Louisville Car Accident Lawyer

According to the 2022 Kentucky Traffic Collision Facts report, there were about 108,713 reported traffic collisions on public roads statewide in 2022 (723 fatal collisions). Getting injured in an auto accident can be a painful and emotionally traumatic experience.

If you or a loved one were hurt in a car accident caused by another person’s negligent actions, you may be eligible to recover damages or seek financial compensation for your injuries.

Understanding Liability in Kentucky

When it comes to auto insurance coverage and injury claims, Kentucky is a “choice no-fault” state. Under the no-fault system, the injured party will turn to their insurance provider to seek compensation for medical bills and other financial losses resulting from the accident, notwithstanding who was at fault.

Furthermore, motorists in the state are required to carry an automobile insurance policy, known as a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy. The PIP benefits pay up to $10,000 for medical expenses, lost income, and other “out of pocket” costs resulting from car accident injuries.

However, since Kentucky is a choice no-fault state, the injured victim can always opt-out of the no-fault car insurance system and choose to file a lawsuit against the party they believe to be at fault instead. Your decision to opt-out of the no-fault system must be in writing, using the Kentucky No-Fault Rejection Form. You will file the form with the state’s Department of Insurance.

Insurance Requirements in Kentucky

In the Commonwealth of Kentucky, motorists are required to maintain minimum “liability” car insurance coverage, which usually applies to the at-fault party in a traffic collision.

The minimum liability coverage requirements in Kentucky include:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person in a single accident
• $50,000 for bodily injury or death to two or more people in a single accident
• $10,000 for property damage in a single accident.

State Laws Addressing Claims

The following state laws address the time limit for filing claims or the amount of damages that may be recovered by victims:

Statute of Limitations

Pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statutes Section KRS 304.39-230, a claim by an individual injured in a motor vehicle collision must be brought within two years after the date of injury or the date of the last personal injury protection (PIP) payment.

Sometimes, a spouse, parent, or minor child may have a loss of consortium claim (loss of love and affection), and under KRS 413.140, those claims must generally be brought within one year of the date of the injury. An action to recover damages to a vehicle or other personal property in the car accident must be filed within two years from the date of the accident (Kentucky Revised Statutes Section 413.125.).

Comparative Fault in Kentucky

Under Kentucky Revised Statutes section 411.182, the Commonwealth of Kentucky is a “pure comparative fault” state. This means that the amount of damages you may be able to recover in an auto accident case is reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if you are found to be 99% at fault for the accident, you may still recover damages.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can be devastating and result in serious injuries, or even fatalities. Understanding the common causes of car accidents can help drivers take the necessary precautions to avoid them when possible. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted driving: One of the top causes of car accidents is distracted driving. Distractions can include using a phone, eating, putting on makeup, adjusting the radio, or even talking to passengers.
• Speeding: Drivers who go over the speed limit have less time to react to hazards on the road and are more likely to lose control of their vehicle.
• riving under the influence: Drivers under the influence have impaired judgment, decreased reaction time, and reduced coordination, which can all lead to accidents.
• Reckless driving: Reckless driving, like weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, and ignoring traffic signals, can cause accidents and unnecessarily put other drivers at risk.
• Poor weather conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and fog can all make driving conditions hazardous. If drivers don’t adjust their speed and driving behavior to match the weather conditions they can easily lose control of their vehicle and cause an accident.
• Vehicle malfunctions: Vehicle malfunctions such as brake failure, tire blowouts, and steering problems can cause accidents. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these issues.
• Fatigue: Driving while fatigued can impair judgment, reaction times, and overall driving ability. Drivers who are tired are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel or make careless mistakes.
• Wrongful death: Wrongful death is any loss of life that occurred due to the negligent actions of another person. The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to compensate the surviving family members of the deceased whose death was caused by a negligent party.

Work With Experienced Attorneys

The period following a traffic collision can be confusing to sort through. If the accident was serious, it can affect you financially, physically, and emotionally. You don’t have to go through it alone.

If you or a loved one have been hurt in an auto accident, hiring experienced Louisville car accident lawyers is an important step you should take to protect your rights and pursue rightful compensation.

At Grossman Green PLLC, our attorneys have devoted their careers to handling personal injury cases, including auto accident matters. As your legal counsel, we can:

• Fight vigorously to protect your rights and represent your best interests
• Provide a comprehensive case review and carry out a detailed, private investigation
• Gather and document all relevant information, including any necessary evidence, medical documentation, and witness statements,
• Work to prove fault and establish liability
• Determine the full impact of your injuries and estimate the value of your case
• Negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance carrier
• File a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, where applicable

Get Started On Your Case Today

At Grossman Green PLLC, we are dedicated to providing experienced legal services and compassionate representation to auto accident victims and their family members.

As knowledgeable attorneys, we will review every aspect of your case, conduct a thorough investigation, and explore your legal options to pursue a personal injury claim. Our team will fight zealously to protect your rights and help you seek fair financial compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.