One of the most troubling things about any car accident is that they can happen in routine situations like a car trying to pass you. And while this happens a lot, a wrong decision can leave you or your family facing a tragic aftermath. This is what happened in a recent head-on collision in Meade County, according to a story from LEX18.
Kentucky State Police (KSP) deputies say one person is dead and two others were seriously injured in a head-on collision that happened on Saturday, May 31, 2025 around 11:15 p.m. They responded to the scene of the accident in the 4100 block of Paynesville Road. Their investigation found that a 20-year-old driving a Ford Mustang in the westbound lane of KY 144 attempted to pass another vehicle, but as he did, he collided head-on with a Toyota Tacoma in the eastbound lane being driven by a 44-year-old man.
The 20-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene by investigators, while the man and a passenger in the Mustang were flown to the University of Louisville Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
KSP is still investigating the collision.
Can I File an Injury Claim If I’m a Passenger in Kentucky?
Accidents like the one above happen far too often in Kentucky. While you might understand your rights as the other driver, the reality is that head-on collisions are dangerous for everyone involved, even if you’re a passenger in the car that tried an unsafe pass. As a passenger, you actually have the same legal rights as anyone else that’s hurt in this situation, meaning you can file an injury claim against the person that’s driving you by filing:
- An insurance claim, or;
- A lawsuit.
While that’s a bit awkward, it’s still extremely important if you’re facing serious injuries–or worse. It’s all about getting the financial support you need to cover your losses, like:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care needs
- Lost income from missed work
- Repair costs for damaged property, like your clothes, phone, glasses, etc.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses, if your injuries end up being fatal
Even though you weren’t at fault as a passenger, you’ll still need to go through the legal system to get the financial support you’re owed. That can mean working through insurance policies, possibly filing against your own family member (or at the very least, multiple parties), and proving the extent of your injuries. This becomes extremely overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle this alone. If you were injured as a passenger in a Kentucky car accident, Kaufman & Stigger is here to help you understand your rights and take the next steps.
Passengers in Kentucky Can Protect Their Rights With Kaufman & Stigger
Getting in the car with someone you trust shouldn’t end with a trip to the hospital–but that’s exactly what happens in some head-on collisions. And when the accident was caused by the driver you were riding with, things can get even more complicated—legally and emotionally. That’s where our team at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC steps in. Here’s how we can help you:
- Figuring out exactly what happened and who’s responsible
- Collecting strong evidence to build a claim that holds up.
- Handling the insurance companies so you don’t have to deal with lowball offers or confusing paperwork.
- Walking you through your legal choices, explaining your rights and helping you choose the best path forward.
- Making the process less stressful and awkward
Being injured in a car accident caused by your own driver is far from ideal–and usually it leaves you feeling stuck in the middle. But you’re not without options. We’re here to guide you through it and help you move forward. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
