Kentucky Car Accident Lawyers

Statute of Limitations in Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Accidents

In vehicle accidents there is a limited amount of time to sue. In Kentucky, you have two years after the wreck to sue which can be extended with PIP benefits being paid. In Tennessee, you only have one year to file an action. Anyone under 18 has the time to sue after they turn 18.

What Causes Car Accidents?

Many types of accidents exist, as do causes for crashes. Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted driving: A person driving at 55 miles per travels the length of a football field in only five seconds. While all distractions are dangerous, but texting and other cell phone use are among the most dangerous of driving distractions. It is not uncommon for drivers to take five seconds or more to read or reply to a text message while driving. While texting, a driver’s eyes are off the road, the mind is off driving, at least one hand is off the wheel. Some other common distractions include eating or drinking, visiting with other passengers, adjusting vehicle or stereo controls, and applying makeup. Drivers may also be distracted by external factors including billboards, people in other cars, or even previous accidents.
• Alcohol impairment: In one recent year, alcohol-impaired drivers caused 4,736 collisions in Kentucky. Alcohol impairment contributed to 113 fatal collisions and 1,585 accidents involving injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one person dies in the United States every 48 minutes in an accident involving alcohol. Alcohol impairment causes significant reductions in the motor functioning required for the safe operation of a motor vehicle. The use of alcohol may decrease a driver’s ability to process information or to maintain one’s own lane of travel. In addition, alcohol can affect the ability to steer and brake effectively, respond to emergencies, and focus on the task of driving.
• Speeding: In one recent year, 9,378 people died from accidents that were caused by speeding in the United States. As such, speeding is one of the most deadly driving behaviors. As mentioned, speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the distance required to stop a vehicle. Additionally, speeding prevents your vehicle’s protective features—such as the steel frame, seat belts, and airbags—from working effectively. Speeding is not only driving faster than the posted speed limit. Speeding also includes driving too fast for the conditions of the road. For example, in inclement weather or traffic congestion, it is likely hazardous to travel at the posted speed.
• Fatigue: Extreme fatigue in drivers manifests many impairments similar to alcohol impairment. Fatigue may result in slower reaction times and the inability to maintain one’s lane. All drivers are at risk of fatigue without the appropriate amount of sleep each night. However, those at particular risk include long-haul truck drivers, shift workers, and individuals suffering from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes a person to briefly stop breathing numerous times during sleep, resulting in low quality sleep.
• Failure to yield: Failure to yield includes running red lights and stop signs. In addition, turning onto a street from a parking lot or driveway without waiting for a sufficient gap in traffic also constitutes a failure to yield. A failure to yield is the most common cause of accidents occurring in intersections. Intersection accidents account for more than a quarter of all accidents in Kentucky.
• Inclement weather: Rain, fog, and snow are driving hazards that may reduce visibility and create slick roads. Inclement weather can increase the risk of an accident.
• Defective auto parts: Manufacturers and distributors of vehicle parts have the responsibility to ensure that those parts are safe for use by consumers. Some defective parts may result in accidents, including defective tail lights, turn signals, brake or steering systems, and tires.

What Types of Injuries Are Sustained in Car Accidents?

Every part of the body can be injured in an accident, depending on the circumstances. However, some injuries are more common than others and can be very severe. Common severe accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries: Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries. Mild brain injuries, commonly known as concussions, often heal after a few weeks. However, moderate and serious brain injuries may have lifelong impacts. Serious head trauma may result in the loss of skills one needs to manage day-to-day life. Brain injuries may cause impairment in mobility, memory, communication, regulation of emotions, vision, hearing, or even the sense of smell.
• Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious injuries to incur in a car accident. Depending on the severity of the injury, spinal cord damage often results in death or permanent disability. Injuries to the spinal cord may cause paraplegia, which is loss of function and sensation in the legs, feet, and pelvis. Tetraplegia or quadriplegia causes a loss of function and sensation in the legs, feet, pelvis, torso, shoulders, neck, arms, and hands may also result from spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries are categorized as complete or incomplete. Complete injuries involve a total loss of function and sensation beneath the site of the injury. With incomplete injuries, the patient retains some sensation and function of the body beneath the site of the injury.
• Internal damage: The internal organs are largely protected by the skeletal structure and skin. However, in a car accident, they may become injured due to broken ribs, or simply by the force of the impact. Internal damage is not always immediately obvious. Symptoms of internal bleeding may not present themselves until hours or even days after the accident.
• Amputated limbs: Contact with sharp objects may amputate limbs during the accident. Alternatively, limbs may be surgically amputated to prevent infection and chronic pain if they are too damaged to save.
• Broken bones: Broken bones are one of the most common injuries resulting from serious car accidents. Of particular concern are broken ribs, which can cause damage to internal organs, including the lungs.
• Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries: Often regarded as a minor injury, whiplash can cause victims to experience chronic pain. Soft tissue injuries are common during accidents when bodies are jolted or slammed around in the cab of the car.
• Burns: Burns in a car accident can result from airbag deployment, contact with caustic chemicals, and vehicle fires. Car accidents account for only about 5 percent of all burn injuries. Burns suffered in motor vehicle accidents can cause extensive hospitalization, scarring, disfigurement, and complications, including infection or difficulty breathing.

Vehicle Accident Total Collision Statistics

Source: transportation.ky.gov

How Does a Serious Car Accident Injury Derail a Person’s Life?

Car accident injuries can have a profound impact on victims as well as their families’ quality of life. Undoubtedly, victims with serious injuries will endure costs associated with extensive medical expenses. In addition, suffers may also endure:

• Permanent disability, resulting in lost wages and loss of future earnings.
• The need for home modifications to accommodate the injuries.
• The need for assistive equipment, such as a wheelchair, crutches, or vehicle modifications.
• Loss of the ability to do activities that were previously enjoyed.
• Severe pain and emotional distress.
• Psychological issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Impacts on an individual’s intimate relationship with his or her spouse.
• Feelings of humiliation or isolation due to not being able to participate in social functions.