In Kentucky, there’s a variety of different vehicles available to be used. But unfortunately, this also means there’s a wide range of potential accidents that you can be involved in. Worse yet, some of these vehicles carry a higher risk than others.
According to a LEX18 story, a man was killed when his Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) overturned and tumbled over a cliff in Powell County. The accident happened on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Hollerwood Off-Road Park in Stanton. Powell County Search and Rescue officials say that the man was riding with his fiance when he took a turn too sharply, losing control of the UTV and falling over an 80-foot cliff.
Officials responded to the accident scene around 8:40 p.m., where they say the man was ejected from the vehicle. His fiance was able to perform CPR until they arrived, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. She was later airlifted to a local hospital with multiple fractures.
UTV Accidents and Legal Options
UTVs have become more and more prominent in recent years, offering its riders with the versatility and off-road capability of an ATV with the comfort and performance of a larger vehicle. You can see why this would be especially popular in Kentucky, which has many opportunities for outdoor recreation. But, like any vehicle, there’s the chance of accidents. And in instances like the one above, these injuries can be severe.
Legally speaking, you have the same rights in a UTV accident as you do in any other vehicle accident. This liability is still based around negligence, or the legal duty to keep you safe.
If you get hurt in a UTV accident and it’s the driver’s fault, they’re responsible for your injuries and damages. But things can get complicated, and other parties might be responsible too:
- Owner of the vehicle – If the UTV belongs to a rental company, or individual, and they didn’t take care of it properly (like not maintaining it), they might also be responsible.
- Owner of the property – If the accident happens on someone’s property, like the off-road park or private property, and there were unsafe conditions that contributed to it, the property owner might be responsible if they knew about the dangers and didn’t fix them.
- Makers of the UTV – If there’s something wrong with how the UTV was designed or made and it caused the accident, the company that made or sold it might be responsible.
Once you figure out who’s responsible, you can start the legal process by filing a claim for your injuries. This can be complicated, especially if you’re dealing with medical bills and lost income.
In general, you can get support for things like:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Changes in your relationships
- Changes in your quality of life
- Punitive damages (extra money as punishment)
- Physical therapy and rehab
- Wrongful death expenses
Remember, in Kentucky, you have one year from the date of the accident to file your claim. If you miss this deadline, you can’t get these damages.
Contact Kaufman & Stigger After a Kentucky UTV Accident
No matter how popular UTV or other vehicles are in Kentucky, an accident can leave you facing life-changing injuries. It can be tough to deal with these challenges alone, so consider working with our experienced Kentucky personal injury lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC. We’ll explain your options, rights, and what the path ahead looks like. To get started, contact us today for a free consultation.
