Everyone in Kentucky is familiar with seat belts. Although car accidents still happen often throughout the state, a seat belt is one of the most universal safety features no matter what vehicle you have. Still, it’s important to be aware of the laws that are in place regarding seat belts and what you can do in the event of an accident.
What Are the Seat Belt Requirements in Kentucky?
Under KRS 189.125, there are several requirements when it comes to seat belts and motor vehicles in Kentucky. Here’s a quick look at these requirements:
- Who has to wear them – All drivers and front-seat passengers in a vehicle have to wear seatbelts, but there are some exceptions. Mail carriers that are on duty and people with medical conditions don’t have to.
- Car seats – Children under 8 years old and shorter than 57 inches (4’9″) must ride in a booster seat or appropriate child safety seat. Children under 40 inches tall must be in a proper car seat–either rear-facing or forward-facing, depending on their age and size.
- Children over 8 or taller than 57 inches can use a regular seat belt if it fits them properly (lap belt low across the hips, shoulder belt across the chest).
- Police – Police can stop you just for a seat belt or car seat violation. You may be fined, but it can be waived if you show proof that you immediately put the seat belt on.
- Liability – Not wearing a seat belt or failing to use a child seat cannot be used against you in a civil lawsuit. It won’t affect your ability to recover damages if you’re injured in an accident.
It’s fairly obvious why this law is in place–wearing a seat belt is one of the best ways to prevent injuries in the event of an accident. That said, it can’t prevent an accident. At that point, you need to know what to do.
What Do You Need to Do After You’re in a Car Accident?
Car accidents are scary and confusing, especially if you’re hurt. But what you do next can make a big difference in your recovery and your legal claim–even if you weren’t wearing a seat belt:
- Call 911 – First, get to a safe place. If you can move your car out of traffic, do it. If not, turn on your hazard lights and wait nearby. Call 911 right away. Let the paramedics check you out–even if you feel okay. Some injuries don’t show up right away.
- Report the accident to police – In Kentucky, you have to report the crash if someone is hurt or there’s over $500 in damage. Call the local police, sheriff’s office, or Kentucky State Police (KSP). They’ll file a report, which helps with your claim.
- Swap information with others – Get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. If anyone saw the accident, ask for their contact info too.
- Take pictures and videos – If it’s safe, use your phone to take pictures and videos of important things like:
- Damage to the cars
- Road and weather conditions
- Any injuries
- Where the cars ended up
- Watch your statements – Be careful when talking to the police, the other driver, or the insurance company. Stick to the facts. Don’t admit fault or guess what happened.
- Get more medical care – Even if you feel fine, get checked out as soon as possible. Some injuries take time to show up. Seeing a doctor also helps prove your injuries came from the accident.
- Save everything – Keep all papers related to the accident—police reports, medical bills, repair estimates, and anything from the insurance company. Don’t throw anything away.
Contact Kaufman & Stigger After a Kentucky Car Accident
At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, our Kentucky car accident lawyers are here to help you through every step of the process. We handle everything from investigating the crash to gathering evidence, dealing with insurance companies, and negotiating a fair settlement. Our goal is to get you the best outcome and help you recover:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Car repair or replacement expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death costs
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident in Kentucky, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options.
