Kentucky Common Car Accident Causes

Car accidents happen every day across of Kentucky. While some are minor fender benders that result in only minor property damage, many others can cause traumatic injuries that forever alter the lives of the people involved.

A catastrophic injury accident is devastating for the victim and their family. Victims with severe injuries can find themselves unable to enjoy the lives they once led. They may be unable to work and earn an income or do their household duties. Surviving family members may be forced to struggle with grief and loss after a fatal crash.

According to the Kentucky State Police Traffic Collision Facts Report, there were 161,681 total collisions in the state and 738 fatal collisions in a single recent year. There were 91,135 collisions with moving vehicles that caused 332 fatalities, 1,506 suspected serious injuries, 7,875 suspected minor injuries, and 14,937 possible injuries.

The Kentucky car accident lawyers at Paul Baker Law Office fight for the rights of injured individuals, and we fight to make our community safer. Our firm has been helping residents of and visitors to Kentucky since 1984.

You can have our attorneys explore all of your legal options when you call us, fill out a contact form, or chat with us live.  The consultation is free and without obligations.

Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Kentucky

The Traffic Collision Facts Report identified the following human factors as being the 10 most prevalent contributing factors in car accidents:

• Driver Inattention — Failure to pay attention behind the wheel caused 52,113 collisions or 38.04 percent of total crashes. Driver inattention was blamed for 121 fatal accidents (16.78 percent of fatal collisions).
• Not Under Control — The 18,479 accidents (13.49 percent) caused by a driver not having control were the second-most total collisions, but the 232 fatal accidents (32.18 percent) were the most of any contributing factor.
• Failure to Yield — Mistakes like not stopping at traffic signs or lights caused 15,564 collisions (11.36 percent) and 88 fatal accidents (12.21 percent).
• Misjudge Clearance — People misjudging clearance led to 9,795 accidents (7.15 percent) and 13 fatal crashes (1.8 percent).
• Following Too Closely — Tailgating led to 9,262 accidents (6.76 percent), five of which were fatal (0.69 percent).
• Distraction — Also known as distracted driving, inattention caused 7,337 collisions (5.36 percent), and 19 fatal accidents (2.64 percent).
• Too Fast for Conditions — Basic speeding offenses led to 4,930 accidents (3.6 percent), and an alarming 53 fatal crashes (7.35 percent).
• Disregarding Traffic Control — Failure to obey traffic controls was the cause of 4,177 accidents (3.05 percent) and 42 fatal collisions (5.83 percent).
• Alcohol Involvement — Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs caused 3,901 accidents (2.85 percent) and 107 fatal crashes (14.84 percent).
• Overcorrecting — Overcorrection was to blame for 3,098 accidents (2.26 percent) and 64 fatal accidents (8.88 percent).

Some of the other contributing factors included in the Traffic Collision Facts Report were:

• Improper Turns
• Improper Backing Up
• Drowsiness
• Speeding
• Improper Passing
• Use of Smartphones While Driving

Proving Someone Else Was Liable for the Kentucky Car Accident

There are various ways that you could prove that another party was negligent and that their actions or inaction caused the crash. A rear-end collision, for example, is usually the result of one driver following too closely before striking another person’s vehicle, but determining liability can be much more complicated, depending on the circumstances of the crash.

When a car accident is caused by distracted driving, then an attorney may subpoena the phone records of the driver. If the phone records indicate the driver was active on the phone at the time of the crash, this could be evidence of negligence.

In other cases, traffic tickets that the negligent drivers were issued could also indicate negligence. It is important to remember though that a driver who avoids a conviction for a criminal traffic offense such as drunk driving can still be held civilly liable because the criminal case is entirely separate from a civil action.

One of the most valuable things you can do at the scene of your crash is take as many pictures as you can of everything involved in the scene of the accident. The pictures could preserve crucial evidence that will disappear when the crash scene is cleaned up.

You should also look for people who may have seen the crash. Try to get names, phone numbers, or other contact information from these individuals, as they could be potential witnesses who can provide very valuable testimony for you.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Car Accidents in Kentucky

• You can prepare for an accident situation by having items in your car that could be beneficial in an emergency, such as a first aid kit and a charger for your cell phone.
• Avoid potential rear-end collisions by maintaining a two-second following distance.
• When somebody else is tailgating you, do not speed up to try to lose them. Instead, try to pull over and let the other motorist pass you.
• You should always be conscious of where your vehicle is situated and try to stay out of other driver’s blind spots.
• Obey all traffic laws and avoid all possible distractions, especially your cell phone.
• If you do happen to be in a motor vehicle accident, make sure you seek medical attention right away, even if you do not think at first that you were hurt.
• Try to take as many pictures as you can at the scene of the crash scene, and then quickly contact an attorney.

How Can Paul Baker Law Office Help Me After a Car Accident in Kentucky?

If you sustained catastrophic injuries or your loved one was killed in a car accident in Kentucky, it is essential that you to seek legal representation from an experienced attorney right away.

Paul Baker Law Office has been helping clients throughout the greater Barbourville area for more than 30 years. We know the area, we know the citizens in our community, and we’re here to help protect them from the negligent actions of others.

Our firm handles all cases on a contingency fee basis, so you will not have to pay any upfront legal fees because we will collect only if and when you obtain a monetary award. Call us or contact us online now to receive a free consultation.