When you’re a passenger, it takes a lot of the control you have over a car accident situation out of your hands. Unfortunately, you’re just as likely to get hurt when you’re a passenger, especially in certain scenarios.
A 64-year-old man was killed and his passenger had to be airlifted to a hospital with serious injuries after he lost control of his Porsche SUV on Lovelaceville Road in Paducah on Sunday, May 5, 2024, according to a story from WSIL-TV. The McCracken County Sheriff’s Office says that the driver was moving at a high rate of speed around 10:00 a.m. when he lost control, flipping the vehicle several times before it came to a stop in a nearby field.
The driver was taken to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead of his injuries. There’s no word yet on the passenger’s injuries, but the scene was being investigated by the Sheriff’s office, Lone Oak Fire Department, and the McCracken County Coroner’s Office.
Do Passengers Have Rights to File Injury Claims in Kentucky?
When you’re a passenger in any type of car accident, you’re probably wondering what rights you have to file an injury claim, if any. The good news, relatively speaking, is that you do have the same rights to file an injury claim if you’re a passenger as you would if you were driving.
Along the same lines, the actual process plays out much the same way, meaning you’ll have to figure out who’s responsible for the accident, and thus have to pay for your damages. As a passenger, this means you could be filing your claim against:
- The driver of the car you were in
- The driver of another car
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers
- Bicyclists, pedestrians, or motorcyclists
- Local, county, or state governments
Figuring out who’s responsible is very important when you’re trying to file an injury claim. In Kentucky, passenger accidents frequently involve more than one person, so you could have multiple claims for damages. But that also means dealing with lots of insurance companies. That’s why it’s crucial to have our team of skilled car accident lawyers on your side.
We’ll go over your options, assist you in collecting evidence, and then lead you through the legal steps if you choose to pursue legal action. Better yet, we work on a contingency-fee basis, so you won’t have to pay anything upfront.
Experienced Paducah Car Accident Lawyers For Injured Passengers
When you’re a passenger that’s been injured in a Paducah car accident, you might be wondering what to do next. It can be difficult to understand your legal options and the process, but our team of experienced Paducah car accident lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC will be there to guide you.
Whether you decide to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, we can help you recover financial support for your:
- Medical expenses and treatment costs for injuries
- Lost wages or earning potential
- Repair/replacement costs for damaged belongings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life
- Funeral or burial expenses for your surviving family members if your injuries are fatal
The more experience and skill you have on your side, the easier the legal process will be. Contact us today to set up a free consultation to get the process started.