Kentucky Car Accidents Archives | Roberts Law Office

What Steps do I Need To Take in My Car Crash Case in Kentucky?

Unfortunately, almost all of us will be involved in a car crash at one point or another. We all know at least one person whose life was affected by a car accident, whether it was fatal or non-fatal. When your life is flipped upside down by a car crash, a legal battle may seem like the last thing you want to trouble yourself with. If you have lost a loved one, no amount of compensation is ever going to make the pain go away, and the process will undoubtedly be stressful. However, if you have [...]

How Self-Driving Cars Affect Liability, Insurance, and Personal Injury Claims in Kentucky

Like so many other aspects of our society, our legal system often struggles to catch up with advances in technology. A clear example of this is the rise of autonomous driving. While fully self-driving cars still have not arrived, legislators are starting to wonder how they should react. How can we determine liability when no one is actually in control of their vehicles? What will this mean for insurance? What about the car manufacturers themselves? Will they be liable if their self-driving [...]

How to File a Personal Injury Claim Due to Poorly-Maintained Roads in Kentucky

Those espousing the advantages of anarchism are often confronted by one simple question: “If there is no government, then who will build the roads?” Well, as more than a few motorists have discovered the hard way, roads can still fall into disrepair, even with the presence of a tax-funded government. In some cases, these poorly-maintained roads can lead to accidents that injure innocent people. For example, a pothole might cause a car to swerve into another vehicle. Motorcyclists may lose [...]

What Are “No-Fault” Car Accidents in Kentucky?

Is it possible for a car accident to be truly accidental? That is to say, the collision occurs while everyone is driving normally, with no one to blame? The answer is yes, and you may have experienced a situation like this yourself. This type of situation is also the foundation of Kentucky’s “no-fault” approach to personal injury claims. As one of 12 “no-fault” states, Kentucky requires car owners to buy something called Personal Injury Protection (PIP) along with their regular car [...]

Can I Get Compensation Even If I Was Not Seriously Injured In A Car Accident?

Being in a car accident can be an incredibly traumatic life event, whether you were seriously injured or not. For many people, it can cause serious anxiety, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and a fear of driving long into the future. These are all serious issues, and you may be wondering whether you can gain compensation for these damages, even if you have not actually suffered a serious physical injury as a result of your car accident. The good news is that under Kentucky law, you [...]

How do Distracted Driving Laws Work in Kentucky?

Distracted driving is a major factor that contributes to many car crashes in Kentucky. In 2014 alone, there were over 54,000 crashes involving distracted drivers. These crashes led to 14,000 injuries and 169 fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has determined that 80% of all crashes occur within three seconds of drivers becoming distracted in some way. If you have been in a car crash, the statistics show that distracted driving was probably involved to some degree. [...]

Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits in Kentucky

If you are involved in a car accident, you may want compensation for your injuries or damage to your vehicle. In some cases, you may think the other driver was at fault and want to seek compensation from them. Car accidents are inherently stressful, and the last thing you want to think about is a deadline for filing your lawsuit. You should know, however, you may only have one or two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for compensation. What is a statute of limitations? A [...]

Can Not Wearing My Seatbelt Impact My Personal Injury Case?

Though most of the country is staying home due to COVID-related closures, the month of July began with two deadly motor vehicle accidents in Lexington, Kentucky. In the second crash within a few hours on the morning of July 4, a woman died from injuries sustained after the SUV in which she was riding rolled over. She was not wearing a seatbelt. Though it is not clear whether another motorist was at fault or contributed to the accident, it is important to note that whether you are wearing a [...]

Liability in Accidents Involving Emergency Vehicles in Kentucky

Residents of Lexington often see emergency vehicles such as police cars, fire engines, and ambulances on the roads. When there is a fire, medical emergency, car crash, or the police are chasing a suspect, emergency vehicles are no strangers to speeding, making unsafe lane changes, running red lights, and committing other traffic violations. Unfortunately, accidents involving police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances are not uncommon in Lexington or other parts of Kentucky. But what happens [...]

Liability in Single-Vehicle Crashes in Kentucky: Can Someone Else be at Fault?

Not all auto accidents involve two, three, or more vehicles. In fact, one in five accidents involves just one vehicle that either crashes into a fixed object or overturns. According to Forbes, single-vehicle rollover crashes account for over 8,000 deaths each year in the U.S. (that is about 20% of total car accident deaths in the country). But can someone other than the driver of the car that got into a single-vehicle accident be at fault? The short answer is yes. Although driver error is [...]

When is a Pedestrian Responsible for Causing a Crash?

Both car drivers and pedestrians tend to assume that the motorist is always responsible for a pedestrian accident. However, that is not always the case. In motor vehicle accidents involving a pedestrian, the person crossing the road may bear partial or total responsibility for the collision. Just because pedestrians are more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries than car drivers, it does not necessarily mean that they cannot be at fault for being hit by a vehicle. When are Pedestrians at [...]

COVID-19: Drunk Driving Accidents Increased in Lexington Despite Less Traffic Volume

As businesses in Lexington, Kentucky, continue to reopen in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, people have begun driving more frequently. Meanwhile, the Lexington Police Department released crash data for April, the only full month in which Kentuckians stayed home to curb the spread of coronavirus. The LPD’s traffic data for March 2020 showed a decline in traffic volume and that there were fewer auto accidents across Lexington. COVID-19: Car Accident Statistics for April 2020 in Lexington [...]

How to Determine Fault if a Car Crash Occurred When Changing Lanes?

While changing lanes is a basic move when driving, it can lead to car accidents when executed improperly. A vehicle crash that occurs as a result of cars changing lanes can lead to disastrous consequences and injuries ranging from head injuries to broken bones. Although it is unknown how many car accidents in Kentucky involve changing lanes, determining fault in this type of auto accident can be challenging. Who is at Fault if a Crash Occurs When Changing Lanes? Depending on how your lane [...]

Vision Zero – No More Car Wreck Fatalities

Is it possible to eliminate car wreck fatalities? Sweden thinks so and has been working towards that goal since 1997 when it implemented Vision Zero, a long-term goal and strategy for road safety. Sweden has a population of about 10 million. It experienced 270 car wreck fatalities in 2016. That is a rate of 27 per million. When it started its program in 1997, the fatality rate was over 60 per million. Other countries and regions have since implemented a vision zero strategy. In the United [...]

Fatal Car Crashes from Running Red Lights are Highest in 10 Years, a Study Shows

Everyone has been in a situation in which they need to get to their destination in a hurry. While some people are reluctant to overstep the legal boundaries to get somewhere as quickly as possible, others do not think twice when deciding to run red lights or exceed the speed limit. Unfortunately, the desire to get somewhere in a hurry can have devastating consequences. Statistically speaking, car accidents in Lexington and elsewhere in Kentucky often result from running red lights. In fact, [...]

When Can You Blame Slippery Roads for Your Weather-Related Auto Accident?

If you can blame another driver or a government entity for your auto accident, can you actually blame slippery roads for your weather-related car crash in Kentucky? This question was on many Lexington drivers’ minds when they hit the road in the morning on February 7. As reported by WDKY, snowfall overnight and into the morning caused slick road conditions across the city. Read our winter driving tips for Lexington motorists. Slippery Roads Cause Nearly 50 Car Accidents Across Lexington Wet [...]

What Happens if You are Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Kentucky?

It is estimated that 11% of motorists are uninsured in Kentucky. But what happens if an uninsured driver strikes your vehicle? Any car wreck is stressful enough, but even more so if you find out that the other driver does not carry any insurance. When the other motorist says, “I do not have insurance”, it puts you in a difficult situation. You may begin wondering, “Should I report the accident to my insurer or try to settle with the driver without reporting it?” “Do I need a car accident [...]

Who Pays for Your Personal Injury After an Uber Accident in Kentucky?

Most Kentucky residents have used ridesharing services at least once, even those who have a car. Regardless of whether you hailed a car from your mobile phone because your vehicle is in the shop or you had one too many alcoholic beverages to drink – or you simply do not have your own car – have you ever wondered who pays for your personal injury after an Uber accident in Kentucky? Accidents while riding in an Uber are more common than you think. Who will compensate you for your Uber crash [...]

Do Auto Insurers in Kentucky Cover Flood Damage to Vehicles?

The amount of destruction caused by flooding can change your life. When a flood arrives, your only priority is to help yourself, your family, pets, and friends to get somewhere safe. When the flooding ends, and you begin to assess damages to your property, including your automobile, things can get very frustrating and confusing. This is the moment when people wonder, “Does my auto insurance cover flood damage to my car?” That depends on the policy that you purchased. Before submitting [...]

Liability in Utility Pole Collisions in Kentucky

While utility poles serve many different purposes, they can be dangerous and deadly in single-vehicle crashes. The primary function of a utility pole is carrying electrical wires and communications-related cables. Although utility poles are important, they can cause severe injuries and carry an increased risk of death. Injuries caused by utility poles in single-vehicle car accidents vary from head injuries and broken bones to back and spinal cord injuries. With more than 88 million utility [...]

Who is Liable if You Were Injured Aboard a Tour Bus?

Taking a tour bus can be an excellent way to explore the city, especially if your vacation time is limited or you do not like moving around on foot. However, just like any other bus, a tour bus can get into a car accident. When this happens, people who got injured aboard a tour bus have multiple options to seek compensation. More often than not, tour bus accidents are caused by either the bus driver’s negligent acts or poor vehicle maintenance (many accidents involving tour buses are caused [...]

Who is Liable for a DUI Accident

The holiday season and drunk driving are practically synonymous. Unfortunately, Christmas and New Year’s Eve see a record number of fatal DUIs because a large number of impaired drivers decide to get behind the wheel of a car to return home or drive themselves to a holiday party. According to Scram Systems, drunk drivers cause approximately 40% of all traffic-related deaths during the holiday season. An injury caused by a drunk motorist can ruin your holidays, and sadly, most injuries and [...]

Is the Driver Always at Fault When a Child Runs Out in Front of the Car?

Sometimes, children forget what their parents tell them. “Do not run across the street. Always look both ways!” Parents worry about their children being hit by cars while crossing the street or playing near the roadway. Unfortunately, sometimes, kids are not careful and forget about cars. Who is responsible if a child ran or darted across the street? In other words, is the driver always at fault when a child darts out in front of his or her vehicle? Is the Driver Liable if a Child Runs Out [...]

Work Zone Car Accident in Kentucky

Whether you work on a construction site or are driving through a road work zone, a car collision can leave you injured, traumatized, and wondering what to do next. Regardless of how your work zone accident occurred, a Lexington personal injury lawyer can help identify the at-fault parties to pursue monetary compensation. Two men from Eastern Kentucky died in a construction site crash in Tennessee after a semi-truck plowed through the work zone. According to WKYT, the two males – one 22 [...]

Winter Driving Tips for Lexington Drivers

Car drivers across Lexington are urged to take extra caution as the city sees its first snowfall. Snowy weather caught many locals off-guard as, on average, the first snowfall in Lexington does not happen until the end of November, while the first inch of snow is usually accumulated around December 20. According to WKYT, rain transitioned into snow Monday night, prompting Lexington’s road crews to prepare for snow and ice removal operations across the city. The Scott County Road [...]

New Speed Feedback Signs in Lexington Designed to Stop Speeders

Lexington is putting up new speed feedback signs throughout the city to prevent motorists from exceeding the posted speed limit. The so-called speed feedback signs were introduced as part of the city’s traffic strategy that was announced in October before a council committee. Speeding is a common occurrence in Lexington that often causes car accidents. Without these feedback signs, proving that another motorist was speeding at the time of the crash is rather tough. However, our Lexington [...]

Kentucky’s Deer-Vehicle Collision Season Has Begun: Here is How to Improve Safety

Look out for deer because the fall deer-vehicle collision season has officially begun. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet issued a warning to all motorists in Lexington and elsewhere in the state to exercise more caution on highways, especially when driving during twilight hours. According to Car Insurance, Kentucky ranks the 15th in the nation for deer-vehicle collisions. The increased activity of deer in October is driven by multiple factors: Shorter days Cooler evenings Increased field [...]

You can Now Sue Kentucky Police Officers for Third-Party Injuries and Deaths From Police Chases

Police officers in Lexington and other parts of Kentucky can now be sued for any third-party injuries and deaths resulting from vehicle chases. The Supreme Court of Kentucky has overturned its 1952 decision granting blanket immunity to police after hot pursuit-related car crashes. The Supreme Court of Kentucky rendered the historic decision in June 2019, but a final version of the new dissenting opinion was not released until September 26. According to the Courier-Journal, police chases led [...]

Multiple-Vehicle Car Accidents in Lexington

A multiple-vehicle crash, or pile-up, is one of the most destructive and terrifying events that can occur on the road. Unfortunately, Lexington residents are no strangers to seeing this type of crash. No matter what you call them – multiple-vehicle car accidents, chain-reaction collisions, or pile-ups – they can lead to catastrophic injuries and death. Since victims of multi-vehicle crashes can be hit multiple times from different sides and angles, pile-ups can result in brain injuries, [...]

Liability in Car Accidents Caused by Rain and Bad Weather in Lexington

Adverse weather conditions such as rain and snow can be the most dangerous aspects of driving. Many Lexington residents learned it the hard way after the city saw significant rainfall for the first time in a while. The likelihood of being in a car crash during rain and snow is high, which is why it is essential to know how liability is assigned in weather-related car accidents. Although drivers have a legal duty to operate their motor vehicles safely in all situations and conditions, [...]

Driving Safety Tips for Evacuations

Evacuations are always tough. No one wants to be evacuated from their home, but when authorities urge residents to get out, you must hit the road with thousands of other drivers. Driving during an evacuation presents the risk of getting into a car accident because everyone is in a hurry, and almost no one is following traffic laws. Yes, not doing anything when authorities order you to evacuate can be dangerous for your safety, but so is driving during an evacuation. Typically, determining [...]

Dangers and Legal Challenges of Car Crashes After Oil Spills

Car accidents caused by oil spills can be unpredictable in their nature and lead to disastrous consequences. Typically, oil spills occur on the roads of Lexington and Kentucky when tankers, oil trucks, and oil rigs release “liquid petroleum hydrocarbon” into the environment. When spilled over a large area, an oil spill can cause motorists to lose control of their vehicles due to the slippery road, resulting in horrifying multi-vehicle collisions. Dangers of Oil Spills on the Road Oil is a [...]

Rear-End Collisions are Frequent and Dangerous

Rear-end collisions happen a lot. In fact, for two-vehicle crashes, almost half are rear-end crashes. Not only are they common, but rear-end crashes can be deadly. From 2012 through 2014, two-vehicle rear-end crashes resulted in more than 1,700 fatalities each year. One major national newspaper recently reported that there are approximately 1.7 million rear-end crashes each year, with 1,700 fatalities annually and about another 500,000 injuries each year. The National Highway Transportation [...]

Teen Drivers a Major Cause of Auto Accidents

Are you planning to buy your teenager a car on their 16th birthday? When teens turn 16, they begin to desire a car of their own because being able to drive makes them feel independent. In most states in the US, the minimum age for unsupervised driving is 16. If you are indeed planning to get a car for your child (or allow them to drive yours), do bear in mind that according to the National Safety Council, auto accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers in the US. A lot of [...]

Does Insurance Help Cover Personal Injury Expenses?

As a driver, you may know the importance of having auto insurance before getting behind the wheel and heading out on the road. However, there are different levels of coverage offered to drivers, and the amount of coverage required varies from one state to the next. If you are wondering if insurance will help cover some personal injury expenses, including the cost of medical treatments and surgical procedures, you should know that it can, but it does depend on a few different factors. [...]

Caring for Back Injuries After Car Accidents

Car accidents can be tragic, leading to serious injuries and even death. After being involved in a car accident, you need to do everything possible to protect yourself and your rights. This includes seeking medical care immediately after the crash. Let the emergency responders on the scene evaluate you and then transport you to the hospital. One of the most common areas that are injured in car accidents in Lexington, Kentucky is the back. If you have been injured due to someone else’s [...]

Should I Settle My Personal Injury Case or Go to Trial?

Being injured in a car accident, construction accident, slip and fall, motorcycle accident, pedestrian accident, or any other accident can be life changing. You might find yourself sitting in a hospital bed for months on end as you recover. You might not be able to return to work right away after the accident and you might have months of rehabilitation ahead of you. The medical bills will pile up on top of your monthly expenses. If you decide to file a claim against the at-fault party, you [...]

discussing medical treatmewnt with doctor after accident

Getting Medical Care Following a Lexington Car Accident

Lexington, Kentucky is home to more than 321,000 people, which means that there are thousands of accidents every year in the state’s second largest city. The more car accidents there are in Lexington, the more people who wind up in the hospital. So, what if you decide to skip transport to the hospital? Will this hurt your chances at winning an insurance claim or a lawsuit filed against the at-fault driver? The bottom line here is that you should always seek medical care following a [...]

How can a Personal Injury Attorney Help Me After a Car Accident?

When you are involved in a car accident in Lexington, Kentucky, there will be a lot going through your mind. How badly am I injured? Who will pay my medical bills? If I was not at fault, do I really need to hire a lawyer? All of these questions are valid and should not be ignored. First and foremost, make sure you seek medical attention when involved in an accident, even if you do not think you were injured. Today, we will take a look at how a personal injury attorney can help you after a [...]

What Should I do if Injured as a Pedestrian?

Do you like going for a walk every now and then? Do you work in Lexington, Kentucky and walk to work each day? Going for a walk is great for your health. It can also be extremely dangerous. How? Being a pedestrian is dangerous because you never know when a vehicle might fail to yield to you, run a red light, or even jump the curb and wind up on the sidewalk. Suffering an injury as a pedestrian in a car accident can be devastating. You might not be able to return to work. You could wind up [...]

What to do if You are Injured in an Uber Accident

Whether you ride in an Uber vehicle or are a fellow driver on the roads, you should know what to do when faced with an accident involving an Uber driver. Passengers in Uber vehicles, as well as other drivers, need to know what to do after a crash in order to protect their rights and recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries. The experienced team at The Roberts Law Firm can help you if you have been injured in a crash involving an Uber vehicle in Lexington, Kentucky. Stay at [...]

Steps to Take Following a Kentucky Car Accident

When you get behind the wheel of your car or truck each morning, you do not expect to end up in an accident. The sad fact of the matter is that car accidents occur all too often in Kentucky. With millions of cars on the roads in the state, most drivers are bound to get involved in a car accident at one time or another. Car accidents can lead to serious injuries, monetary losses, property damage, and lost wages. Even the most minor of accidents can cause you to suffer whiplash. Here are the [...]

Drunk Driving and Car Accidents

DUI/DWI statistics in Kentucky In 2014, according to the Kentucky Office of Traffic Safety, drunk driving (formally known as DUI, driving under the influence, a/k/a DWI, driving while intoxicated) was involved in 473 traffic accidents. From the 473 collisions, 245 people were injured and 14 died as a result of drunk driving. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Crackdown Kentucky’ Office of Traffic Safety has announced that between December 16, 2015 to January 2, 2016 they will enforce the “Drive [...]

Recovering from a Car Accident the Right Way

After you are injured in a car accident, you need to take quick, decisive steps in order to be fairly and fully compensated for your accident. As a driver or passenger, you need to be well informed regarding what to do after an accident happens, because car accidents continue to happen with alarming frequency in Kentucky. In fact, there have been more traffic fatalities in Kentucky today than there were in 2014 at this time last year. Here are two ways you can recover from a car accident. [...]

How Pure Comparative Negligence Law Relates to Car Accidents

People suffering from a car accident deal with multiple types of losses. Injuries, wage loss, property damages are all ways in which people suffer physically, mentally and financially from car accidents. However, you cannot recover from losses due to an accident until you determine if the other driver(s) involved is at fault. Kentucky’s Pure Comparative Negligence Law (KRS 411.182) Kentucky pure comparative negligence law is encoded in Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 411.182 which states [...]

Kentucky Uninsured Drivers

Kentucky Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers Do You Have To Have Auto Insurance In Kentucky? Yes. Kentucky law requires that “before the owner of a motor vehicle or trailer may operate it or permit its operation upon the highways of this state, he shall obtain motor vehicle insurance… as required by KRS 304.39-080.” As long as a vehicle is registered in Kentucky, it must be insured. If a vehicle is uninsured, the owner must turn in the license plate at the County Clerk’s office. If the owner [...]

What You Should Do If You Are In An Automobile Accident

What Should I Do At The Scene Of An Automobile Accident? At the scene of an automobile accident, if able, you should do the following things: Check the Health and Safety of Everyone Involved: The most important and urgent task after an accident is to check on those people involved in the accident. Call 911: Even if the wreck is insignificant, you should call the authorities so that they, and you, have a record of the accident. Get Information: Get the names and contact numbers of those at [...]