Car accident victims are often left to deal with the physical, emotional, and financial consequences on their own. At Thomas Law Offices, we believe those individuals deserve exceptional legal representation so they can get their lives back in order. If you’ve been in a car accident and are looking for assistance with your personal injury claim, a Frankfort car accident lawyer can help.
How Common Are Car Accidents in Frankfort?
Car accidents happen every day in Kentucky. According to the Kentucky Traffic Collision Facts from 2017, there were 136,979 collisions on public roads. While the majority (112,297) resulted in only property damage, 25,004 resulted in injuries and 763 were fatal. The report also tracked the accidents in parking lots and on private property. Those crashes totaled 24,702. While the total collision percentage decreased by 2.2% in 2017 from 2016, 36,895 people were still injured and 782 lost their lives.
Car accidents are just as common in Frankfort as they are in the rest of the state. Just in late 2019, a deadly crash involving a semi-truck and a car occurred. While trying to enter a gas station, the semi blocked several lanes of US-127. A Honda Accord driving southbound was involved in the collision and the driver died.
Tragic stories like that happen all too often in Frankfort. Part of preventing car accidents involves understanding the risk factors that contribute to them.
Understanding Auto Accident Risk Factors
A number of factors can play into the cause of any automobile crash. According to the National Institutes of Health, there are certain factors that are more common, which include:
- Excessive Speed. Drivers who speed have less control over their vehicles. This is particularly dangerous around sharp curves, in inclement weather, or while driving through work zones.
- Driving Under the Influence. When a driver gets behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs, their decision-making abilities and motor skills are compromised. A drunk driver is more likely to swerve and hit another vehicle or run into a fixed object.
- Fatigue. While anyone driving for a long period of time is at risk for fatigue, truck drivers are the most at-risk. They typically have strict schedules to adhere to when hauling goods and services. If they miss their deadline, the penalty could be serious. This could pressure them to drive while tired. In some cases, this is just as dangerous as intoxicated driving. The mind’s ability to process information and make good choices is compromised when tired.
- Inexperience. While new drivers aren’t necessarily bad drivers, the lack of experience can result in freezing up in an emergency situation or reacting poorly to driving conditions. Teen drivers are most at risk of getting into an accident when other teens are in the car.
- Nighttime. It should come as no surprise that auto accidents are more likely to happen when it’s dark out. Even minorly reduced visibility can inhibit a driver’s ability to safely maneuver their vehicle on the road.
- Inadequately Maintained Vehicle. Vehicle owners have a responsibility to ensure their car is roadworthy at all times. This means regularly having it inspected and fixed, if necessary. Bald tires, for example, grip the road poorly, which could result in a driver losing control of their vehicle if they need to make an emergency stop.
- Poorly Maintained Roads. Not every accident is the result of a driver’s action or inaction. States and townships are supposed to ensure the integrity of its roads. Potholes, uneven lanes, missing guardrails, inadequate lighting, and more can contribute to collisions.
- Environmental Factors. Driving in the rain or snow increases your risk of getting into an accident. Cars perform best on dry, flat surfaces. If water collects on a roadway or black ice forms, crashes are a real possibility.
Negotiating Settlements with Insurance Adjusters
When an insurance adjuster evaluates your claim, their goal is to provide you with the smallest settlement amount possible. At Thomas Law Offices, however, we want to ensure you have the compensation you need to recover from every accident-related expense. Negotiating a fair settlement with an adjuster can be challenging, but there are some steps we can take to ensure that happens.
Before we begin discussing settlement offers with the insurance company, we’ll have an accurate account of what you’re owed. When the first offer is made, it’s likely it will be low. Declining that offer and asking the adjuster to justify the amount is a good idea. We’ll also be sure to emphasize the emotional damages you incurred.
When we’ve reached a settlement both parties can agree upon, we’ll get it in writing immediately. This will ensure you don’t run into any further issues.
Legal Representation from Thomas Law Offices
While seeking legal advice and representation from an attorney might be the last thing on your mind after a car accident, it should be at the forefront. Dealing with insurance companies on your own can be challenging. When you add injury recovery on top of that, the process may seem even more difficult. To ease your stress and expedite the process, get in touch with a Frankfort car accident lawyer from Thomas Law Offices.
Our attorneys have extensive experience representing car accident victims. We have a proven track record of success, and we’re prepared to provide you with the representation you deserve. With our help, you’ll be maximizing your chances of receiving full and fair compensation for your accident injuries and related losses.
Getting the legal process started as soon as possible after a crash is important. That will give us ample time to build a case that proves you were wronged. If you’re ready to get your life back in order after a crash, schedule a meeting with our lawyers today.
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