Car Collisions with Objects and Animals in Kentucky

Drivers should be aware that animals will suddenly jump into a roadway.  Even in busy urban areas you may see dogs wandering into the street.  These accidents usually happen when the vehicle is moving on the road and the animal suddenly encroaches in front of the vehicle.  There are several ways that you can protect yourself when encountering a large animal and even save your life:

Control your vehicle: If the collision is unavoidable, gradually put on your brakes after you take your foot off the accelerator.  If you can, swerve to avoid the animal but only change lanes after checking your rearview mirror to see that this is safe to do so.  You do not want to lose control of your vehicle.  The brakes should be eased on and not suddenly applied since this might cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

Stay aware: Always watch as you are driving, especially on rural countryside roads and places where animals may wander in the road. There may be wildlife road signs warning you so be extra cautious and do not go above the speed limit.

Keep your eyes on the road ahead: Always keep your eyes on the road ahead and avoid distractions. If it is a location where deer or other animals frequently wander in the road you may have your passenger keep an outlook.

Dawn and Dusk are dangerous times: Be especially careful at dawn and dusk when animals come out and wander the roads.

Your horn may be your lifesaver: If you do see animals about to cross the road use your horn to scare them away. Honking with short bursts can keep them out of the road while you pass.

Collisions With a Fixed Object

Crash data from the federal government reveals about twenty percent of traffic crash deaths in 2019 involved crashes with fixed objects.  Most commonly these objects according to the US Transportation are utility poles, trees, traffic barriers, signs, fences and even buildings.  This is most commonly seen with construction companies where there is a road crew and equipment left standing on the road without proper flagging and yellow vests for the construction workers.

There are several types of fixed object crashes and these include:

• Cargo that is not properly secured by loading companies that fall into the road
• Construction equipment in the road
• Trees that have fallen in the road from a storm
• Storm debris in the road such as poles and other objects
• Hitting fixed objects on side of road

The above are the most common causes of crashes with fixed objects.  Drivers should be extra cautious especially when driving through bad weather or construction areas.

Parties Who May Be Liable in a Crash With a Fixed Object

Driver of your vehicle – if you are a passenger and the operator of your vehicle is distracted by cell phone use or other distractions and is not keeping a proper outlook for fixed objects in the road you may hold your driver’s insurance responsible for any injuries you sustain in the collision

Property owner – the owner of the construction company where equipment is negligently left in the road or there are inadequate signs or yellow vests as required when doing construction on the road may be held responsible for an accident

Government entity – where there are potholes in the road but in Kentucky the government is generally immune from liability. However, in those cases you can often collect from your own insurance particularly with property damage coverage.  You can also collect from your own insurance for personal injury protection coverage for medical expenses, lost wages and other benefits.

Semi-Truck and Commercial carriers – Where cargo is improperly secured and left on the roadway you may be able to hold the commercial carrier or owner of the commercial vehicle responsible for the accident. In those cases it is important to make a record of the carrier and immediately report the accident to the police so they can properly investigate.

These are some of the most common parties who can be held responsible for fixed object collisions.