Kentucky Car Accident Statistics

Car accidents can range widely in severity but should always be taken seriously. Unfortunately, even accidents that seem minor can result in painful injuries that show up weeks or even months down the road, and may result in short-term, long-term, or even permanent damage. The good news is that there are certain driving practices which can increase the relative safety of the drivers and passengers, including distancing the vehicle from cars and trucks that appear to be operating dangerously.

However, whenever an accident does occur due to the negligence of one or more parties, it may be possible to seek recovery for resulting damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The process for filing a car accident claim varies from state to state, so it’s important to find an experienced car accident attorney in your area to discuss your options with.

Some illuminating statistics about car accidents according to Kentucky’s 2018 Collision Facts Report include the following:

• 724 fatalities occurred in the state due to car accidents.
• 158,171 reported collisions occurred in the State of Kentucky alone.
• 33,914 collisions resulted in injuries.
• Approximately 15% of all car accident fatalities occurred to people between the ages of 15 to 24.
• The vast majority of accidents occurred between two moving vehicles (88,823).
• Over 1,000 collisions with pedestrian accidents occurred, resulting in 79 deaths and many more serious injuries.
• Kentucky saw 12,436 hit-and-run collisions, resulting primarily in property damage but 17 deaths as well.
• 10,620 large trucks were involved in car accidents in Kentucky, with over 100 fatalities.
• 4,736 collisions were reportedly caused or contributed to by driving under the influence of alcohol, with over 100 fatalities, many more injuries, and much more property damage.
• 1,488 collisions were attributed to driving under the influence of drugs.
• 1,014 collisions were attributed to cell phone use.

Safe driving practices that can help reduce the frequency and severity of car accidents include:

• Driving the speed limit
• Adhering to all posted safety signs
• Adhering to traffic safety rules
• Stopping at red lights and stop signs
• Yielding when necessary
• Signaling before changing lanes
• Changing lanes at a reasonable speed
• Putting distance between your vehicle and a vehicle that appears to be operating dangerously
• Avoiding the blind spots of other vehicles and large trucks
• Keeping an active eye out for pedestrians and bicyclists
• Refraining from using a cell phone or handheld device while driving
• Never driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Putting extra space between your vehicle and that of an aggressive driver
• Wearing a seatbelt at all times inside the vehicle
• Having the vehicle checked on a routine basis for maintenance issues

While all of the above are important safe driving practices to make a habit, it is possible for a driver to follow all of the above and more and yet still find themselves involved in a collision. When this is the case, it may be possible to file a car accident claim against the negligent driver to recoup the resulting damages. However, even if both drivers were partially at fault, it may still be possible to receive a portion of your damages under Kentucky’s pure comparative fault doctrine.

The good news is that car accident attorneys typically offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means clients only pay if they win; this can allow a car accident victim to learn more about their options for recovery without fearing another hefty bill to take care of.

To learn more about Kentucky car accidents, or for help filing a claim, reach out to a car accident attorney in your state.