You probably know the dangers of being on foot in Louisville, especially around busier areas with fast moving traffic. But there are certain scenarios that you might not think about that are just as dangerous—and you don’t think about them until you’re in it. Like one example from a recent WAVE3 story where a woman was killed as she was standing along her car after a collision.
On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, Louisville Metro Police Department officers were responding to a vehicle collision at the intersection of Bardstown Road and Waterson Trail around 7:30 a.m. When they arrived on the scene, they found the woman had been struck by a passing car as she got out of her own vehicle to inspect the damage.
She was taken to a nearby hospital where she died of her injuries. LMPD’s traffic unit is investigating, but there are no charges pending.
Can I File a Claim If I’m Hit by a Car After a Collision?
Obviously, getting out of your car on a busy road is incredibly dangerous. Yet, when there’s a collision, you have to stop and exchange information with everyone else involved under Kentucky law. And as the story above lays out, this can put you in a tough position. But when you’re outside of your car to check on someone else after a collision and you get hit, you’re probably wondering what your options are.
Generally speaking, being hit by a driver while you’re on foot means you can file a claim—even if it’s in a busier part of the road. This is because drivers always have to watch out for people on foot. But that’s only part of the equation. The second part is deciding what to do. For most people, this means:
- Filing an insurance claim outside of court.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Insurance is a quicker route to getting financial help, but it’s totally controlled by the insurance company. And in situations like the story above, fault isn’t cut and dry. That means the insurance company is going to question your movements and decisions to keep the payout as low as possible.
A lawsuit is a more neutral process, but it takes much more time and effort. With that said, it also gives you a chance at higher “damages” like:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Current and future lost income
- Repair/replacement costs for your car/clothing/any other personal property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Funeral and burial expenses in fatal cases
The more complicated the situation is, the harder it can be to stand up for yourself. Fortunately, our Louisville personal injury lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC can simplify the process and make sure your rights are protected.
Kaufman & Stigger Can Help You After an Accident in Louisville
When you’re hit by a driver simply because you were in the wrong place at the wrong time, it’s especially overwhelming. At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, our job is to take the legal and insurance stress off your plate so you can focus on getting better.
We’ll look at what happened, explain your options, help you gather evidence, and then guide you through the claims process. Set up a free consultation today to get the help you need.
