Greenville, KY Car Accident Attorneys

As a member of the Greater Muhlenberg Chamber of Commerce, Flora is in your community helping in the schools, charities, and fundraising events. We frequently travel to schools in Muhlenberg County recognizing students for their achievements which include Greenville Elementary and presenting Muhlenberg North Middle School with Poppy’s Leadership Award Grand Prize. If you’ve been out and about, you might have seen her firm mascots, Poppy and Pixie along with Flora making a difference in your community.

Behind the Car Accident Statistics

One must take some time to study the data-sets available to understand how car accidents are recorded. For example, rather than simply categorize all accidents into a lump sum, the report issued by the Kentucky Transportation Center breaks down accidents that occur on roadways, and those that occur in parking lots or on private property separately. This information is helps determine where there is a higher incidence of car accidents.

Greenville Total Collision Statistics

Source: transportation.ky.gov
In one recent year, the Greenville area saw:

• 800 total collisions
• 12 fatalities
• 259 injuries
• 15 drunk driving collisions
• 9 drunk driving injuries
• 20 drugged driving collisions
• One drugged driving fatality
• 17 drugged driving injuries

Here are some of the state statistics provided in the report:

• Public roadways reported accidents during 2018: 134,285
• Private parking lot accidents during 2018: 23,886
• Accidents resulting in injury: 34,774
• Accidents resulting in death: 730
• Serious injuries as a result of car accidents: 2,749
• Minor injuries suffered in car accidents: 12,003

The same report breaks down the accidents by the involvement of other vehicles, poles, and pedestrians or bike riders. Those statistics show:

• Accidents involving two or more vehicles: 88,823
• Accidents involving fixed objects (trees, poles, etc.): 23,454
• Accidents involving a parked vehicle: 6,752
• Pedestrian involved accidents: 1,024
• Bicycle involved accidents: 332

As you can see from these statistics, pedestrians and those who have left their cars parked are not always guaranteed to be free from damage or injury due to a car accident.

Leading Causes of Car Accidents

An overview of this report provides insight into the types of accidents on Kentucky roadways. Additionally, this report also provides a sober reminder of what causes car accidents on our roadways. The following stats should give everyone pause when venturing out on the roadway:

• Driver inattention – The leading cause of accidents is driver inattention. This may be a result of cell phone usage or other driver distractions. Overall, there were 49,743 accidents as a result of inattention resulting in 123 deaths.
• Not under control – Drivers who failed to maintain control of their vehicles resulted in 17,878 car accidents. As a result, there were 196 fatalities in Kentucky.
• Failure to yield – One of the most violated traffic signals is a yield sign. Drivers who failed to yield were responsible for 63 deaths resulting from 14,983 accidents.
• Clearance issues – When a car has insufficient clearance on a bridge or roadway and attempts to change lanes anyway, there can be a serious accident. There were 9,777 accidents resulting in 13 deaths as a result of clearance problems.

Making Good Decisions Following a Greenville Car Accident

One of the most important things you can do is make sound decisions following a car accident to protect your rights. In addition to making sure you take steps to protect yourself physically, you should make sure you are taking the right steps to preserve evidence, medical bills, and make an accurate record of your physical condition.

Accident victims should understand before they talk to an insurance company, whether their own insurer or the responsible party’s insurer, they use caution. Even if the adjuster seems to be friendly, you should avoid discussing anything that does not pertain to the accident with them. Small talk should be avoided at all costs. Insurance adjusters are well-trained on how to deal with victims following a car accident and if you should fall prey to their tactics, you could be jeopardizing your potential of securing a reasonable settlement. Taking the time to talk to a skilled car accident attorney in Greenville immediately following an accident can help you protect your rights and avoid potentially costly mistakes.

Insurance companies may also offer a quick settlement following a Greenville car accident. The adjuster is aware you may be facing financial challenges if you are unable to return to work. Victims of a Greenville car accident should not sign any documentation provided by an insurance company without having it reviewed by a lawyer first. Oftentimes, insurers will send a settlement offer that limits their exposure financially, which means you will be forfeiting your right to seek additional compensation for your injuries.

Documentation of Expenses Following a Car Accident

Preservation of documents is critical after a car accident. You should make copies of all medical bills including prescription drugs, visits to specialists to check on injuries, emergency room visits, tests including x-rays and ultrasounds, and anything else related to a doctor’s treatment of your injuries. Remember to keep track of your mileage, tolls, and parking expenses for doctor and treatment visits as there may be a potential of being able to recover these costs as part of your final settlement.

Victims should remember every situation is different, and the best way to understand their rights and what compensation they may be eligible to collect is to speak with a lawyer who has a proven track record of success negotiating with insurance companies. In many cases, working with a lawyer can result in a better outcome.

Car Accident Injuries Are Often Life-Altering

Victims who have suffered an injury in a Greenville car accident often have a delayed reaction. This does not minimize the severity of their injuries; it merely makes it more challenging to prove their injury was a result of the car accident. Delayed injuries are a serious concern: Endorphins often flood a victim’s system when they are in an accident that results in “masking” of symptoms and injuries.

Some accident victims suffer life-altering injuries, including spinal cord injuries and head and brain injuries. In drastic cases, these victims could require multiple surgical procedures, specialized nursing care or treatment, and long-term rehabilitation therapy. These victims may face serious challenges returning to their jobs because of permanent injuries suffered as a result of their injury. This can mean a temporary or long-term loss of income that can have a negative financial impact on their family. Unfortunately, these victims may also be facing mental health issues as a result of their injuries that may mean long-term mental health counseling as part of their overall recovery.

Even when a victim does not suffer these types of injuries, they may still require additional surgery. For example, victims may have internal bleeding that may require surgical intervention to determine the cause and repair any internal damage. There may be extensive medical bills as a result of these treatments.

Loss of a Loved One Following a Car Accident

In addition to dealing with the emotional trauma of the loss of a loved one due to the negligent behavior of someone traveling Greenville roadways, you may also be facing other challenges. Families could be dealing with high medical bills associated with the care of their loved one before their deaths, unexpected funeral and burial costs, and the long-term financial problems associated with a loss of income. This is when you may need to consider filing a wrongful death lawsuit.

Greenville wrongful death claims are pursued on behalf of the decedent’s estate. This means an administrator of the estate will have to be appointed in the event the person died without a will. In general, this person will be a spouse or family member. As with a standard personal injury claim the attorney dealing with these claims will have to prove the other driver acted negligently contributing to the death of your loved one. In some cases, such as a drunk driver, the proof is easy to identify. In others, proof may be far more complex, and often requires the services of an attorney who has experience handling complicated lawsuits.

The purpose of filing a wrongful death lawsuit is to ensure you and your family will not suffer financially as a result of your loss. No amount of compensation will ever make up for the loss your family is facing, but a reasonable settlement can help your family avoid an uncertain financial future as a result of the loss.

Greenville Car Accident FAQs

A car accident is a traumatic event that can change your life forever. When you experience serious injuries due to the reckless actions of another driver, it isn’t fair. Depending upon the severity of your injuries, you may face extensive medical expenses and an inability to work. If you were in a serious car accident, you may want to discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer.

Here are just a few of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to Greenville car accidents:

Do I need an attorney to get a car accident settlement?

While it may be possible for you to reach a settlement with an insurance company on your own, chances are it may be for less than you might be able to obtain if you were to work with an attorney.

Why do I need a personal injury lawyer?

A Greenville personal injury lawyer can help protect your best interests after a car accident that was not your fault. The time immediately following a sudden car crash is one of confusion and anxiety. Medical treatments and procedures consume your day and leave you little time to deal with insurance companies.

If an insurance company offers you a settlement, don’t accept it. The insurance company is protecting their best interests and not yours. The initial settlement offer from an insurance company is generally a low dollar amount that seems like a large sum to accident victims.

The reality is the amount they offer you is most likely not enough to cover your future medical needs. Only an experienced personal injury lawyer has the skills necessary to negotiate with insurance companies. The right attorney isn’t afraid to take on tough cases and if they are unable to settle a case-out-of-court, they are ready to go to trial.

Most personal injury attorneys offer a free case evaluation and work on a contingency-fee-basis. This simply means they collect their fee only if they secure compensation for you. You have nothing to lose by reaching out to a personal injury lawyer today to discuss your options for pursuing justice.

What happens if the responsible driver is facing criminal charges—can I still file a personal injury lawsuit?

Yes, you can. Wrongful death lawsuits and personal injury lawsuits are civil cases, which are different from criminal cases. Victims need not wait for the outcome of a criminal case, nor does a not-guilty finding, or a dismissal of criminal charges, mean a civil lawsuit cannot proceed. Even when someone is not found criminally responsible, they may still be held civilly liable for your injuries.

I am concerned about the fees for filing a car accident lawsuit—what should I do?

When you search for an experienced Greenville car accident lawyer, ask about their fees. Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means rather than paying an hourly fee for their services, you will agree to surrender a percentage of any settlement they successfully get on your behalf. Additionally, this generally means that unless a settlement is secured, you will not be paying for legal services.

What types of damages will I be eligible to collect when filing a personal injury lawsuit?

While every case is very different, you may be able to obtain reimbursement for damages to your vehicle, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and time lost from work. Additional damages may also be awarded depending upon various circumstances. For example, egregious or malicious negligence, such as an accident where a driver was under the influence or intentionally driving recklessly, may result in the court ordering punitive damages as part of your award.

Can I wait to contact a personal injury lawyer?

No! Kentucky has a statute of limitations, much like other states. Victims of a car accident have only one year to file a claim for damages following a car accident. If you miss the deadline for filing your claim, you may miss your opportunity for pursuing justice.

A personal injury attorney can explain how Kentucky Revised Statutes §413.140(1)(a)  applies to your specific situation.

The time immediately following your accident is often filled with various medical appointments, procedures—and in the case of loss—a period of grieving. Your days can run together and leave you confused as to the day of the week.

Seeking the services of a professional personal injury lawyer can’t wait. Your accident injuries require your full focus. By securing legal representation, you can rest better knowing your case is in good hands.

Never try to negotiate with an insurance company on your own. It is likely to lead to disappointment, as they are simply too skilled at what they do. You have enough to deal with during this challenging time. Your serious injuries may prevent you from returning to a career you once loved and to hobbies you once enjoyed. If a negligent driver changed your life forever, contacting a personal injury lawyer without delay is a smart idea.

If your commute to work or your family outing turned tragic due to a negligent driver, take action. While each case is different, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Wrongful death claims may have you entitled to an award for such damages as loss of companionship, loss of inheritance, and more.

A serious car accident is a serious matter that demands accountability from the responsible party. A personal injury lawyer can help you by handling the details of your case and negotiations with insurance companies. By keeping the lines of communication open, you will never have to wonder about the status of your case.

While one year may seem like a long time, remember, your recovery could take much longer, particularly if you suffered a traumatic brain injury or other serious injury in a Greenville car accident.

What are some of the most common causes of car accidents?

Driver behavior behind the wheel is often a contributing factor to most car accidents. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

Distracted driving – According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), distracted driving kills nine people and injures more than 1,000 each day in the United States. Among the growing concerns related to distracted driving is texting behind the wheel. The CDC reports that, at 55 miles per hour, sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds—enough time to cover a football field.

Driving under the influence (DUI) – Data from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) estimates that more than 1 million people in the United States were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Narcotics and alcohol can greatly impair a driver’s judgment, sending them across the center line and into your vehicle.

Drowsy driving – The National Safety Council reports that a driver is three times more likely to crash when fatigued. The council adds that drowsy drivers who go 20 or more hours without sleep are as dangerous as drunk drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08 percent—the legal limit.

Aggressive driving – A study by the  AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that nearly 80 percent of drivers surveyed admitted to expressing anger while behind the wheel. Examples of aggressive driving include:

• Tailgating.
• Running red lights.
• Changing lanes without signaling.
• Speeding in heavy traffic.
• Blocking cars attempting to pass or change lanes.

Aggressive driving can quickly escalate into road rage. This type of behavior takes the anger one step further and can lead to the following actions:

• Throwing objects at another vehicle.
• Purposely running a vehicle off the road.
• Cursing or obscene gestures.
• Sideswiping another vehicle.

Nearly 51 percent of survey respondents admitted to purposely tailgating another driver within the past year. Aggressive driving—or road rage—can lead to life-changing injuries for innocent drivers. If this happened to you, a personal injury lawyer can help you file a civil claim against the driver responsible for your injuries, lost wages, and resulting medical bills.

How much will my car accident injuries cost me?

A car accident can leave you with severe and sometimes catastrophic injuries. The rising costs of medical care can mean a lifetime of medical expenses that far exceed any insurance or personal budget—from thousands to millions of dollars. The following are just a few examples of common types of car accident injuries:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – A car accident often results in a concussion or some other type of serious brain injury. A severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) can disrupt normal brain function, affecting the ability to walk, talk, taste, and more. If a loved one experienced a severe TBI, they may never return to the person they were before the accident.

The costs associated with a TBI can range into the millions of dollars throughout the patient’s lifetime. The devastation of witnessing your loved one struggle with basic tasks is why pursuing civil action is a smart idea for possible compensation and justice.

Spinal cord injury – A spinal cord injury affects movement and sensation. Most patients experience paralysis, leaving them confined to a power chair for mobility. Other unexpected costs are home modifications and the need for accessible transportation. These and other costs escalate throughout the patient’s lifetime as the need for replacing medical equipment and repeated hospital stays are often a necessity.

Broken bones – The human body contains more than 200 bones. The chance of breaking one—or more—in a serious car accident is a real possibility. Types of ways a bone can break include:

• Traverse: The break is straight across the bone.
• Oblique: The break is diagonal across the bone.
• Segment: The same bone fractures in two places.
• Compression: The bone is crushed.

The severity of your broken bones determines the level of medical treatment and the personal care you need. Surgery, extensive physical therapy, and the inability to use your limbs can result in missed time from work and a prolonged recovery.

Internal bleeding – A natural reaction following a serious crash is to check your body for visible injuries. Never assume that no signs of bleeding indicate you escaped serious harm. Internal bleeding is of special concern due to the potential for organ damage and possible death. The injuries that show no visible signs or symptoms are why it is imperative to always seek immediate medical attention following a car accident.

Burns – In the event of burn injuries, you may need the care of a burn injury center. The recovery process for serious burns often involves painful skin grafts and the need for plastic surgery.

Your accident was not your fault and holding the negligent driver accountable for their reckless behavior is your right. If the driver responsible for your injuries faces criminal charges, the criminal case has no bearing on your civil action. You deserve quality medical care and that care is expensive. Contacting a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case is something that must top your to-do list after your accident.

How do you determine liability for my car accident injuries?

An additional reason not to speak with an insurance company is that they may try to blame you for the accident. Assigning blame for the accident to the victim is a tactic insurance companies often use to avoid paying a claim.

Determining liability for your car accident injuries is where a personal injury lawyer can help you. Evidence and items relating your accident that can help a lawyer determine liability include such items as:

• Police reports of the accident.
• Witness statements.
• Accident scene photos and/or video.
• Medical reports regarding your injuries.

Who you speak with immediately following your accident can greatly affect your case. For example, providing a statement to responding police officers is necessary for documenting your description of what happened. The official police report can serve as a valuable record for future litigation.

It is a good idea to collect contact information from witnesses. If your injuries prevent you from doing so, ask someone to help you. And, to protect your case, refrain from posting about your accident to social media. Not only is it an alarming way for family and friends to learn of the event, doing so can possibly hurt your civil case.

My loved one died due to a negligent driver. Can I sue?

More than 700 people died while traveling Kentucky public roads in 2018. Losing a loved one due to a negligent driver is a sudden event that leaves a tremendous void in your life.

If you lost a close loved one due to a drunk, distracted, or otherwise dangerous driver, you may be entitled to filing a wrongful death claim. Kentucky law regarding wrongful death claims is very complex and best left to a personal injury lawyer.

While no amount of money can replace your loved one, it can help ease your financial stress during this difficult time. Your time of mourning your loss is no time to deal with aggressive insurance companies. Your sudden loss may include your loved one’s final medical costs, along with funeral and burial expenses.

If you lost a close loved one in a car accident that was not their fault, give careful thought to contacting a personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer experienced with fatal car accident cases can help you seek justice on behalf of your loved one.

Protect Your Best Interests by Securing Legal Representation

The violent and unexpected impact of your car accident caused by a negligent driver can impact your life forever. Your defensive driving is no match for a driver who is drunk, texting, drowsy, or angry. Let a personal injury lawyer fight for the compensation you deserve. The right lawyer won’t stop until they secure a fair settlement for you.

Most Kentucky personal injury lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you owe them nothing unless they secure compensation for you. You have nothing to lose by consulting the personal injury lawyers at Flora Templeton Stuart regarding your case today.

Call Our Greenville Car Accident Attorneys Now

Your primary focus after a car accident must be on your personal well-being. Not only do you need time to physically recover from an accident, but there may also be emotional trauma that you will have to deal with. In addition to the stress you are facing from being out of work during your recovery, you probably have a lot of questions and may need direction. This is where a free consultation with a car accident attorney can be beneficial. While you do need to worry about your immediate health, you also need to be prepared for the financial distress being involved in an accident can cause you and your family over the long-term.

Car accidents are unfortunately a fact of life, which many of us must deal with at some point. Victims and families who have lost loved ones will face a range of feelings, including anger, frustration, and depression. You are not alone; these feelings are all perfectly understandable given the circumstances of your new reality.

Whether you suffered an injury in a car accident that was not your fault, or you lost a loved one because of a negligent driver, you need to know your rights, and you will need answers that are specific to your situation in order to fight for your rights. To get the answers to your questions, and to better understand your options, contact Flora Templeton Stuart at (270) 641-0128, or visit us online for a free case evaluation.

Flora Templeton Stuart Accident Injury Lawyers
105 E Main Cross Street
Greenville, KY 42345
(270) 641-0128