Morrin Law Office

Car accident lawyer in Kentucky

If you were hurt in a crash in Richmond, KY, a car accident lawyer in Kentucky from the Morrin Law Office could manage your insurance claims and recover compensation to cover your losses. We also sue and take cases to trial as necessary to get justice for our clients when the insurance company is not being fair.

Our trained injury professionals provide free, no-obligation consultations. We will discuss your accident, injuries, losses, and legal options with you at no cost. You can learn your rights and the services we provide to help during this conversation as well as exactly how we add value to your life and bank account.

An injury attorney from the Morrin Law Office represents Kentucky car-crash victims

A car accident attorney in Richmond, KY, from the Morrin Law Office protects the rights of collision victims and seeks justice on their behalf. We file no-fault and auto liability insurance claims, secure cash settlements, and help our clients with their physical and financial recovery.

The steps we take to get a financial recovery in each case include:

  • Investigating the crash and gathering evidence to support the claim
  • Documenting injuries, financial costs, and monetary losses
  • Communicating with all parties for the client
  • Preparing paperwork and filing the claim
  • Speaking with the insurance adjuster and building a case for compensation
  • Negotiating a fair settlement, when possible
  • Preparing a filing a lawsuit, if necessary
  • Representing our client at trial

Our personal injury office strives to make the claims process as easy for our clients as possible. We understand that you are working to heal and get back to your job, hobbies, family, and best life. That is why our legal professionals manage every step of the process for you. We even have an accident notification app to walk you through the initial minutes and hours following a crash.

We also offer the option of remote document signing and can speak with you via video conferencing.

Is it worth getting a lawyer for a car accident?

Our injury professionals believe the best way to protect your right to a fair and just settlement is to work with a Kentucky car accident lawyer who handles Kentucky injuries almost exclusively. This is because these cases are often more complex than they seem even for lawyers who practice a little bit of everything. Even determining which claims you can file can be challenging.

In addition, you cannot trust the insurers to be on your side. This is true even when it is your own insurance provider—even when they seem sympathetic and say they are working to help you get the money you deserve. Insurance adjusters must look out for their company’s interests and pay out as little as possible. In fact, they get paid more the less they pay out on the claims filed by hurt Kentuckians. Many companies have teams who will work to limit your financial recovery and protect their own profits.

When you work with our attorney, we will protect your best interests and file claims based on all available liability insurance policies. You can learn more about how we help crash victims in our free informational guide about car accidents and insurance claims, Fighting for Justice: Winning Car Insurance “Games.”

What is the best way to settle a car accident?

Kentucky’s Motor Vehicle Reparations Act, Ky. Rev. Stat. § 304.39, creates a “choice no-fault” system for car accident claims. Drivers who do not opt out of the system give up the option to sue, separate from meeting certain exceptions.

In a serious car accident, one or more of these exceptions is likely. They include:

  • Having a thousand ($1,000) or more in related medical bills
  • Lasting injury or disfigurement
  • Fractured bones
  • Death

Meeting an exception could allow you to sue, but filing an auto liability claim against the at-fault driver is more likely.

Mandatory insurance in Kentucky

Regardless of fault in your crash, you can claim your initial ten thousand dollars ($10,000) in damages through your own PIP coverage. This is required for all motorists who do not opt out, except motorcyclists.

Drivers also have to purchase bodily injury liability insurance. The driver who caused your collision should have this coverage. This is the policy that our attorney will design your case around and use to demand compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses.

It covers your medical care and lost wages as allowed under the law and above the limits of your PIP coverage. Recoverable damages in a liability claim may also include intangible losses. These could include pain and suffering, mental anguish, disability and disfigurement, and more.

How your attorney will pursue money damages and justice in your case

Our car accident professionals at the Morrin Law Office understand fault and liability and each party’s role in these claims. We interview witnesses, obtain documents, work with experts, and take additional steps to gather evidence.

This evidence must prove that negligence occurred on the part of the other driver (and possibly others). Negligence requires that we prove:

  • They had a responsibility to behave a certain way to keep others safe.
  • They failed to do as they should.
  • This failure caused the crash.
  • Our client suffered injuries and financial losses.

For example, imagine a driver who runs a red light and slams into your car in a t-bone collision. They are guilty of negligence because:

  • They had a responsibility to follow the traffic law, stopping at the light.
  • They did not stop despite the red light.
  • They entered the intersection as the victim crossed through, causing a collision.
  • The victim suffered whiplash, a broken arm, and other injuries.

In this case, the at-fault driver is likely the only liable party. However, some situations have multiple legally responsible parties. This may occur if:

  • The other car is a commercial motor vehicle, and the company is vicariously liable.
  • There is a problem with the road that contributed to the crash.
  • An issue with a car or its components contributed to the accident.

When we pursue a claim, our team of injury professionals identify all potentially liable parties and pursue claims against them when possible. Most cases we handle do not go to trial or even litigation because we understand that it’s better for our clients to get settlements faster and without litigation. Instead, we negotiate an out-of-court settlement and do not need to sue.

Recovering compensation based on your Richmond, KY, car accident

Our Richmond, Kentucky, personal injury lawyer knows how the state’s car insurance laws work and what it means for your financial recovery following a crash. In general, your first ten thousand dollars ($10,000) in medical care and lost wages is paid by your own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage. This coverage is required under a provision in Kentucky law. These are also known as basic reparation benefits (BRB).

If your bills and other covered losses exceed this ten-thousand-dollar ($10,000) limit, you could pursue damages based on fault. When we handle a car accident claim, our team builds a case against the at-fault driver and demands their insurer pays for our client’s additional damages.

What is the average settlement for a car accident with an injury?

Most car accidents in Richmond, KY, only cause relatively minor injuries. This means the victim only receives BRB and does not need to pursue a claim based on another driver’s auto liability policy. Therefore, the average settlement could be under ten thousand dollars, not including property damages.

However, we cannot calculate an average of all valid liability claim results. They vary widely in recoverable damages and value. Some common recoverable damages include:

  • Medical treatment and ongoing care
  • Lost wages and benefits
  • Diminished earning potential based on lasting injuries
  • Vehicle repair or replacement costs
  • Other property damages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish

What is the average payout for whiplash?

Car accident claims are often worth more than people realize. For example, imagine you suffered whiplash injuries in a crash. Your required medical care might include:

  • An initial doctor’s visit
  • Follow-up care
  • Prescription pain relief and muscle relaxers
  • Physical therapy

Other damages might include:

This might not total the maximum BRB payout of ten thousand dollars ($10,000). However, it may qualify you to file a liability claim because of the cost of your care. If your doctor documents your lasting impairment because you developed a chronic pain condition, you could have additional damages not covered by your PIP policy. Filing a liability claim and recovering a cash settlement could include:

  • Reduced ability to work and earn
  • Property damages, including your vehicle
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Emotional distress

Our Richmond, Kentucky, accident attorney could value each of these losses and pursue an appropriate settlement based on the facts of your case and the past 20 years of injury jury verdicts. While there is no way to determine an “average settlement,” we will take the necessary steps to secure fair compensation in your case based on your individual situation.

Wrongful death damages after a Richmond, KY, collision

If your family member died due to their car accident injuries, our car accident lawyer could recover damages that include:

  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of financial support
  • Loss of services
  • Loss of affection and guidance

Kentucky’s wrongful death laws allow us to hold the at-fault driver responsible in these cases outside of the no-fault auto accident system.

    When should you get a lawyer for a car accident?

    We recommend connecting with our car accident lawyer in Richmond as soon as your injuries allow. The Morrin Law Office could go to work investigating what happened and who is responsible while you heal and reach maximum medical recovery. If your injuries are life threatening or very serious then you should understand the insurance company is already building their case for your anticipated claim.

    They have investigators working to create a reasonable basis to deny your claim while you are either fighting for your life in the hospital or recovering in the hospital. Our injury professionals can then file your claim or claims and pursue compensation for the losses you suffered, seeking a just payout in your case. More importantly, we can help you heal and secure justice after suffering negligence.

    The insurance company will not take your claim seriously unless you have a professional in your corner; not just any attorney but an attorney who knows Kentucky insurance injury law and what the law requires of insurance companies.

    How long does an insurance company have to settle a claim?

    There is no deadline for settling a claim. However, there is a tight timeline for how quickly we need to work to protect your right to sue. We only have up to two years from the date of the accident or the last personal injury protection (PIP) payment to sue after an injury accident under Ky. Rev. Stat. § 304.39-230(6) or in a wrongful death case under Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 413.180. Your lawyer needs to preserve this right to ensure we can seek an appropriate settlement in your case.

    Kentucky and Madison County, KY, traffic accident statistics

    Thousands of people suffer injuries in Kentucky traffic accidents each year. In 2019, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported law enforcement responded to 667 fatal accidents with 732 deaths in Kentucky. This includes 16.4 deaths per 100,000 people and 1.48 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

    According to Kentucky State Police (KSP), 7.8% of all accidents involved drugs, and almost 12% involved a driver under the influence of alcohol. The KSP report also shows:

    • About one of every 5,997 residents of Kentucky died in a fatal crash in 2019
    • Approximately one of every 133 residents suffered accident injuries
    • One of every 16 licensed drivers in Kentucky was in a collision, and one of every 3,481 was in a fatal crash

    Most accidents, two-thirds, involved two or more vehicles. The top contributing causes to these crashes include:

    • Not in control of the car (31.48%)
    • Driver inattention (18.74%)
    • Alcohol involvement (11.99%)
    • Unsafe speed (11.39%)
    • Failure to yield (10.79%)
    • Drug use (7.8%)

    In Madison County, there were 2,458 collisions reported to law enforcement in 2019. This included nine fatal accidents and nine deaths, 359 injury accidents with 488 injuries, and 2,090 property damage collisions.

    Kentucky Car Accident FAQ

    How many people die in car accidents every year?

    The United States experienced 39,508 fatal motor accidents in 2021 that resulted in an estimated 42,939 deaths.

    In 2019, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported that there were 667 fatal car accidents in Kentucky, resulting in 732 deaths. The number of fatal car accidents jumped in 2020 to 708, and again in 2021 to 746. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet published the estimated number of fatal car accidents in 2022, which dropped to 696.

    The following lists the Kentucky cities ranked by the amount of fatal motor vehicle accidents in 2022:

    • Louisville – 156 fatal car accidents
    • Lexington – 88 fatal car accidents
    • Bowling Green – 58 fatal car accidents
    • Covington – 43 fatal car accidents
    • Richmond – 37 fatal car accidents

    How much can someone sue for a car accident?

    It can be difficult to estimate the specific amount a person may receive from a car accident claim, as each case varies in recoverable damages. However, the personal injury attorneys with Morrin Law Firm will review all case details and determine the possible damages to recover which include, but are not limited to, the following:

    • Past, current, and future medical costs from accident injuries
    • Lost wages and benefits
    • Property damage
    • Pain and suffering

    How to get a police report for a car accident?

    If you’ve been in a car accident in Kentucky that resulted in an injury, you will need a copy of the police report from the accident to help your claim. If a police officer responded to the accident, they have 10 days to file the report and publish it on the Kentucky State Police’s online system.

    Even if you do not know who hit you or where the exact location of the accident occurred, you should still file a civilian collision report. Make sure you obtain the report number assigned to your collision to report to the insurance companies. For any questions regarding the police report, contact the Kentucky State Police Civilian Collision Records station at (502) 782-9929 or send an email to [email protected].

    How long does a car accident settlement take?

    While there is no deadline for settling a car accident claim, the state of Kentucky does have a time limit on your right to sue for damages. Under Kentucky Statutes § 304.39-230(6), a person has two years from the date of the car accident or last personal injury protection (PIP) payment to sue after being injured in any motor vehicle accident.

    The worst thing you can do for a personal injury or wrongful death suit is to wait to file. Waiting could result in losing imperative evidence or being barred from filing a personal injury claim. Morrin Law Firm advises clients to contact us as soon as possible to review the details of your personal injury case and get started on your claim.

    How long will insurance pay for rental car after accident?

    Liability insurance will usually pay for a rental vehicle until they are able to make an offer on the property damage claim from an accident. Once they do they will usually not cover a rental vehicle beyond that time. 
     
    If you have rental coverage through your own insurance company then the conditions of that rental will be governed by the language in your purchased insurance policy.
     
    If you’ve been injured, are seeking treatment, and rely on the professionals at Morrin Law Office to handle your bodily injury claim then we will help resolve your property damage claim and rental vehicle issues as a courtesy and without charging a fee do to so.

    Should I get a lawyer for a car accident?

    You should absolutely consider working with a Kentucky personal injury attorney if you have been injured in a car accident. This is especially true if your injuries were caused at the expense of another driver’s negligent behavior. Far too often insurance companies do not take personal injury claims seriously, and instead try to settle too quickly for far less than the injured person deserves.

    The benefit of hiring a Kentucky personal injury attorney includes having a knowledgeable, legal professional on your side who can fight to pursue the compensation your injuries are entitled to. The personal injury attorneys at Morrin Law can help by investigating the car accident details, gather evidence from the wreck, and file a claim with the insurance companies. While you are fighting to recover from your injuries, we will fight to secure your justice.

    How long after a car accident can injuries appear?

    Morrin Law Firm recommends any person involved in a car accident to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Even if you do not feel any initial pain, certain injuries may take days or even weeks to set in after the wreck.

    Keep in mind that Kentucky personal injury claims involving a motor vehicle provide a two-year statute of limitations. That means a lawsuit against a person for auto negligence must be filed no later than two years after the date of the accident or last PIP payment. Any injured person who waits to file after a two-year limit could result in their case being barred.

    If you start to feel any pain resulting from a car accident, seek out medical attention immediately and contact a personal injury attorney with Morrin Law Firm to review and represent your case.

    What happens after a car accident that is your fault?

    Kentucky is considered a “choice no-fault” state when it comes to car insurance coverage and personal injury claims following a car accident. That means after a car accident, each driver will turn to their own car insurance coverage (personal injury protection policy or PIP) to provide compensation for any medical bills or financial losses.

    However, Kentucky drivers can choose to “opt out” of the no-fault system, which would then allow them to pursue a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the driver they allege was at-fault. It is important to note that by opting out of the no-fault system, the policyholder also opens themselves up to the possibility of being sued by the other driver.

    Kentucky is also considered a “pure comparative fault” state under Kentucky Statues §411.182. That means if the personal injury case goes to court and the jury finds that both parties are somewhat responsible, the amount of damages you’ve caused in the crash can be reduced by the amount of damages you can recover. Even if you are found mostly at-fault for the crash, you may be able to still recover for the losses you’ve experienced. For example, a car accident resulting in an estimated $100,000 in losses where the jury finds you 10% responsible shall reduce the estimated awarded damages to $90,000.

    Does health insurance cover car accidents?

    Kentucky car accident injuries are covered by the driver’s car insurance. Kentucky is a “choice no-fault” state, meaning the driver’s own insurance policy will cover the medical bills and estimated losses following a car accident injury, regardless of who caused the accident. The personal injury protection policy (PIP) is required for paying up to $10,000 in a car accident resulting in:

    • Medical bills from car accident injury
    • Lost wages
    • Additional damages

    Drivers can choose to “opt out” and sue the driver who they believed was at-fault for the wreck by filing a special Kentucky No-Fault Rejection Form. Additionally, a car accident personal injury claim is exempt from the no-fault rules when it exceeds the following thresholds:

    • $1,000 in medical expenses
    • Broken bone(s)
    • Permanent injury or disfigurement
    • Death

    How long does a car accident stay on your record?

    A motor vehicle wreck that is considered an at-fault collision may stay on your insurance record for 3-5 years depending on the company. Additionally, if you have caused a car accident, filed an at-fault claim, or were ticketed for a traffic violation in Kentucky, you may be considered a high-risk auto insurance candidate. Being found at fault for a car accident can result in higher insurance rates for an extended period.

    Which parts get covered by car insurance after an accident?

    Kentucky requires its drivers to receive a personal injury protection (PIP) policy to cover the financial costs related to car accidents. The benefits under the PIP policy cover up to $10,000 for the following after a car accident in Kentucky:

    • Medical expenses
    • Lost wages
    • Additional “out of pocket” costs

    It is also worth noting that not only the policyholder is entitled to the PIP benefits. Any person who was driving or riding in the vehicle at the time of the accident, or any pedestrian or bicyclist who was hit by the covered party’s vehicle will also be entitled to the PIP benefits.

    How do the police deal with motor vehicle accidents?

    When law enforcement responds to a motor vehicle accident, they are required to fill out a civilian collision report. This includes details of the crash, information on all parties involved, and indicating the degrees of fault. When an officer responds and completes the civilian collision report, they have 10 days for it to be completed and made available in their online system.

    According to the Kentucky State Police, you should still complete a civilian collision report even if you are unsure of who hit your or where the collision took place. You can either download the report after submission, or mail in a written request for your copy of the report. Email [email protected] for more information.

    How much does a car accident lawyer cost?

    This may vary depending on your case details and the personal injury attorney you choose to work with. At Morrin Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if your case wins. We also provide those who have been injured and are seeking information on personal injury claims can receive a risk-free case evaluation.

    Should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident?

    Even if you initially think a car accident is minor, it may take time for the full extent of injuries to set in. It is always a promising idea to consult with a personal injury attorney following a car accident. When you hire an attorney who specializes in Kentucky personal injury claims, you ensure that your best interests and filing claims are prioritized.

    The experienced attorneys at Morrin Law Firm provide a 100% risk-free case evaluation when you contact us. We can assess your case for free and determine if it is worth filing a personal injury claim.

    When should I call a lawyer after a car accident?

    The steps you should take immediately following a car accident in Kentucky include the following:

    • Stop, pull over, and provide help;
    • Contact Kentucky State Police or other law enforcement;
    • Document the scene; and
    • Exchange information from other driver(s).

    Once these steps have been completed, you should contact a Kentucky personal injury attorney who specializes in car accidents. The attorneys at Morrin Law Firm can help guide you through the remaining steps such as speaking to insurance companies or negotiating a settlement.

    Do car insurance rates go up after an accident?

    Your car insurance rate will likely go up after a car accident. One analysis of insurance rates found the national average rate for drivers with a single accident on their record to be an estimated $2,212 per year. The average national rate for drivers with a clean record is an estimated $1,547 per year. While it is hard to estimate exactly how much a Kentucky driver’s insurance rate will go up, they should expect to see some increase following a motor vehicle accident.

    How do I deal with insurance agents after a car accident?

    Without legal representation, insurance companies are known for trying to settle personal injury claims for as little as possible. If you choose to speak with an insurance company without representation, Morrin Law recommends you follow these principles:

    • Never trust insurance companies (even your own) to be on your side, despite how sympathetic they may seem to your injuries;
    • Remember insurance companies will look out for their best interests;
    • Remember insurance companies work on limiting payouts or denying claims to protect their own profit; and
    • The best way to protect yourself and your personal injury claim is to work with a personal injury attorney who is experienced at negotiating with strict insurance companies.

    What is accident coverage on a car insurance policy?

    According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, all Kentucky drivers must carry minimum liability coverage of $25,000 for claims of bodily injury damages sustained by one person in an accident, with up to $50,000 for all persons involved in the accident. Additionally, there is another required $25,000 for all property damage from the accident.

    How to file a car insurance claim after an accident?

    After you have been in a motor vehicle accident in Kentucky, you first need to file a car accident injury claim with your own insurance provider, which covers damages up to your PIP limit. If your damages or injuries exceed the threshold, you can then file a third-party accident claim with the other driver’s insurance. A Kentucky personal injury attorney can assist in filing the claim or speaking with insurance companies on your behalf.

    Is it illegal to not tell your insurance about an accident?

    Technically no, but Kentucky law requires any person involved in a motor vehicle accident where law enforcement was not present to investigate or resulted in over $500 in damages to file a written report to the Kentucky State Police within 10 days of the accident.

    How to look up my motor vehicle accident history?

    The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet explains that any driver with a Kentucky driver’s license holds a driving history record (DHR) that contains various identifying information along with any traffic violations or motor vehicle wrecks. Any person may obtain a three-year DHR online or request a notarized release of your full DHR from the driver or a subpoena.

    What information should be exchanged after a car accident?

    Those involved in a motor vehicle accident in Kentucky should exchange the following information:

    • Full name and contact information
    • Insurance company and policy number
    • Driver’s license and license plate number
    • Make, model, and color of motor vehicle(s)
    • Location of the accident

    How to file an accident report in Kentucky?

    The Kentucky State Police provide an online Civilian Collision Report to fill out and submit after being in a car accident. The collision report must be filed within 10 days from the date of the accident. Disclaimer: If a police officer responded to your car accident and filled out a collision report, you do not have to complete this report.

    How do I know whether to call the police after a car accident?

    You should always contact law enforcement following a car accident in Kentucky. The Kentucky Police Department or other local Kentucky police agencies who respond at the scene can provide a civilian collision report, which is important to obtain for a personal injury claim.

    What happens if you don’t report a car accident?

    Kentucky Statutes §189.635 explains that any car accident resulting in property damage over $500, personal injury, or death must be reported to law enforcement. A civilian collision report must be filed with the Kentucky State Police within 10 days of the accident. Failure to report the accident to police may result in a fine or having your driver’s license suspended. The civilian collision report must at least include the following:

    • Name, address, and phone number of all parties involved in the accident;
    • Date of birth and license number of all drivers involved;
    • Make, year, and model of all vehicles involved;
    • License plate numbers and registration information for all vehicles involved;
    • Estimated repair costs for any property damage to the vehicles;
    • Relevant insurance information including contact information for the insurance company that each driver has for their vehicle;
    • Location of the motor vehicle accident;
    • Any weather, road, light, or traffic control conditions during the time of the accident.

    Discuss your case with our Kentucky injury professionals

    At the Morrin Law Office, we provide free case reviews for car accident victims in Richmond, Kentucky. You can speak with an injury professional in our office today about our lawyer. Call (859) 358-0300 to get started.