Auto Accident Injury in Kentucky
Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Kentucky? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in KY that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Kentucky
Auto accidents are still a cause of mayhem in Kentucky, with considerable effects on public safety. In 2022, the state registered up to 130,042 car accidents, meaning 1 in every 22 drivers originates from Kentucky. These incidents claimed the lives of 744 people, with 265 being courtesy of drivers under the drug influence and 153 by drivers under alcohol influence. This figure grew in 2023 when incidences reached a peak of 813, the highest since 2016.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.
Receive Immediate Medical Attention
What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.
File a Police Report
Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked-for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police reports. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.
In Kentucky, state law requires motorists to file a report for an accident that results in at least $500 of property damage within 10 days. Drivers can file the report online with the Kentucky State Police Department. If a police officer responds to and investigates the accident, the officer is responsible for filing the report.
Gather the Appropriate Documentation
While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:
- Full name, address, phone number and email address
- Driver’s license state and number
- Auto insurance company name, policy number, and phone number
Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle, and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.
Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury
After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.
Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:
- Burn injuries
- Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Brain and head injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
The cost of automobile accident deaths in the state of Kentucky was approximately $1.1 billion for 2018. Serious injuries were estimated to cost the state more than $257 million in 2018. An emergency room visit costs, on average, $1,316 in Kentucky without insurance. Additionally, lost wages and long-term health problems put even more economic strain on an individual after a serious car crash.
Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Laws in Kentucky
Liability Laws for KY
When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.
Kentucky state law mandates that all drivers must have automobile insurance with at least $25,000 of liability coverage for bodily injury. Kentucky is also a no-fault state for automobile accidents, meaning the car insurance provider will cover most claims for injury. Injury claims cannot be made unless there are medical expenses of $1,000 or more.
Statute of Limitations in KY
Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. In Kentucky, individuals have one year to file a lawsuit regarding personal injury from an automobile accident. For vehicle or personal property damage, the deadline to file a lawsuit is two years from the crash date.
This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.
Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer In Kentucky
After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in KY!
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