A drunk driver’s choices can change your life in an instant. After the crash, you may be dealing with medical appointments, insurance calls, missed work, and a lot of unanswered questions. Talking with a Wichita DUI injury attorney at Bretz Injury Law can make a real difference during a time like this.
Bretz Injury Law helps accident victims navigate personal injury cases involving impaired drivers. While every case is different, Matthew Bretz draws on over 30 years of experience to pursue fair compensation and hold negligent parties accountable. He understands the high stakes of DUI accident cases and works to protect your interests from the very first day.
Why You Should Act Fast After a DUI Crash
In Kansas, most accident victims have two years from the date of the crash to file a civil claim. That window can feel long, but evidence doesn’t wait. Witness memories fade. Surveillance footage gets deleted. Vehicles get repaired or scrapped. If your accident happened in Wichita or anywhere in Sedgwick County, speaking with a DUI accident attorney at Bretz Injury Law as soon as possible can make a real difference in preserving key evidence and building a strong case.
Common Injuries We See in DUI Accidents
Like any car accident, DUI-related crashes can result in a wide range of injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord trauma and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Emotional and psychological distress
These injuries can mean ongoing medical expenses, therapy costs, and lasting loss of function. Some victims carry these consequences for the rest of their lives. Bretz Injury Law has handled cases where even a seemingly minor concussion led to permanent memory problems or significant changes in mood and personality.
What are the Differences Between Civil and Criminal DUI Cases
Criminal charges and civil claims are two completely separate legal tracks. A DUI charge or conviction can result in jail time, fines, or a suspended license for the impaired driver. But criminal penalties don’t pay your medical bills or make up for lost income.
At Bretz Injury Law, the focus is on the civil side of your case. That’s where financial compensation is pursued for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In DUI cases, an additional form of compensation called punitive damages may also be available. These are intended to punish the drunk driver for their reckless behavior and discourage others from making the same choice.
Kansas DUI Laws Will Affect Your Claim. Here’s How
Kansas law defines a DUI as operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. When a drunk driver causes a crash, the BAC level can support a claim for punitive damages in civil court. But punitive damages are never automatic. They must be legally pursued, carefully documented, and backed by solid evidence.
This is where experience makes a real difference. Matthew Bretz and his team at Bretz Injury Law know how to build these claims and make a clear case to insurance companies and juries alike for why additional compensation may be warranted.
The 5 Most Important Pieces of Evidence in a DUI Case
After a crash, gathering the right evidence quickly is critical. Here are the key pieces of documentation the attorneys at Bretz Injury Law will pursue on your behalf:
- Police reports and blood test results
- Photos of the crash scene and vehicles
- Eyewitness statements
- Medical records and expense documentation
- Surveillance or dashcam footage
A license suspension hearing can sometimes surface useful information that strengthens the civil case as well. For example, if a driver refused a breathalyzer or blood test, that detail can become relevant when making the argument for punitive damages.
Why Medical Documentation Is Crucial for Your Case
One of the biggest challenges in any personal injury case is proving the full extent of your injuries. Prompt treatment and thorough documentation are critical for two reasons: they support your recovery, and they build a stronger legal case.
If you delay treatment or skip follow-up appointments, insurance companies may argue that your injuries are not serious or not related to the accident. Consistent medical records, on the other hand, tell a clear and compelling story of pain, treatment, and long-term impact.
Key Pieces of Medical Evidence to Gather After a DUI Accident:
- Emergency room records
- Bills from specialists and therapy providers
- Radiology reports (CT, MRI, X-rays)
- Prescription logs
- Medical prognosis notes
What a DUI Claim Might Be Worth: The Total Picture
Financial compensation in DUI-related personal injury cases usually can extend beyond your initial ER visit. Here are the main types of damages we pursue:
Economic Damages
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage (vehicle repairs, replacement)
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages
- In cases involving a DUI conviction or strong BAC evidence
- Used to punish reckless conduct
We’ve handled countless cases where punitive damages played a crucial role in achieving meaningful settlements. Our trial attorneys understand how to present these claims in a way that makes sense to both insurance adjusters and juries.
The Role of Insurance Companies in DUI Cases
Insurance companies often try to downplay the value of a claim, especially when vehicle damage appears minor. Bretz Injury Law has handled cases where the defense argued the crash was nothing more than a minor bump, only for a medical expert to testify that the victim suffered a severe concussion from hitting the steering wheel.
Some insurers will use property damage photos to suggest the injuries could not have been serious. Matthew Bretz has confronted these tactics head on in court and pursued fair outcomes when insurers underestimated the true impact of a client’s injuries.
How Bretz Injury Law Uses Expert Witnesses to Strengthen Your Case
To counter defense strategies and establish liability, the legal team at Bretz Injury Law regularly works with:
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Medical experts and treating physicians
- Vocational experts to assess the impact on your ability to work
These professionals help build a complete picture of how the crash happened, the full extent of the injuries involved, and the real-world impact on the victim’s life.
Why Preserving Evidence Early Can Change the Outcome of Your Case
Acting quickly helps preserve critical evidence, particularly surveillance footage and physical details like skid marks that can disappear within days. When Bretz Injury Law is retained early, the firm sends a letter of representation to the at-fault party and any relevant businesses in the area, such as nearby stores or gas stations with exterior cameras, formally demanding that evidence be preserved.
Without this step, key footage or data can be overwritten or lost entirely. Contact a DUI injury attorney at Bretz Injury Law as soon as possible after your accident to protect the evidence your case depends on.
You Pay Nothing Unless Bretz Injury Law Recovers Compensation for You
Many injury victims worry about how they will afford legal representation. Bretz Injury Law represents clients on a contingency fee basis, which means there is nothing to pay upfront. A fee is only collected if and when compensation is recovered for you.
This arrangement gives injured people access to experienced legal representation without adding financial pressure during an already difficult time.
What Sets Bretz Injury Law Apart From Other Firms
Matthew Bretz brings over 30 years of trial experience and a deep understanding of both the personal toll a serious injury takes and the legal complexities that come with DUI accident cases.
Here’s what makes the approach at Bretz Injury Law different:
- He listens first. Before building your case, Matthew Bretz takes the time to understand your story and what matters most to you.
- He thinks like the defense. Having spent years handling civil defense cases early in his career, he knows how insurance companies think and how to stay a step ahead of their strategies.
- He fights smart. Whether negotiating behind the scenes or presenting to a jury, the focus is always on clear, compelling advocacy that tells your story effectively.
Don’t Face the Aftermath of a Drunk Driving Crash Alone. Bretz Injury Law Is Here to Help
A DUI accident can upend your life in ways you never anticipated. But you don’t have to navigate the legal system by yourself.
If you’ve been injured in a DUI-related crash in Wichita or Sedgwick County, reach out to Bretz Injury Law today. We offer a free consultation to help you understand your rights, preserve critical evidence, and determine whether we’re the right fit for your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wichita DUI Injury Claims
How soon after a DUI crash should I contact a personal injury attorney?
As soon as possible. Waiting risks losing key evidence and gives the other side a head start.
Can I still recover compensation if the driver was not convicted of DUI?
Yes. A criminal conviction is not required to file a civil injury claim. Civil and criminal cases operate under different standards of proof.
What if the other driver’s insurance policy doesn’t cover all of my losses?
If the policy limits are reached, Bretz Injury Law explores options like underinsured motorist coverage or the personal assets of the at-fault party. In DUI cases, this situation comes up often.
Will my case go to trial?
Most personal injury cases settle before trial. But if an insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, Matthew Bretz prepares every case as if it’s going to court.