Legal Options When Hit by a Drunk Driver

A DWI (driving while intoxicated) or a DUI (driving under the influence) is when a driver is driving under the influence of alcohol or any substance that impairs their motor skills which inhibits their ability to drive. Substances including illegal drugs, prescriptions, over the counter medicine, etc. are included. Commonwealth of Kentucky lists the suspension times in Kentucky for DUI offenses.

The suspension times changes in July of 2020 and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will issue a suspension times based on your offense and conviction. The suspension times are listed below.

1st offense within 10 years

• 90 days of an alcohol or substance abuse program
• License suspended for 6 months.

2nd offense within 10 years

• One year of alcohol or substance abuse treatment
• License suspended for 18 months.

3rd offense within 10 years

• One year of alcohol or substance abuse treatment
• License suspended for 36 months.

4th offense within 10 years

• One year of alcohol or substance abuse treatment
• License suspended for 60 months.

If you are a commercial driver convicted of a DUI in any type of vehicle you will be suspended for one year and must pay a $50 reinstatement fee. You will need to pass a written and vision test before getting a permit again. After holding a commercial learner’s permit for 14 days, the driver must pass all skill test before obtaining a commercial license. If you refuse to take or submit the test required than the court will suspend your driver’s license for the period, the license is suspended upon conviction.

Legal encyclopedia, Nolo, explains DUI convictions, lawsuits and insurance companies. Insurance companies rarely try to avoid lawsuits, but they do try to avoid those involving DUI car accidents. Insurance companies will likely settle before the case has the opportunity to go to trial because they will most likely lose. Although if you are the plaintiff you might prefer to settle in court with the driver’s(defendant) insurance company. If you file a third-party claim against the drunk driver’s insurance company seeking for full compensation for your injuries and losses from the accident, then you are likely to receive a generous settlement offer.

If you or a loved one is involved in a drunk driving car accident, call our attorneys at the Dixie Law Group at 502-378-7343 to receive a 100% free first-time consultation. Our attorney’s will be happy to assist you through the process.