Highway Accidents in Kentucky

We have plenty of highways connecting Kentuckians with each other and with our surrounding states, but these highways can result in disaster. If you or a loved one have been harmed in a highway vehicle collision, we want to encourage you to speak to a car accident attorney in Louisville. Collisions on our highways can become challenging claims, particularly when it comes to victims recovering compensation from insurance carriers.

Major Highways in Kentucky and Accident Hotspots

Kentucky is home to several major highways and interstates that are vital for transportation but also notorious for serious accidents. Some of the most frequently traveled highways in Kentucky include:

• Interstate 64 (I-64): Running east to west across the state, I-64 connects Louisville, Lexington, and Ashland. The heavy traffic on this interstate, combined with high speeds, makes it a common location for multi-vehicle accidents.
• Interstate 65 (I-65): Stretching from the Tennessee border to Indiana, I-65 passes through major cities like Bowling Green and Louisville. This interstate is known for its high commercial traffic, with large trucks contributing to the risk of accidents.
• Interstate 75 (I-75): I-75 runs north to south, passing through cities like Lexington and Covington. This busy route sees many accidents due to heavy traffic, weather conditions, and construction zones.
• Bluegrass Parkway and Western Kentucky Parkway: These parkways are essential connectors, but they are also prone to collisions, particularly during adverse weather conditions or when drivers become distracted.

Common Causes of Highway Accidents in Kentucky

Highway accidents in Kentucky happen in many different ways, sometimes involving one, two, or even three or more vehicles. Understanding the most common causes of these incidents can help drivers stay aware and avoid dangerous situations. Some of the primary factors contributing to highway accidents include:

• Speeding: High-speed limits on highways mean that any mistakes or distractions can lead to catastrophic accidents. Drivers exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions often struggle to control their vehicles, leading to crashes.
• Distracted driving: Using cell phones, eating, or adjusting in-car systems can all divert a driver’s attention from the road. On highways, where reaction times need to be quicker, distractions significantly increase the likelihood of an accident.
• Tailgating: Following another vehicle too closely is dangerous on any road, but on highways, tailgating leaves little room for drivers to stop in an emergency, leading to rear-end collisions.
• Weather conditions: Kentucky highways are subject to a range of weather conditions, including rain, snow, and fog, which can reduce visibility and traction. Wet or icy roads can cause drivers to lose control, leading to multi-vehicle accidents.
• Commercial trucks: Highways like I-65 and I-75 are essential routes for commercial trucking. Large trucks, due to their size and weight, can cause devastating damage if they collide with smaller vehicles, especially at high speeds.

Types of Highway Accidents in Kentucky

Common types of highway crashes in Kentucky include:

• Sideswipe collisions
• Rear-end crashes
• Head-on collisions
• T-bone crashes
• Rollover accidents

Highway crash victims can suffer injuries or fatalities in these and other types of accidents. 

Injuries You Can Suffer in a Kentucky Highway Accident

A Kentucky highway accident can leave you badly injured. Here are injuries reported in highway accidents in Kentucky:

• Broken bones
• Whiplash
• Concussions
• Back and neck injuries
• Burns
• Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Head injuries
• Internal bleeding 
• Organ damage

Some highway accidents are fatal. With these accidents, the surviving family members of a deceased person (decedent) could recover damages from any liable parties. 

Determining Liability in a Highway Accident

Determining liability in a highway accident can be more complicated than in a standard car crash, especially if multiple vehicles are involved. It is essential to identify who is at fault to pursue compensation effectively. Some of the parties that may be held liable in a Kentucky highway accident include:

• Other drivers: If another driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent, they could be held responsible for the accident. Kentucky operates under a comparative fault system, which means that multiple parties may share liability based on their percentage of fault.
• Commercial truck drivers or companies: If a commercial truck was involved, the driver or trucking company could be liable in a Louisville trucking accident lawsuit if the driver violated regulations or the company failed to maintain the vehicle properly.
• Government entities: In some cases, poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or construction zone issues can contribute to accidents. If a government agency failed to maintain safe highway conditions, they could be held accountable.

Filing a Claim After a Highway Accident in Kentucky

If you have been involved in a highway accident in Kentucky, you need to act quickly to protect your rights. Kentucky has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which means you have two years from the date of the accident or your last PIP (personal injury protection) payment to file a claim. Failing to file within this timeframe may prevent you from recovering compensation.

When filing a claim, your attorney will help gather evidence to prove the other party’s liability. This evidence may include:

• Police reports: Law enforcement often responds to highway accidents, and their reports can provide critical information about the cause of the crash.
• Eyewitness testimony: If others witnessed the accident, their statements could support your claim by confirming the other driver’s negligence.
• Expert analysis: Accident reconstruction experts can provide testimony about how the crash occurred and who was at fault.

How to Get Compensation After a Highway Accident

Do not wait to file a claim after a highway accident. According to Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 304.39-230, you have one year from the date of a highway crash to ask for compensation from any at-fault parties. 

There are mandatory insurance requirements for those who live and drive a car in Kentucky. If you buy a car insurance policy, you have no-fault coverage. Submit an insurance claim to your insurer. If your insurance carrier approves your claim, you could receive compensation, regardless of who is at fault for your accident. 

If your insurance coverage is not enough for all of your losses, you can file a lawsuit against a liable party. Let a highway accident lawyer serve as your legal representation. They can negotiate a settlement with a liable party’s insurance company. Or, they can move forward with a personal injury lawsuit. 

With a lawsuit, you present your case to a judge or jury. Your lawyer will gather accident scene photos, witness statements, and other evidence. This proof could lead a liable party to offer a fair settlement before your trial date. Alternatively, it could prompt the court to award you damages for your auto repair costs, pain and suffering, and other accident losses.

Contact a Highway Accident Lawyer in Kentucky Today

Highway accidents can be devastating, leaving victims with severe injuries and financial strain. If you or a loved one has been involved in a highway accident, it is essential to seek legal representation from an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process of filing a claim and pursuing compensation.

At Meinhart & Manning, PLLC, our team is dedicated to helping accident victims in Kentucky recover the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation by filling out our contact form or calling us at (502) 589-2700. Let us help you understand your rights and fight for justice after a highway accident.