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Kentucky Local Accident Resources

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Charities That Local Accident Reports Supports

Kentucky Local Accident Resources

Have You Recently Lost a Loved One in a Fatal Accident in Kentucky?

If you have a loved one who has recently passed away in a fatal car accident that occurred due to someone else’s negligence, contact us today for a free consultation. Our team of Kentucky wrongful death lawyers is here to compassionately guide you to justice and compensation. If you, a friend, or a loved one has been victimized by a catastrophic motor vehicle accident (MVA) in the state of Kentucky, recovering from such a deadly incident can be difficult and traumatic. In addition to the grief you are likely feeling, you may soon be burdened with excessive medical bills and other financial obstacles, particularly if the person who died earned income you and your family relied on. At Local Accident Reports, we want you to know you are not alone. We are here to help you get connected with the resources you need to move forward.
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If You Have Lost Income After a Wrongful Death

If a wrongful death takes away your family’s income source, and if you yourself were also injured in the accident that took your loved one, these resources may help you receive financial aid and support:

  • Social Security Disability– Resources for Kentucky residents suffering from a severe impairment or potentially life-threatening personal injuries.
  • Supplemental Security Income – Resources for adult and juvenile victims who do not possess adequate resources for financial aid in the State of Kentucky.

Need help with requesting an official copy of the incident police report?

In the state of Kentucky, retrieving a police report is essential for those who have sustained injuries or wrongful death and are filing lawsuits against all responsible parties. There are two ways to obtain a copy of the police report. Those inquiring can either go to the State Police barracks to retrieve a copy for $5, or they can go online to www.kyonlinereports.com and request a copy for $10.  You can also reach out to our local personal injury attorney, who will provide you with a free copy of your police incident report. If you or a loved one was hurt in a Kentucky car accident, contact us today, and we will help you get a complimentary copy of the police report.

If You Require Emotional or Psychological Counseling or Additional Therapy

Accidents not only inflict terrible injuries on the body but can also leave a lasting impact on a victim’s mind. If you require emotional support or counseling to cope with your experience in a catastrophic vehicular accident, be sure to visit the links below:

  • Kentucky Psychological Association – Search statewide for psychologists who can help you recover from your traumatic experience with a motor vehicle accident
  • Kentucky Therapists and Counselors– A directory that allows you to cross-reference therapists and counselors based on specialty, availability, field of study, and experience
  • Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky – An association in Kentucky that provides emotional support and educational resources for victims of traumatic brain injuries and their friends/family.

If You Require Financial Aid for Incidences Resulting from Criminal Activity

You may require additional help for fees related to legal assistance and/or medical bills. If this is the case, be sure to consider the following resources:

  • Kentucky Crime Victim Compensation– Sponsored by the Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet, this program provides resources for victims of accidents caused by criminal activity, including advice about financial compensation and private insurance.

Car Insurance in Kentucky

The Kentucky DMV requires that minimum motor vehicle policies must include the following amounts:

  • $25,000 per single injured victim
  • $50,000 per accident for multiple victims
  • $25,000 for damage to property

Vehicular accidents are an unfortunate and tragic part of our lives and can impact victims and their families in terrible, tragic ways. However, you do not have to face these problems alone. Be sure to visit Local Accident Reports for statements related to your accident.

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If You or a Loved One Were the Victims of an Accident Caused by DUI

Drunk driving is a terrible offense that can result in severe damage to innocent victims, their families, and friends. As reinforced by state law, the Kentucky DMV has set the limits of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at 0.08% or higher for adults (21 years or older) and 0.02% for young adults and juveniles (younger than 21 years). The BAC limit has been set at 0.04% for commercial drivers. Currently, Kentucky ranks 8th among the states with severe problems related to drunk driving incidents. If a DUI incident has victimized you, a loved one, or a friend and require more in-depth support, visit the following links:

  • Kentucky MADD – Mothers Against Drunk Driving seeks to provide endless support for victims of drunk driving incidents in the State of Connecticut. Call (877) ASK to speak with a national headquarters representative. MADD or (877) 275.6233. To contact Kentucky MADD, contact the Frankfort office at (502)871.4210 or use the directory to find your local department.

Accident Prevention Services in Kentucky

In recent years, the State of Kentucky has established tactics for preventing unfortunate motor vehicle accidents and resulting fatalities.

  • Kentucky Office of Highway Safety – This program seeks to improve highway safety by providing educational services and resources to prevent fatal motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, or motorcycle crashes. Outbound links will take you to traffic maps, business services, and more.
  • Bicycle and Pedestrian Travel Planning Resources – Sponsored by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to promote safer roadways for bicyclists and pedestrians. Resources include an FHWA Guide to Mapping Your Bicycle Network, multi-model networks (different towns), and more.

Charities Supported by Local Accident Reports

  • Arrive Alive Tour: The Arrive Alive Tour is an organization that goes to different schools and campuses to raise awareness about the dangers of intoxicated and distracted driving, specifically texting and driving.
  • The Compassionate Friends: The Compassionate Friends provides personal comfort and support to bereaved families who have lost a son, daughter, brother, sister, or grandchild.
  • First Hour Grief Response: First Hour Grief works to provide hope and guidance immediately following an unexpected death in the family.
  • Healing Tree: The Healing Tree Nonprofit advocates healing from trauma and abuse over merely coping with the symptoms of these matters in order to help others transform their lives.
  • National Foundation for Teen Safe Driving: hosts activities and events aimed at preventing traffic accidents involving teens, especially those that end in injury or death.
  • Stop Distractions: Stop Distractions was designed to support and engage families who have been affected by distracted driving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wrongful Deaths in Kentucky

What is Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death occurs when an individual loses their life due to the reckless, negligent, or malicious acts of another person.

Burden of Proof

The burden of proof in a wrongful death claim exhibits, through legal argumentation and evidence, that the actions of the defendant directly led to the passing of the deceased victim. Here is a breakdown of the burden of proof in a wrongful death claim:

  1. Standard of Proof: The standard of proof in wrongful death lawsuits is generally called “preponderance of evidence.” This means that the plaintiff has to prove that it is probable that the actions of the defendant caused the death.
  2. Elements to Prove: To successfully win a wrongful death claim, the following elements must generally be proven by the plaintiff:
    • Duty of Care: The defendant owed the deceased individual a duty of care. This duty varies and depends on the circumstances but often refers to the legal obligation to act reasonably to avoid harming others.
    • Breach of Duty: The defendant, through an act of negligent, reckless, or intentional actions, violated the duty of care.
    • Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the death of the deceased individual. It must be proven that if it weren’t for the defendant’s actions/negligence, the death would not have happened.
    • Damages: The death caused the damages suffered by the surviving family members, such as emotional distress, financial losses, and loss of companionship.
  1. In Kentucky, filing a wrongful death claim is regularly reserved for entities or individuals with a legal relationship to the deceased. A personal representative of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death claim on the part of the surviving family members. The following family members can benefit from a wrongful death lawsuit:
    • Spouse
    • Children
    • Adopted children
    • Parents (if there are no surviving children or spouses)
    • Siblings (sometimes, if there is no surviving spouse, children, or parents)
  1. Medical and Funeral Costs: Sensible medical expenses incurred for the care of the deceased individual resulting from the injuries leading to the death, as well as funeral and burial costs.
  2. Lost Earnings and Benefits: Surviving family members may be eligible to gather compensation for the financial support they may have received from the decedent had they not passed away. This may include a salary, lost wages, bonuses, and other employment benefits.
  3. Loss of Consortium: Loss of consortium damages may be awarded for the loss of affection, companionship, and emotional support that surviving loved ones may have experienced due to the death.
  4. Pain and Suffering: Compensation may be collected for the emotional and physical pain and suffering endured by the deceased person before their passing.

It’s vital to remember that the damages specifically recoverable in a wrongful death claim may vary depending on the case and its circumstances, including the deceased victim’s earning capacity, age, and the extent of the losses suffered by the survivors. Additionally, the allocation of damages among qualified beneficiaries will generally be determined according to the laws in Kentucky.

If you are thinking about filing a wrongful death claim in Kentucky or have concerns about what damages are available, consulting with a skilled wrongful death attorney in the state would be advisable. They will provide you with personalized advice based on the details of your case.

Generally speaking, the time limit under which a wrongful death claim needs to be filed in the state of Kentucky is one year from the date of the death.

However, certain exceptions to this rule exist, so it is important to talk to a skilled lawyer who is experienced in wrongful death cases in Kentucky in order to understand how the statute of limitations applies to your situation. 

Also, if the wrongful death claim involves liability against a government entity, it is possible that there may be more notice requirements and shorter statutes. So, seeking legal guidance immediately following the passing of a family member is vital to make sure you are able to preserve your legal rights.

If the actions of the party responsible for the death are particularly egregious, then punitive damages may be awarded in a wrongful death claim in Kentucky.

Some parties that may be held liable in a Kentucky wrongful death claim include businesses, individuals, government entities, or any other organizations whose actions may have contributed to the death.

While it is technically possible to file a wrongful death claim on your own without the help of a lawyer, it is highly advisable to hire an attorney who can help you navigate this often complicated path. A keen knowledge of the wrongful death laws and statutes is needed to successfully file a claim and get the justice and compensation needed. Here are some reasons to hire an attorney:

  1. Legal expertise: A wrongful death lawyer has expert experience and knowledge in handling cases like these. They are well-versed in the relevant procedures, laws, and court requirements, which may be vital to effectively pursuing a claim.
  2. Evaluating the case: An attorney can successfully figure out the strength of your case and help you determine the likelihood of success. They can go over the circumstances surrounding the passing, assess liability, and figure out potential damages that may be recoverable.
  3. Investigating and gathering evidence: Attorneys usually have the expertise and resources needed to conduct a thorough investigation into the details of the death. They can gather evidence, interview key witnesses, get expert opinions, and build solid claims.
  4. Legal advocacy: An attorney will serve as an advocate for the duration of the legal process. They will represent the interests of the plaintiff, negotiate with the insurance companies and opposing parties, and make sure that the rights of the plaintiff are protected.
  5. Maximizing compensation: A skilled wrongful death attorney can help to pursue the maximum compensation available for any/all losses. They can identify all liable parties, assess the full extent of any damages, and work to secure a fair settlement or verdict.
  6. Reducing stress: It can be emotionally difficult to deal with the aftermath of the wrongful death of a loved one. Hiring an attorney can help handle the legal aspects while family members can focus on healing and grieving. Dealing with the aftermath of a loved one’s wrongful death can be emotionally challenging.
Yes, surviving family members can sue for wrongful death without an existing will. The estate’s personal representative would usually file the claim on the part of the family members.

Personal injury and wrongful death are legal concepts that are related, but their outcome and focus are different:

Personal Injury:

  • Personal injury refers to psychological or physical an individual suffered due to another person’s negligence, reckless or intentional actions.
  • Personal injury claims generally arise when an individual suffers injuries in car accidents, slips and falls, medical malpractice situations, or workplace accidents.
  • In a personal injury claim, the injured party (plaintiff) seeks compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Wrongful Death:

  • Wrongful death happens when an individual loses their life due to the negligent, reckless, or intentional actions of another person or entity.
  • Wrongful death claims are usually filed by the surviving loved ones or beneficiaries of the deceased person to seek financial compensation for the losses they may have suffered due to the death. Brought by the surviving family members or beneficiaries of the deceased individual to seek compensation for the losses they have suffered due to the death.
  • Unlike personal injury claims, which generally focus on an injured party and the losses they have suffered due to their injuries, wrongful death claims often provide financial compensation to the surviving family of the deceased for their losses due to the death, such as lost financial support, emotional distress, and companionship.
  • Damages in wrongful death claims may entail funeral and burial expenses, lost wages and benefits, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering endured by the deceased before death.

Overall, while personal injury claims involve gathering compensation for injuries suffered by one individual, wrongful death claims are filed by surviving loved ones of a deceased person who lost their life due to another individual or entity’s negligence or misconduct. Both claims can provide financial relief to those who have been affected by the harmful acts of others, but they look at separate legal and factual details.

Traffic in Kentucky

In this section, you can investigate the statistics regarding traffic congestion and the percentage of fatal accidents. As of the year 2023, Kentucky has a total population of 4.509 million residents and a median amount of fatalities caused by motor vehicle accidents.

Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics in Kentucky

  • 2022: Seven hundred sixty-two people lost their lives on public roadways, 28,773 suffered injuries, and the total number of accidents decreased by 0.9% and 5.5% from 2021.
  • 2021: One hundred nine thousand two hundred ninety-one accidents were reported, including 734 collisions, 20,117 accidents, and 88,440 collisions involving only property damage. In 2021, intersection crashes made up approximately 30% of all accidents and about 19% of all deadly wrecks.
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Kentucky Car Crash Facts

  • In 2022, 1 in 5,830 Kentucky residents lost their lives due to fatal traffic accidents on public roads in Kentucky.
  • 1 in 153 Kentucky residents was injured in a traffic accident in Kentucky.
  • 1 in 22 motorists was involved in a traffic collision.
  • 1 in 3,627 Kentucky drivers was involved in a fatal accident.
  • In 2022, 544 men and 214 women lost their lives. 13.1% of all individuals killed in traffic accidents were aged 15-24.
  • Approximately 64% involved wrecks that happened between two or more moving vehicles.
  • Approximately 16% involved crashes with fixed objects.
  • Approximately 1% involved bicyclists or pedestrians.
  • Accidents with other moving vehicles made up about 69% of reported crashes and accounted for approximately 37% of all deaths.
  • Accidents with fixed objects made up approximately 17% of all crashes and about 31% of all fatalities.
  • Total collisions with moving vehicles: 74,810
  • About 68% of all accidents involved moving motor vehicles.
  • Two hundred ninety people lost their lives due to 265 traffic accidents in Kentucky in 2022.
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Location of Accidents

61% of injury accidents happened in urban areas. However, a slightly higher percentage of deadly accidents (49.9%) occurred in rural areas. A much higher number of property damage accidents were reported in urban areas. 35% of all crashes happened in Kentucky’s state roadways, with about 47% of all deadly accidents happening on these types of roadways. Although 21% of all wrecks happened on city streets, only 7% of fatal crashes happened on city streets.

Kentucky Grief & Trauma Resources

Resources by State

Talk to a Kentucky Wrongful Death Lawyer

If your loved one has been involved in a wrongful death case in Kentucky, it’s essential to seek the assistance of a skilled legal professional who understands the complexities of the law and the local landscape.  At Local Accident Reports, our dedicated team of attorneys is here to help you navigate this difficult time by offering compassionate support and expert legal advice. We are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. From evaluating your case to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court, we will be by your side every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a detailed consultation to discuss your legal options. Call us today at (888) 657-1460 to speak with a knowledgeable attorney who can provide the guidance and support you need. Your path to justice begins here, and we are ready to stand with you throughout your journey.

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Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths by Road User Type and State

Car Occupants

Car Occupants

338

Pickup and SUV Occupants

Pickup and SUV Occupants

230

Large Truck Occupants

Large Truck Occupants

8

Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists

90

Pedestrians

Pedestrians

83

Bicyclists

Bicyclists

7

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