car that left the accident scene and died as a result of his injuries. Kentucky State Police later located the car that hit the victim. The driver of the car has been charged with driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident, and failure to render aid, among other offenses.

How someone could injure another with his car and leave the scene is hard for most of us to understand. Unfortunately, in some areas, drunk-driving laws are harsher than hit-and-run penalties, especially for repeat DUI offenders. This fact may cause people to flee the scene. In some cases, once the driver has sobered up, he will even come forward of his own accord and face the hit-and-run charge. Or hit-and-run drivers may have previous arrests for other reasons or an invalid driver’s license, so they flee in the hopes they will not be found. Whatever the reason, the injured victim is left alone to hopefully be found by someone else before it is too late.

Two days after the above accident, on July 7th around 4:00 a.m., a truck driver got out of his truck on I-75 in Kentucky to check on the car he was towing. While he was out of the truck, a man driving a box truck swerved over the white line and struck and killed him. The driver that hit the victim was arrested and charged with DUI, wanton endangerment, murder, and some commercial truck violations. This truck accident almost became more tragic when another man who was under the influence of drugs, sped up through the accident scene and nearly hit three firefighters helping with the truck crash. Luckily no one was hurt. This driver was also arrested for DUI and other violations. If you or a loved one is caught up in a circumstance involving drinking and driving, it may be in your best interests to contact the finest dui defense lawyer in Orlando, FL out there.While the families of both victims may be entitled to damages through wrongful death lawsuits, the family of the victim in the second accident may be entitled to compensation from both the driver of the box truck and the company he was working for at the time of the truck accident. If it is found that the company was aware that the driver was under the influence, or that it was likely, they could be partially liable for the accident. Car or truck accidents caused by drunk drivers, hit-and-run drivers, or commercial truck drivers can quickly become complicated when one tries to figure out where to file claims or how to take legal action. A DWI Lawyer nearby can help in these situations and can help sort out the details and make the correct decisions.