Morrin Law Office
Rear-End Collision Attorney in Richmond, Kentucky
Your work day has ended, and you’re headed home to enjoy your evening when all of a sudden, the car behind you smashes into your bumper. With rear-end collisions accounting for 17% of all collisions in Kentucky, finding yourself in this situation isn’t uncommon.
When accidents like these do take place, injuries, vehicle damage and financial stress can linger well after the crash.
You may have the right to pursue financial compensation for your injuries and other accident-related losses. Without legal representation, however, you’ll have to navigate insurers and the legal process alone, which can make protecting your rights more difficult.
If you, or a family member have been in a rear-end collision in Richmond, Kentucky, contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at the Morrin Law Office today.
Start with a free case review by calling our office today (859) 780-7573.
How do rear-end collisions happen in Richmond?
Richmond, Kentucky sits directly on Interstate 75, one of Kentucky’s busiest highways. The interstate funnels a constant stream of commuters, long-haul truckers, and travelers through the area.
In Richmond, traffic often bottlenecks along U.S. 25 (Eastern Bypass) and KY-52, where commuters, school traffic, and shopping traffic all collide. The challenge is magnified during peak hours when cars are entering and exiting busy intersections near residential neighborhoods.
On top of that, Eastern Kentucky University adds thousands of vehicles to the road each day. This includes young drivers rushing to class and visitors in town for campus events who are unfamiliar with local roads. These overlapping traffic patterns make construction zones in Richmond especially unpredictable.
Rear-end collisions are especially common in this environment. Factors such as distracted driving, speeding, tailgating, and sudden weather changes often play a role, particularly near merge points, stoplights, and busy intersections.
In greater Madison County, there were 714 reported crashes in 2023, including 10 fatalities and 20 serious injuries. This number only includes police-reported crashes that meet certain severity thresholds (typically those involving fatalities, serious injuries, or significant property damage).
Factors like underreporting, minor crashes, and near-misses were not captured in the number above, so the true scope of risk may be higher. Looking from a wider perspective, since April of 2022, Madison County has seen nearly 11,000 collisions county-wide, which also includes minor, non-injury collisions.
Why Rear-End Collisions Happen
Rear-end collisions are common in stop-and-go traffic from city streets to highways, as well as times when fast-moving traffic suddenly slows down or an emergency occurs. As such, there are many opportunities to be rear-ended.
Tailgating: Essentially, one car follows another too closely, causing a rear-end collision. The closer a driver is to another car, the less time they have to react.
Distracted driving: If you’re eating a sandwich, trying to find a song you like on your phone, or putting on mascara, you aren’t giving your full attention to the road. Without your full attention, there’s a greater likelihood of a crash taking place.
Sudden braking: Braking without reason or unexpectedly can cause rear-end collisions. The driver that was rear-ended may be found partially at fault in these scenarios if their braking is deemed ‘unsafe’.
Weather conditions: Rain, snow, fog, wind, ice and more all impact driver visibility. It is every driver’s responsibility to operate their vehicle safely, in spite of the weather conditions.
There are also a handful of less likely scenarios that can cause a rear-end collision where a third party would be at fault for the accident.
Mechanical issues: Brakes giving out, tires popping, steering systems locking up, and losing control of a vehicle are out of a driver’s control. In these situations a vehicle or part manufacturer, or a mechanic may be found at fault.
Multiple car pile up: Sometimes, the force of a car hits you so hard you collide with the car in front of you. Detailed investigations often take place after an accident like this to identify the initial cause of the pile up.
Regardless of the reason for your accident, it’s always smart to find a lawyer who can help you navigate the legal and judicial system on your behalf.
Reach out to the knowledgeable Kentucky personal injury attorneys at the Morrin Law Office to find out if you have a case.
Common Injuries from Rear-End Collisions
After a rear-end collision, you may feel totally fine. Don’t let your adrenaline rush fool you though. Many rear-end collision injuries can take time to show up, especially the most common fender bender injury, whiplash.
- Whiplash and neck injuries.
- Back and spinal cord injuries.
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Broken bones, lacerations, soft tissue injuries.
When it comes to filing a lawsuit after a car accident, seeking out medical care and documentation are crucial for tying the accident to your discomfort.
Get evaluated as soon as you can. Waiting to see medical professionals could give insurance companies a reason to argue that your injuries are from another cause.
Damages Victims May Recover Beyond Physical Injuries
While car crashes are often one fast incident, it can cause a ripple effect in your life. Damages aren’t always as simple as broken bones. Economic and non-economic damages are some of the other damages victims may recover after a rear-end collision.
Economic damages, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages or vehicle repairs.
Non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress like anxiety or PTSD, and reduced quality of life.
Strong documentation and experienced representation can significantly strengthen your case and improve your chances of fair compensation.
Liability in Kentucky Rear-End Collisions
In the state of Kentucky, liability is assumed based on Kentucky’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule. Basically, compensation is determined by the percentage of fault by each party. The goal is to honor fairness in determining each party’s contribution to the accident.
So, if you were rear-ended while trying to turn, but your blinker wasn’t working, you may be found partially at fault of the accident.
As a general rule, drivers who are rear-ended by another vehicle assume no fault since Kentucky law requires drivers to keep a safe following distance. Some exceptions are:
- Stopping without warning
- Broken brake lights
- Braking without a turn signal
- Erratic driving
- Multi-car pile ups
In these situations, fault may be split between multiple drivers. If you’d like to learn more, check out our video on determining fault after a Kentucky rear-end collision.
In Kentucky, punitive damages may be awarded in rare cases where a driver’s conduct rises to recklessness, gross negligence, or intentional misconduct. These damages are only possible if compensatory damages (like medical bills or lost wages) are first awarded, and they are never guaranteed.
For example, not every road rage case will qualify. You can only be awarded punitive damages if you first recover compensatory damages, such as medical bills or lost wages.
Evidence is critical in these claims. Police reports, photos, medical records, dash camera footage, and witness statements can all help prove misconduct. The pattern of vehicle damage often shows who was at fault, and in more complex cases accident reconstruction may be necessary.
How a Richmond Rear-End Collision Attorney Can Help
After a rear-end collision, you may feel pressured to accept whatever the insurance company offers. It’s important to remember that insurers handle these cases every day. Insurance companies are incentivized to minimize payouts and may attempt to settle claims quickly and for less than their full value. Your insurer may suggest you don’t need an attorney, but legal representation can help level the playing field and protect your rights.
An attorney gives you someone on your side who understands how rear-end collision cases work in Kentucky. A lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and work with experts to show how and why it happened. They can negotiate with insurance companies to avoid lowball settlements and, if needed, represent you in court.
Beyond proving fault, an attorney’s role is to help you pursue fair compensation for both immediate costs, like medical bills and lost wages, and long-term needs, such as ongoing care or lasting pain.
With extensive experience in Richmond courts and familiarity with local traffic patterns, a lawyer at the Morrin Law Office can build a strong case while pushing back against attempts to shift blame.
Why Choose the Morrin Law Firm for Your Richmond, KY Rear-End Collision Case
After a rear-end collision, choosing the right attorney matters.
We founded the Morrin Law Office with a commitment to honesty and integrity, which means we only take cases when we believe we can effectively represent your interests. You’ll never be pressured into unnecessary legal costs or commitments.
Instead, our focus is on protecting your rights and ensuring all insurance companies treat you fairly. Both of which are essential for helping you get back to health. As a local Richmond firm, we know Kentucky roads, courts, and communities, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the recovery process.
“Car accidents are scary, from my experience afterwards was even scarier, especially since injuries were involved. My husband or I had never been through anything like this, and Mr. Morrin and associates made sure the process was as easy as possible. They make sure you understand everything, and never made us feel that anything was left unanswered. I would recommend this office to anyone who asks me.”
– Crystal Hicks
This testimonial is from a real client. Results vary depending on the facts of each case, and similar outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
You’ve Been In a Rear-End Collision, Now What?
After a rear-end collision, call 911 to report the accident. Assess yourself and seek out medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Document the accident by taking photos and videos. If there are any eye witnesses, speak to them and get their contact information.
When the police arrive, get their details along with the paperwork needed to obtain an official crash report. It is generally wise not to admit fault or apologize, as these statements may be used against you later.
Notify your insurance company, but be sure to contact an attorney before accepting any settlement. You never have to handle an insurance company alone after a car accident.
Rear-end collisions can have serious consequences and victims may be eligible to pursue fair compensation under Kentucky law. If you or a family member has been injured in a rear-end collision in Richmond, Kentucky, contact The Morrin Law Office today for a free consultation.