As a driver in Kentucky, you have a number of different things to watch out for. While this may involve sharing the road with someone who isn’t licensed to drive for one reason or another, a less-likely (but even more dangerous) scenario involves joyriding–especially from a juvenile.
Kentucky State Police (KSP) is investigating a head-on collision in Whitley County that left a 41-year-old woman dead and the 31-year-old driver and two juvenile passengers of her Kia Sorento seriously injured. According to a story from LEX18, the accident happened on KY-92 around 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 12, 2023. Initial reports say that a juvenile had taken a Ford Fusion and was traveling east on KY-92 when they crossed the center line and collided head-on with the Sorento.
The 41-year-old woman, who was riding in the front seat of the Sorento, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Sorento, its two juvenile passengers, and a juvenile passenger in the Fusion were all transported to the University of Tennessee (UT) Medical Center by helicopter to treat their injuries. The driver of the Fusion and another passenger were taken to Baptist Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries, while another juvenile passenger in the fusion was also flown to UT Medical Center with severe injuries and is in critical condition.
Is Joyriding Against the Law in Kentucky?
Unfortunately, the above scenario is not uncommon on Kentucky roads. Legally speaking, this scenario falls within the boundaries of unauthorized use of a vehicle, or joyriding. This is against the law in Kentucky.
However, as the above story shows, joyriding can result in serious consequences. This is true not only for the person that is using the vehicle without authorization, but for you and your loved ones if you encounter one of these vehicles. Frequently, joyriding situations end up like the story above, with serious accidents and injuries. Usually, this is the result of:
- Injuries – Joyriding accidents can lead to injuries for the individuals involved in the crash, including the joyrider, passengers, and others on the road. Injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-threatening conditions.
- Property damage – These accidents often result in damage to the stolen vehicle, other vehicles involved in the accident, and possibly public or private property, such as fences or buildings.
- Liability – The person responsible for the joyriding accident may be held financially responsible for the damages they caused. This can include compensating accident victims for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. Or if the joyrider was a juvenile, the person responsible for watching them may be held liable under vicarious liability statues.
- Impact on victims – Victims of joyriding accidents may face physical and emotional trauma, as well as financial burdens associated with medical bills and property damage. Seeking compensation through legal options may help ease some of these challenges.
Joyriding accidents have different results, and they can be complicated. It’s crucial for both the victims and those involved in joyriding to talk to our team of Kentucky car accident lawyers. We can guide you on what to do and help with the legal and insurance parts of these accidents.
Kaufman & Stigger Can Help You After a Kentucky Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in a Kentucky car accident, your path to recovery may be lengthy. Medical treatments, surgery, and rehab are vital for your physical healing. Equally crucial is your legal recovery, where Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC can step in. Our team can make sure your injury claim is set up for success. To begin your recovery journey, contact us today for a free consultation.
