Car Accident Attorney in Louisville, Kentucky

Most Dangerous Roads in Louisville, KY

Louisville is Kentucky’s most populated city, with an average population of 630,000 people. The city has six highways and is considered the transportation hub of Kentucky. It is not surprising, then, to find that a large portion of motor accidents take place along Louisville roadways.

The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety released its most recent fatality report, which helps track the current fatality totals from drivers in Kentucky. According to the 2023 Daily Fatality Summary report, Louisville has already had 43 motorist fatalities, and 6 motorcyclist fatalities. The 2022 report indicated there were a total of 696 fatalities across the state. From the previous year, Louisville recorded 156 motorist fatalities and 28 motorcycle fatalities.

The most dangerous roadways in Louisville, Kentucky include the following:

• I-264 1264 E & W I 138
• I-65 165 N & S I 130
• I-64 164 E & W I 80
• S. 31W Dixie Highway
• S. 31E Bardstown Rd
• KY 61 Preston Highway
• Greenbelt Highway
• Watterson Expressway
• Gene Snyder Freeway

Taking note of current accident trends in Louisville and the rest of Kentucky is important to help drivers understand the risks of the road, along with knowing which roads are especially dangerous. In the event you are in a car or motorcycle wreck in Louisville, Kentucky, we advise you to contact a personal injury attorney.

Types of Car Accidents and Causes

It is important to distinguish each type of car accident and its potential causes when dealing with a personal injury case in Louisville, Kentucky. The following lists the varying types of car accidents which could result in injury:

• Single car accident – One vehicle collides with an object, such as a tree, pole, or barrier, without the involvement of another vehicle. If the wreck was caused by hazards on the highway or road conditions, the party may have a personal injury claim.
• Multiple vehicle collision – Also referred to as a multi-vehicle collision, this occurs when three or more vehicles are involved in a collision.
• Vehicle rollover – When a vehicle tips onto its side or roof due to a collision or sudden change in direction or momentum.
• Rear-end collision – One or more vehicles collide the front end of their vehicle into the rear-end of another vehicle. This is typically caused by driving too close to the car in front, or distracted driving.
• Side-impact collision – Also referred to as a T-bone collision, which occurs when the front of one vehicle collides with or strikes the side of another vehicle at a perpendicular angle.
• Head-on collision – Two vehicles collide front-to-front after traveling in opposite directions.
• Hit-and-run – Car accident where the at-fault party flees the scene without providing their information or rendering aid to the other parties.
• Reckless driving – Driving behavior in which the driver operates the vehicle in a willful and wanton disregard for the safety of other drivers.
• Rideshare accidents – Accident which occurs in a vehicle being used for ride-sharing purposes, through a mobile app such as Uber or Lyft.

The most common causes of car accidents in Louisville, Kentucky include the following:

• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Driver fatigue
• Reckless driving
• Negligence in maintaining vehicle
• Manufacturing defects
• Weather conditions
• Red light running
• Lack of driver experience

If you have been injured in any of the above accidents, it is imperative that you seek legal representation. The personal injury attorneys at Morrin Law Firm are here to answer any questions and help you prepare your case.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

So, you’ve been in a car accident in Louisville, Kentucky. Now what? The moments following a car accident are extremely important. You may feel confused, frightened, or even experiencing immediate pain. The following includes the key steps you should take following a car accident to help your personal injury case:

1. Stop the vehicle and move over – Never leave the scene of a car accident. If capable, the driver should pull over out of the line of traffic and turn on their hazard lights.
2. Assess injuries and seek medical help – Call emergency services immediately if you are feeling injured or disoriented.
3. Contact the Kentucky Police Department – Law enforcement must be notified after a car accident. If for any reason the police are not contacted, the driver has 10 days from the accident to file a collision report by using the Kentucky State Police Civilian Collision Report Form.
4. Exchange information with other driver(s) – It is important to gather the other driver’s information, including their name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information. If there are witnesses to the accident, get their contact information as well.
5. Take photos or notes about the accident – Gather any evidence from the scene by taking photos and videos of damage to your vehicle, documenting any injuries, or other forms of evidence. If you exit your vehicle to document anything, remember to stay out of harm’s way.
6. Contact a personal injury attorney in Louisville, KY – Find a skilled attorney with Morrin Law Firm to work with you and represent your case.

In addition, you can practice good preparation for any unforeseen accident by:

• Always carrying your driver’s license when operating your vehicle;
• Keeping your registration and proof of insurance inside your vehicle;
• Regularly assess your vehicle’s lights, hazard lights, and other functions;
• Maintain car insurance coverage; and
• Carry items to document an accident in your vehicle such as a pen, paper, or camera.

Important: Refer to the Morrin Law Injury Help App on your iPhone for helpful features such as the Automatic Crash Detection which alerts emergency responders if you’ve been in an accident.

Damages and Recoveries for Accident Injuries

A car accident causes unforeseen damage to the victim’s life, especially if the accident leaves them with an injury. In a personal injury case, “damages” refers to the compensation awarded to the injured party for the losses or harm caused by the other party’s actions or negligence.

In Kentucky, the victim’s own insurance agency will often pay for the first $10,000 in medical bills and lost wages through a personal injury protection provision (PIP). However, we understand that there is no distinguishable amount of money which can make up for the injuries acquired and the losses caused by a car accident. Our Louisville car accident attorneys can help by holding the at-fault party accountable and successfully winning your personal injury case.

The following lists the types of damages a skilled attorney can help recover after a car accident in Louisville, Kentucky:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Future projected earnings
• Loss of consortium
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages
• Funeral and burial costs

Contact the personal injury attorneys at Morrin Law Firm for a free consultation regarding your case. Our firm represents anyone in Louisville or the surrounding areas in Kentucky.

Kentucky Statute on Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit

If you have been injured in an auto accident in Louisville, Kentucky, it is important to understand the state’s Statute of Limitations and the allotted time to report the accident and file a personal injury claim:

• Reporting the Accident – Under Kentucky Statute Section 189.635, any person operating a vehicle who is involved in an accident resulting in fatal or nonfatal personal injury must notify Kentucky State Police Department immediately. Any investigating officers of the accident must file a report with the Kentucky State Police within ten (10) days of the accident. In addition, any person who is involved in an accident which results in over $500 in property damage that was not investigated by police to file a written report within ten (10) days of the accident.
• Filing Injury or Property Damage Claim – Under Kentucky Statute Section 413.140 and Kentucky Statute Section 413.125, the statute of limitations for injury and property damage claims is two years from the date of the accident or the last PIP payment. This means individuals have two years from the date of the accident to either settle the claim through the insurance company without litigation, or to file a legal complaint.