Drunk driving remains one of the most reckless and preventable causes of serious car accidents in Kokomo and throughout Indiana. Every day, lives are forever changed by the decision of one individual to get behind the wheel while intoxicated.
If you or a loved one has been injured because of a drunk driver, it is not just a legal matter—it is personal. At the Law Office of Vaughn A. Wamsley, we understand the devastating impact these crashes can have. That is why we are committed to helping victims fight for justice, accountability, and full compensation.
As a car accident lawyer in Kokomo, Vaughn Wamsley provides aggressive and compassionate representation for victims of alcohol-related crashes. Our firm investigates the facts, builds strong legal claims, and works tirelessly to ensure that clients are not left to deal with the financial and emotional aftermath alone.
The Real Impact of Drunk Driving in Indiana
According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, more than 4,000 alcohol-impaired crashes occurred across the state in a single recent year. Of those, over 100 were fatal. In Howard County, which includes Kokomo, DUI-related crashes continue to be a leading cause of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death.
Driving under the influence reduces a driver’s reaction time, coordination, and judgment. These impairments make drunk drivers far more likely to run red lights, drift across lanes, speed, or drive the wrong way down roads. In many cases, these behaviors cause devastating head-on or high-speed collisions that leave innocent people suffering from life-altering injuries.
If you were hurt in such an incident, a Kokomo drunk driving auto accident attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue legal action to recover damages.
Common Injuries in Kokomo Drunk Driving Accidents
Victims of drunk driving collisions often experience severe injuries that require long-term treatment. Some of the most common injuries we see in these cases include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Severe burns and disfigurement
- Whiplash and soft tissue trauma
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD
These injuries can prevent a person from returning to work, fulfilling daily responsibilities, or enjoying life as they once did. Medical costs can easily skyrocket into tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially when long-term care or rehabilitation is needed.
As an experienced accident lawyer in Kokomo, Vaughn Wamsley can help victims pursue full compensation for every way their lives have been affected.
How We Prove the Other Driver Was Drunk
To succeed in a claim against a drunk driver, your attorney must be able to demonstrate that the other party was impaired and that their impairment caused your injuries. This can be proven through a variety of methods, including:
- Police reports that document the arrest or citation for DUI
- BAC (blood alcohol content) test results, often obtained from breathalyzers or blood draws
- Witness testimony from others at the scene or from establishments where the driver consumed alcohol
- Video surveillance from nearby cameras shows erratic driving or the crash itself
- Admissions of guilt or behavior at the scene that indicated impairment
Indiana operates under a per se DUI law, which means that a driver with a BAC of 0.08% or higher is automatically considered impaired. Even a BAC below that threshold can lead to liability if the driver shows signs of intoxication.
What Compensation Can Victims Recover?
As your Kokomo drunk driving auto accident attorney, we fight to recover the maximum compensation allowed under Indiana law. This may include:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages, which may be available in especially egregious DUI cases
Unlike typical car accident cases, drunk driving lawsuits may also involve a criminal prosecution. However, it is crucial to understand that a criminal case does not result in compensation for the victim. That is why a civil claim is essential.
What to Do After a Suspected Drunk Driving Crash in Kokomo
If you are involved in a crash and suspect the other driver is intoxicated, it is vital to act quickly and carefully. Follow these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Call 911 immediately and report the crash.
- Do not confront the other driver, especially if they appear aggressive or incoherent.
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- Get the police report and ensure that officers document any signs of intoxication.
- Take photos or videos of the vehicles, injuries, and the surrounding area.
- Collect witness names and contact information.
- Do not speak to the at-fault driver’s insurance company without legal representation.
- Contact a trusted Kokomo drunk driving accident lawyer right away.
Acting quickly allows your attorney to preserve evidence, file necessary notices, and prevent the other side from minimizing or denying liability.
Indiana’s DUI and Civil Liability Laws
Under Indiana Code § 9-30-5, it is a crime to operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. Commercial drivers are held to a lower limit of 0.04%, and drivers under 21 are prohibited from having a BAC of 0.02% or more. In addition to criminal penalties, Indiana civil law allows DUI victims to file lawsuits against the drunk driver and sometimes against third parties, such as bars or restaurants.
This is known as dram shop liability. Indiana Code § 7.1-5-10-15.5 allows victims to sue alcohol vendors if:
- The vendor provided alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person, and
- The intoxication was a proximate cause of the injury.
As your attorney, Vaughn Wamsley will investigate all potential liable parties, including businesses that negligently overserved alcohol to an intoxicated individual.
Filing Deadlines: How Long Do You Have?
In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file a lawsuit within that period, you may be permanently barred from recovering compensation.
However, some situations—such as those involving government vehicles, minor victims, or wrongful death—may have different timeframes. That is why speaking with an accident lawyer in Kokomo as soon as possible is critical to protecting your rights.
Why Choose Vaughn Wamsley as Your Kokomo Accident Lawyer
With decades of legal experience in Indiana, Vaughn A. Wamsley has built a reputation for providing aggressive, ethical, and client-focused representation. Our firm has successfully represented countless individuals who were drunk drivers and negligent parties.
We offer:
- Free consultations to review your case
- No fees unless we win
- Direct access to an attorney, not just support staff
- Knowledge of local courts and laws
- Personalized service tailored to your needs and goals
Our goal is not just to win your case—it is to help you move forward with your life.
Client Testimonial
“After my accident, I had no idea where to turn. Vaughn Wamsley took my case seriously and treated me like more than just a client. He helped me get medical care and fought hard for my settlement. I am so grateful.” — J.S., Kokomo, IN
Drunk Driving Accidents Involving Fatalities
Unfortunately, many drunk driving crashes in Kokomo result in fatalities. Families who lose loved ones due to a drunk driver’s recklessness may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit under Indiana law. These claims can provide compensation for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses prior to death
- Lost financial support
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional suffering of survivors
If your family has suffered a loss, our firm will handle the legal process with care, compassion, and determination.
When the Drunk Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured
Many drunk drivers do not carry adequate insurance—or any insurance at all. If that happens, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) may be used to cover your damages. Unfortunately, your insurance company may not make the process easy.
Attorney Vaughn Wamsley can assist you in negotiating with your insurer, filing the appropriate claims, and pursuing litigation if your carrier refuses to pay fairly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents in Kokomo
Can I sue if the driver was acquitted of DUI?
Yes. A criminal conviction is not required to win a civil case. You only need to prove that the driver was negligent or impaired by a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not).
What if I were a passenger in the drunk driver’s car?
You may still be eligible to file a claim for damages, even if you knew the driver was impaired. However, your actions may be considered under Indiana’s comparative fault laws and could reduce your compensation.
Will I have to go to court?
Many cases settle without going to trial, but we prepare every case as if it will. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we are ready to fight for you in court.
Can a bar or restaurant be held liable?
Yes, under Indiana’s dram shop law, a bar that knowingly serves an intoxicated person may be liable if that person causes a crash. These cases require a skilled attorney to prove the business’s knowledge and negligence.
Will I have to pay the legal fees upfront?
No. We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Kokomo Today
If a drunk driver harmed you or someone you love, do not wait to take legal action. The road to justice begins with a single call. Let a dedicated Kokomo drunk driving auto accident attorney guide you through the legal process and fight for the outcome you deserve.
Call the Law Office of Vaughn A. Wamsley today for a free consultation. We are here to help you recover physically, financially, and emotionally—step by step.
