Car accidents in Kentucky happen in many ways. Crashes caused nearly 29,000 injuries and more than 760 deaths in a recent year, according to a Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) report.
Some collisions are unavoidable. However, most car accidents happen due to the negligent behavior of one or more drivers involved. If you or your loved one has suffered an injury in a car crash, it is important you understand what led to the auto accident so you can protect your rights.
Was someone else at fault for the crash? A car accident lawyer with Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer can help you pursue the fair compensation you need to pay your medical bills and rebuild your life. Contact our Kentucky law firm today for a free consultation. Find out how our personal injury lawyers use Kentucky Courage to stand up for car accident victims.
Common Types of Car Accidents in Kentucky
There are many types of auto accidents. Any of the following could result in a personal injury claim in Kentucky:
Speeding accidents
When drivers exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for the road and weather conditions, they may be unable to stop when necessary. Collisions at high speed can increase the severity of the resulting injuries. In high-speed crashes, victims may suffer severe injuries, including spinal cord injuries, neck injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and broken bones.
Reckless driving accidents
Reckless driving occurs when a motor vehicle operator drives without regard for the safety of others. Examples of reckless driving include racing, weaving between lanes, passing illegally, passing a stopped school bus, and driving under the influence.
Aggressive driving accidents
Aggressive driving may escalate into road rage, including tailgating, cutting another driver off, or blocking another motorist from passing or changing lanes.
Head-on collision accidents
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), head-on collisions are responsible for 14 percent of fatal crashes in the United States. The force of impact generated by two vehicles colliding makes head-on collisions more likely to cause severe or fatal injuries.
Rollover accidents
Many rollovers occur when a driver is forced to swerve off the road onto a sloping surface or make a defensive maneuver to try to avoid another vehicle. They are more likely to have steep grades and soft shoulders.
Sideswipe collision accidents
Sideswipe collisions happen when the sides of two passing vehicles strike. They can also happen when a driver makes a mistake while passing or changing lanes. Sideswipe accidents may involve vehicles moving in the same direction or opposite directions.
Texting while driving accidents
Distracted drivers who send text messages while behind the wheel cause many car accidents. When drivers do not pay attention to the road ahead and surrounding traffic, their inattention can cause serious accidents. Kentucky traffic laws prohibit drivers from texting while driving.
Single-vehicle accidents
Single-vehicle accidents involve collisions with fixed objects, bicyclists, or pedestrians. As with rollovers, single-vehicle accidents sometimes occur due to defensive driving.
Multi-vehicle accidents
The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that fatal injuries occur most often in collisions involving two or more vehicles. If you sustain an injury in a crash involving multiple parties, you may have compensation claims against multiple parties, increasing the amount of insurance coverage available to pay your claim.
Intersection accidents
Intersection accidents happen when a driver runs a red light or stop sign, fails to yield the right-of-way to other vehicles, or does not stop for cyclists or pedestrians in a crosswalk. Many serious accidents occur at intersections. According to the Federal Highway Administration, intersection accidents account for 50 percent of all fatal and injury crashes.
Rear-end accidents
Rear-end accidents involve one car running into the back of another. The trailing driver is typically at fault in rear-end collisions, but another driver may also be liable in some accidents. A knowledgeable car accident attorney can evaluate who is at fault.
Factors Contributing to Car Accidents
If you suffered injuries in an auto accident, the cause of the collision will determine who is liable for your financial losses. Among the factors that contribute to car crashes in Kentucky are the following:
Driver Behavior
Driver behavior is one of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents. Driver errors that can lead to a crash include:
- Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding
- Driving distracted
- Driving drowsy
- Failing to obey traffic signs and signals
- Tailgating
- Making an illegal turn
- Illegal/improper passing
- Driving recklessly or aggressively
If a driver’s negligence causes a crash, the injured parties may hold the at-fault driver financially responsible for the accident. Additionally, when a driver causes an accident while working, their employer may also have financial liability for the auto accident.
Road Conditions
Road conditions can play a role in car collisions. Weather, road construction, and debris on the roadway can all increase the likelihood of a crash. Poor road maintenance and design can also contribute to vehicle accidents. Drivers who fail to pay attention to these conditions can be held accountable for not driving appropriately given the highway conditions.
Vehicle Malfunctions
Vehicle malfunctions can cause drivers to lose control, resulting in a crash. Vehicle issues may include defective tires, faulty brakes, and engine trouble. You may have a product liability claim against an auto manufacturer or auto parts manufacturer if vehicle problems contributed to the car accident. Automobile owners are responsible for maintaining their vehicles. Failure to perform maintenance can result in significant injuries to others and expose the car owner to liability.
Determining Fault in Different Accident Types
Determining the fault for a car accident can often be challenging. The kind of collision that led to your injuries and losses can affect your claim and how you prove liability.
For example, there’s often a presumption that the trailing driver is responsible for a rear-end accident since drivers are responsible for maintaining safe following distances. However, there are scenarios where the lead car’s driver may be at fault, including:
- The lead car’s brake lights were out
- The lead driver “brake checks” or stops without a valid reason
- The lead driver puts their car in reverse
“T-bone” or side impact collisions are another type of road accident that can present difficulties in establishing fault. Often, people assume the driver of the car that strikes the other vehicle on the side is at fault. But, sometimes, the driver of the struck car has committed a negligent act that puts them in the other vehicle’s way, like failing to yield at an intersection or making an improper left turn.
An experienced car accident lawyer who has handled many auto accident claims knows the types of evidence needed to prove fault in a car wreck. The legal team at Morgan Collins, Yeast & Salyer will review the police accident report, gather evidence from the scene, and collect statements from witnesses to determine which driver was at fault in a car wreck.
Consider Consulting With a Car Accident Attorney About Your Legal Options
If you believe you have grounds to file a car accident claim, speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced car accident lawyer with Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer can review your claim, conduct a thorough crash investigation, determine fault, and demonstrate that you deserve financial compensation.
Securing legal representation is a good idea, even when the fault seems straightforward. Insurance companies often look for reasons to reduce or deny valid injury claims. Our Kentucky Courage attorney can fight back and demand a full financial recovery by:
- Collecting evidence to support your claim, including medical bills, police reports, eyewitness testimony, and surveillance video
- Identifying and calculating your losses
- Preparing and filing insurance claims and legal paperwork
- Handling case-related emails, phone calls, and meetings
- Tracking and managing deadlines
- Negotiating with the insurance company for maximum compensation
- Preparing your case for civil court and representing you at trial if necessary
- Providing you with frequent and timely updates
Our car accident lawyers will do everything in our power to seek financial justice for you or your hurt loved one. The common types of car accident compensation sought include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings
- Lost earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death of a loved one
According to Kentucky civil law, you generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent driver in Kentucky’s civil courts. If the statute of limitations expires, you will likely be unable to recover compensation for your losses.
Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys Today
At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, our car accident lawyers take a hands-on approach to car accident claims. You can expect personalized legal advice from a lawyer who knows the details of your case. Our experienced attorneys and compassionate staff are prepared to fight for your best interests.
Whatever type of auto accident caused your injuries, our car accident lawyers can build a case and seek the money you need to get back on your feet. Our attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis. We only collect attorney fees once we obtain compensation for you.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
