If you have been in a car accident, seek legal representation and call an attorney as injuries and property damage arise. Engaging an attorney for your car accident claim is vital, as the legal process can be complex and time-consuming. When in an accident, call 911 for the police to arrive, to create a police report document, and medics to arrive for your medical treatment. If a car accident occurred sometime in the past, it is crucial to determine the applicable statute of limitations, which in Kentucky is two years from the date of the accident, after which your claim will no longer be valid. At Flora Templeton Stuart Accident Injury Lawyers we have close to 50 years of experience in helping our injured clients through the legal process in car, truck, motorcycle, and other personal injury accidents.
Understanding Kentucky’s No-Fault Insurance System and the Role of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage
Kentucky is one of twelve states that implement “no-fault” car accident laws, mandating that all drivers carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. Under this system, injured drivers and passengers must initially file claims with their own insurance providers before pursuing claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance. The insurance provider will cover medical expenses and related costs, irrespective of fault, up to a specified limit.
It is strongly recommended that drivers maintain a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage, which is designed to address immediate medical costs and potential lost wages resulting from an accident. By selecting PIP insurance—Kentucky’s default coverage—drivers agree to the state’s limitations on their right to pursue a lawsuit against another driver for damages.
Opting Out of Kentucky’s No-Fault System
Kentucky law allows residents to opt out of the no-fault insurance system. Those who reject the no-fault provisions may file claims against the at-fault driver, regardless of whether the injury or expense threshold is met. This decision, however, exposes the driver to potential litigation following the accident.
To forgo PIP coverage and the associated restrictions, drivers must submit a Kentucky No-Fault Rejection Form to the Kentucky Department of Insurance. Even if PIP coverage is declined, drivers are still required to maintain insurance that meets the following minimum requirements: bodily injury liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, as well as property damage liability coverage of $10,000 per accident. Alternatively, drivers may opt for $60,000 in combined liability coverage, along with uninsured motorist coverage equal to the minimum bodily injury limits.
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Flora Templeton Stuart Accident Injury Lawyers is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm serving clients throughout Kentucky and Tennessee. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling and negotiating personal injury cases from beginning to end, and can help you through the process.
Call us today at (888) 782-9090 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our lines are open 24/7. We travel to our injured clients if they cannot come to us.
