Free Consultation: 800-937-8443

What Happens if You’re in an Accident While Visiting Kentucky?

Kentucky has no shortage of attractions and natural wonders drawing in millions of visitors each year. From the pageantry of the Kentucky Derby to the rich stories behind the birth of the Kentucky Bourbon industry, tourists can’t resist the Bluegrass State.

Whether for work or business, these visitors pour into Kentucky by airplane and automobile every day. Kentucky welcomes one and all, but with all that traffic, accidents are bound to happen.

Safety may be the furthest thing from your mind as you drive the curving roads of the Red River Gorge or take in the sights of metro Louisville. Yet, a car or motorcycle collision could leave you to deal with a serious injury at the worst moment possible. If you’re from out-of-state, you may wonder how differences in state laws will affect your injury claim.

Contact a Kentucky Personal Injury Lawyer

If you’re hurt in a car accident on a Kentucky interstate, highway, or city street you should definitely talk to a local attorney. Out-of-state victims can suddenly face a tangled web of multiple insurance policies and unfamiliar local statutes.

For a free consultation on your case and some valuable advice on dealing with insurance agents contact the attorneys at Kaufman &  Stigger, PLLC in Kentucky.  Tells us what happened to you so we can use our experience to get you the compensation you need to fully recover.

We want to help drivers who travel to Kentucky and are hurt in an accident through no fault of their own. We can help minimize the trips back to Kentucky over an insurance claim and can easily prove guidance and work on your behalf no matter where you live.

What Happens to Out-Of-State Victims After a Car Accident in Kentucky?

Kentucky has recently recorded over 70-million visitors in a single year. Those tourists are vital to the state economy because they can spend over seven billion dollars when they visit. That’s not to mention all the jobs the tourism industry supports.

Those visitors and all of our residents deserve a safe journey on our roads no matter what part of Kentucky they travel. But just like anywhere else, drivers can get distracted or reckless and cause serious and unavoidable accidents.

For out-of-state drivers, when you’re hit in Kentucky your insurance policy usually continues to cover you. The state laws will have differences, but generally your insurance policy is required to follow the regulations that govern accidents in Kentucky.

What Kentucky’s No-Fault Traffic Laws Mean for Out-Of-State Drivers

That insurance coverage is important to note because Kentucky is a no-fault state. This means that when car repairs and medical costs stay under a certain amount, both drivers and their insurance providers pay for their own damages no matter who was at fault.

If you are hit by a driver in the Bluegrass State, your insurance company would probably adopt Kentucky laws and cover your injury and property damage expenses. The other driver’s insurance provider would bear responsibility for his or her damages.

Sadly, you can work with your personal car insurance provider and still end up robbed of the compensation you’ll need. Your own agent can extend a “lowball offer” to you in an effort to save the insurance company money. Their offer may only pay for your ambulance ride and emergency room visit when you still have several weeks of medical treatment ahead. An attorney working to protect you can make sure you don’t end up with unpaid bills and an unfair settlement.

What If I’m Hit by a Hit-And-Run Driver in Kentucky?

If you are struck by a hit-and-run driver who isn’t caught or identified or by a driver who has no insurance, your own car insurance policy is again called upon. With most policies, your uninsured/underinsured coverage travels with you no matter where your accident occurs.

When Can I Sue a Kentucky Driver After an Accident?

Kentucky is a no-fault accident state, but under certain circumstances, usually serious accidents, you can sue an at-fault driver’s auto insurance company for compensation.

Kentucky enforces no-fault insurance guidelines unless one or more of these thresholds is met:

  • If you suffered a broken bone.
  • If your medical expenses are greater than $1,000.
  • If you suffer a permanent injury or disfigurement.
  • If the accident resulted in the death of a family member.

When any of these factors are involved in your case you are allowed to sue for the costs you’ve endured above the $1,000 limit. If you’re a resident of another state it is vitally important that you have legal representation in Kentucky to watch over your case and make sure your rights as a victim are being respected.

An attorney will investigate the details of your accident, collect evidence, and secure testimony. A strong case will ensure insurance companies have no room to escape blame for your physical and financial hardships. Every damage you’ve suffered can be listed and an attorney will include things you’ve endured that you may not have thought of. Every difficulty can earn you more money to help pay for your medical expenses and replace the wages you’ve lost.

Kentucky Statute of Limitations on Injury Claims

Your car accident lawyer will also make sure you don’t miss important deadlines when you seek compensation from car insurance firms. Kentucky provides less time for victims to file their claims than most states.

Kentucky’s statute of limitations on accident claims is just 12 months. You’ll only have a year from the date of your accident to file your claim. Let this deadline come and go and you’ll likely lose your chance to ask for support for your hardships.

Contact a Kentucky Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a family member are hurt during a visit to Kentucky, please contact the legal professionals at Kaufman &  Stigger, PLLC. We have a long history of helping residents and visitors in Kentucky get the most support possible after a frightening accident and injury. We use our combined 100 years of experience to support clients and assist them in rebuilding their lives. To discuss your case contact us for a free consultation today.