Category: Auto Accident

Vehicle safety technology aims to reduce the number of car accidents and keep everyone safer on the road. Common solutions right now include blind spot monitoring systems, lane-keeping systems, automated breaking systems, and parking systems. This technology takes out the chance for human error, which contributes to most car accidents. When a driver is inattentive, misjudges how much space they have, is distracted, or accidentally overcorrects their steering, they can get in a car accident. As more cars include safety technology, there has been a significant decrease in car accidents.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted two tests looking at crash rates for cars with lane-keeping systems and blind spot monitoring. Lane-keeping systems nudge the driver when they start to drift out of their lane, and blind spot monitoring informs the driver of another car in their blind spot. Both systems helped lower the crash rates vs. the cars that did not have those systems. They found that lane-keeping systems lowered rates of sideswipe and head-on crashes by 11 percent. Blind spot monitoring systems helped reduce crash rates by 14 percent. In all, 86 percent of fatal crashes was reduced because of the safety technology.

Every year millions of drivers use the thousands of miles of Kentucky roadways to reach their destinations.  Some roads and interstates in Kentucky are more dangerous than others, and the drivers who use them are more likely to experience a crash.  It is important to drive carefully on every Kentucky roadway, but there are a few where it is a good idea to use extra caution.

Interstate-65

Kentucky’s I-65 historically has ranked as one of the most dangerous interstates in America.  In a study evaluating America’s interstates in years 2004-2008, I-65 came in at number 37 on a list of 100 most dangerous interstates.  What makes it so dangerous is its high fatality rate.  Statistically, drivers involved in accidents on I-65 are more likely to suffer severe or fatal injuries.  High speeds, semi-truck to car ratios, and construction are factors that contribute to the danger.

This may seem like an obvious question with an obvious answer; when two vehicles collide, it must be because one driver made a mistake that caused the crash.  But the truth is that this is not always the case, and determining who is at fault for an accident may not be so simple.

Often a third party shares blame for what happened.  A Louisville car accident lawyer can help determine who is at fault for your accident and build your case to see that you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

How is Fault Assigned in a Kentucky Car Accident?

The state of Kentucky is a pure comparative fault state, which means fault in a crash is distributed between all involved parties.  Drivers are responsible for the percentage of fault that is assigned to them.

Kentucky has thousands of miles of roadways used by millions of drivers every year.  Thomas Law Offices encourages and desires for every driver in Kentucky to reach their destination safely.  But in the unfortunate event an accident does occur, it is important to understand Kentucky’s car accident laws so that you can protect your rights and help you and your family return your life to normal.

How Long Do I Have to File an Accident Report or Car Accident Claim in Kentucky?

While other states allow more time to bring a lawsuit, Kentucky has a tight deadline, so it is important to act fast.  You have 10 days to file a written accident report with Kentucky State Police, and you must do so if you think the damage will exceed $500 or the car accident resulted in injury to or death of any person.

You have one year to file a lawsuit for personal injury and two years to file a lawsuit for property damage.  The clock for these deadlines starts ticking on the date of the accident.  Failure to file your claim within the time guidelines will result in the courts denying your claim and you being unable to recover any damages.

Distracted driving has become an epidemic in the Unites States.  With dependency on smartphones increasing daily, the number of teens killed or injured in distracted driving car accidents has risen each year.  A recent survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety said that 94 percent of teens recognize the dangers of texting while driving, yet 35 percent admitted to doing so.

What Can Parents Do to Protect Their Teenage Driver?

It is important for parents to discuss this topic with their teenage drivers.  Teens who understand the consequences of texting and driving and the danger it presents to themselves and to others are less likely to do it.  Modeling responsible driving is also important.  If children see their parents using their phone behind the wheel, they are less likely to take them seriously when it is time to discuss how dangerous it really is.