Over the past decade, traffic fatalities in Kentucky have increased by 30 percent, with the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled rising by 22 percent. The economic and quality of life costs associated with fatal and serious traffic crashes in Kentucky totaled $33.5 billion in 2023. These statistics highlight the critical need for improved road safety measures and responsible driving practices across the state.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or been killed in a car accident, you need proper legal representation to get what you deserve after an accident. Contact an experienced Kentucky car accident lawyer now to learn more about what you deserve after a car accident.
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Kentucky Car Accidents For 2022
According to statistics published by the Kentucky Transportation Center at the University of Kentucky in 2022, the following facts were present regarding car accidents:
- Car accidents killed 214 women.
- Car accidents killed 544 men.
- Nearly 20,000 people suffered an injury in traffic accidents.
- Traffic accidents killed nearly 800 people.
- Nearly 90,000 people across the state suffered property damage in 2022.
- Reports documented more than 100,000 accidents in 2022.
Common Types of Car Accidents Throughout Kentucky
In 2022, citizens reported various types of car accidents throughout the state. Here are the most common types of car accidents in Kentucky for the year 2022:
- 21 crashes involved trains.
- 69,123 collisions were between two or more moving vehicles.
- 17,202 accidents involved one vehicle colliding with fixed objects.
- Nearly 3,000 crashes involved deer, and another nearly 3,000 collisions with other animals.
- There were nearly 1,000 pedestrian accidents.
- 7,000 collisions involved at least one parked vehicle.
- 331 crashes with bicyclists happened across the state in 2022.
Hit and Run Accidents in Kentucky
Hit-and-run accidents happen when the driver of one vehicle collides with the other driver’s vehicle and leaves the accident scene. Kentucky law prohibits a driver involved in an accident from leaving the accident scene before sharing important information with the other driver.
There were 11,000 hit-and-run accidents across the state of Kentucky, 955 injury-causing accidents, 28 fatalities, and more than 10,000 collisions involving property damage.
Pedestrians and cyclists were also involved in hit-and-run accidents in Kentucky. There were more than 100 pedestrians who suffered an injury in a hit-and-run accident, and 14 people lost their lives.
Most hit-and-run accidents in Kentucky happened in the following locations:
- 4,558 hit-and-run accidents happened on city streets
- 432 hit-and-run accidents happened on country roads
- 63 hit-and-run accidents happened on parkways
- 1,710 hit-and-run accidents happened on U.S. Route
- 1,227 hit-and-run accidents happened on the interstate
Collisions By Roadway Surface Type
Different roadway surface types are involved in car accidents in Kentucky. Kentuckians have seen accidents on the following types of roadways:
- There were 127 accidents on muddy streets
- There were 3,090 accidents on snowy or slushy roads
- There were 1,989 accidents on icy roads
- 17,464 accidents happened on wet roads
- 85,043 accidents happened on dry roadways
How Many Accidents Happen on Holidays?
Many accidents happen on holidays in Kentucky. Here are the statistics for the death toll on holidays in Kentucky:
- A drunk driver caused one of the accidents that killed three people on Christmas Day.
- Eight people died in an accident on Thanksgiving Day, and two accidents involved alcohol.
- An accident on Labor Day killed five people.
- Thirteen people died on Independence Day in one accident involving a drunk driver.
- Six people died in an accident on Memorial Day, two alcohol-involved accidents.
- Four drunk driving accidents killed six people on New Year’s Day.
Types of Two-Vehicle Accidents In Kentucky
Here are the most common types of two-vehicle car accidents that happened across Kentucky in 2022:
- Accidents that happened because one car backed into another made up 3.2 percent of all accidents
- Head-on collisions made up 3.4 percent of all accidents
- Rear-end accidents made up 16.5 percent of car accidents
- Sideswipe accidents made up 21.2 percent of all car accidents that year
- Angle accidents made up 3.2 percent of all accidents
- “All other accidents” made up 23 percent of all accidents in Kentucky in 2022
Types of Vehicles Involved in Crashes
Various types of vehicles were involved in crashes in Kentucky. Some of the types of vehicles include the following:
- 1,233 emergency vehicles were involved in accidents in 2022.
- Accidents involved 208 farm tractors and pieces of equipment in 2022.
- 375 school buses were involved in accidents in 2022.
- 1,619 motorcycles were involved in accidents in 2022.
- 10,384 trucks were involved in accidents in 2022.
- 29 trucks were involved in accidents in 2022.
- 175,537 passenger cars were involved in accidents in 2022.
Kentucky Large Commercial Truck Accidents
There were thousands of large commercial truck accidents across the state in 2022. Here are some of the most staggering statistics:
Reports documented 600 large truck-related accidents. Five deadly large commercial truck accidents occurred in Kentucky, and nearly 80 non-fatal injury collisions occurred.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Kentucky
There are some common causes of car accidents in Kentucky. Here are some of the most common reasons that car crashes happen in Kentucky:
- Oversized loads or improperly loaded cargo caused many large commercial truck accidents
- Tire failure
- Tow hitch failures
- Steering failures
- Headlights and other lighting defects
- Defective brakes
- Speeding
- Driving while impaired
- Fatigued driving
No matter the reason for the accident, you do not need to take responsibility for an accident you did not cause. Having an attorney is the best way to ensure you get everything you deserve after an accident. Do not delay. Contact a lawyer to learn more about your legal rights and how to protect them after an accident.
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How Can a Kentucky Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?
A car accident attorney will ensure you receive everything you deserve after an accident. A lawyer can help protect your legal right to full and fair compensation after an accident. Here are some practical ways a Kentucky car accident lawyer can support you after a crash.
Investigating the Accident
An attorney will collect evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records. A lawyer may work with a professional, such as an accident reconstructionist, to reconstruct the accident and establish liability if someone disputes fault.
Legal Advice and Guidance
An attorney will provide legal advice and guidance. A lawyer will explain your rights under Kentucky law. They will advise whether you have a valid claim and guide you in taking the best action after an accident.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Negotiating with insurance companies is one of the most important parts of a car accident case. An attorney will handle communications with insurance adjusters to protect your interests, allowing you to focus on your recovery. They will negotiate settlements to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.
Represent You In Court
If the negotiations are unsuccessful, your attorney might file a lawsuit, leading to court proceedings. An attorney will advocate on your behalf if the case goes to trial. They will present evidence, argue your case effectively, and fight for the compensation you deserve. With their experience, you can feel confident knowing your interests are well-represented in the courtroom.
Understand Kentucky’s No-Fault Laws
Kentucky is a “no-fault” state, meaning your insurance typically covers medical expenses and lost earnings, regardless of who caused the accident. A lawyer can navigate these laws and guide you in deciding whether to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver.
Hiring a car accident attorney ensures professional handling of your case and maximizes your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
What Compensation Is Available After a Kentucky Car Accident?
After a car accident in Kentucky, you may be eligible for compensation based on the accident’s circumstances, the severity of your injuries, and who is at fault. Kentucky is a “no-fault” state, meaning that certain benefits come from your insurance regardless of fault. Here is an overview of potential compensation:
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Benefits
Kentucky’s no-fault law requires drivers to carry PIP coverage, which provides compensation for:
- Funeral expenses up to the policy limit in case of a fatality.
- Costs for childcare or housework if you cannot perform them.
- Lost income typically covers up to $200 per week for lost income.
- Medical expenses cover treatment costs up to the policy limit.
Compensation from the At-Fault Driver
Suppose you opt out of Kentucky’s no-fault system or meet specific thresholds (i.e., medical expenses exceeding $1,000, involving permanent injury or disfigurement). You can file a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver in that case. Compensation may include:
Economic Damages
An accident victim may recover for their tangible accident-related losses, including the following:
- Past and future medical costs related to the accident.
- Current and future income lost due to the inability to work.
- You may receive compensation if the accident diminishes your ability to earn income in the future. This is called loss of earning capacity.
- Costs to repair or replace your vehicle or other personal property are compensable after an accident.
There may be more types of economic losses available in your accident case. Contact a Kentucky car accident attorney to get an estimate of your case’s value from an experienced Kentucky car accident lawyer.
Non-economic Damages
- Compensation for pain and suffering includes compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- If the accident affects your ability to enjoy daily activities, the law compensates you for losing enjoyment of life.
- A loss of consortium claim might be available as compensation for the impact on a spouse or family relationship.
Non-economic losses can be difficult to recognize and quantify. Speaking with an attorney is the best way to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve after an accident. Do not delay. Contact a Kentucky lawyer immediately after a crash to get everything you deserve after a car accident.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault driver’s reckless or intentional actions and deter others. Punitive damages do not compensate the victim, so they are not always available in every case. Speak to a qualified Kentucky accident lawyer to discuss the availability of punitive damages in your case.
Contact an attorney to discuss the damages specific to your case. To ensure proper recovery after an accident, you need an experienced advocate to review the facts of your case and fight for what you deserve to recover after an accident.
How Long Do I Have To Sue After a Kentucky Car Accident?
Every car accident plaintiff must comply with the applicable statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is the deadline to sue for recovering compensation for accident-related injuries and losses. Each state sets its statute of limitations for recovery after car accidents. In Kentucky, the time to sue depends on the losses you wish to recover.
Personal Injury Claims
You generally have one year from the date of the accident or discovery of the injury to file a lawsuit. There might be skilled circumstances, but typically, accident victims who do not meet the applicable statute of limitations will lose their right to sue.
Property Damage Claims
You have two years from the accident date to file a claim for vehicle damage or other property losses, act within that time frame to protect your rights.
Wrongful Death Claims
If the accident results in a fatality, the statute of limitations is one year from the date of death. Act promptly to preserve evidence and protect your rights, as delays can impact your ability to file a claim. If you need more specific advice, consulting an attorney is recommended. An attorney will guide you through the process, ensure you meet deadlines, and manage the details of a wrongful death claim.
Contact a Kentucky Car Accident Lawyer Today!
If a car accident in Kentucky involved you, contact a lawyer today. You deserve protection after a car crash. You do not have to face this alone. Contact a Kentucky personal injury lawyer today to learn more about your options after an accident. A lawyer will guide you through the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.