Highway Accidents in Kentucky

Highway accidents in Kentucky are not uncommon, especially along areas such as I-75. These accidents are also some of the most dangerous. Higher speeds, more traffic, and often aggravated drivers trying to get home increases the risk of injury and losses.

If you are hurt in an accident on a highway due to another person’s actions or mistakes, do not wait to contact a highway accident attorney to guide you. Speak with a Kentucky car accident lawyer about your case today.

How Common Are Highway Accidents in Kentucky?

The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety shares that, in 2024, 694 people died on roadways in Kentucky. That figure is significantly lower than in 2023, when 814 people lost their lives. The highest-risk areas include Kipda, with 142 deaths, Bluegrass, with 115 deaths, and Lincoln Trail, with 53 losses. Thousands of other people were hurt in accidents as well, some of which were serious, creating long-term implications.

Why Do Highway Accidents in Kentucky Happen?

There are many reasons highway accidents occur, and most of them are preventable. Those include:

• Alcohol and drug impairment
• Reckless driving, such as speeding, illegal lane changes, and running red lights
• Distracted driving due to mobile phone use, eating, pets, or other distractions in the vehicle
• Fatigue, especially as a result of late-night accidents or early-morning accidents
• Mechanical failures such as tire blowouts

In any situation where a driver is unable to properly control their vehicle, accidents can occur.

Kentucky No-Fault Accidents on Highways

If you are hurt in a highway accident in Kentucky, you may be unsure how you will recover damages. Kentucky is a no-fault state. That means drivers have their own coverage for accidents, no matter who is at fault. If you are hurt because of an aggressive driver, that may not seem fair. However, the no-fault laws aim to make it easier for victims to recover damages directly from their insurance provider.

It is rarely that easy. Insurance companies will reduce the amount paid out in any way possible. Drivers with serious injuries and losses may not have enough coverage to cover all of their losses either.

Can You Reject PIP Coverage in Kentucky?

You must be offered a no-fault insurance policy with personal injury protection (PIP) when you purchase insurance in Kentucky. You can reject PIP coverage, though. If you do that, you are then able to sue the at-fault driver in a car accident.

Keep in mind that if you reject PIP coverage, and you are in an accident you cause, the other driver has the legal right to sue you as well.

Can I Claim Pain and Suffering in a Kentucky Highway Accident?

Kentucky allows victims of car accidents to file claims for economic damages, which include medical bills, lost time at work, and property damage. You may be able to file a claim for pain and suffering as well. In these situations, you must document all of your losses fully with evidence, including how your injuries impact your quality of life. If you have serious implications from the accident, including permanent injuries, it is critical to be thorough with your documentation to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Contact Gary C. Johnson P.S.C. for a free consultation to discuss your highway accident in Kentucky. As a respected, proven attorney serving the region for decades, you can trust your case and losses in our attorneys’ hands.