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Kentucky Fatal Accident Lawyers
Experienced legal help when you lose a loved one to a car accident in Kentucky
Losing a loved one in a fatal accident is devastating. In addition to the emotional toll, surviving family members are often left with unexpected financial burdens. Kentucky personal injury law allows you to seek compensation for these losses if the accident was caused by another person's negligence.
At Crandall & Pera Law, we understand the immense pain you are facing. Our experienced Kentucky fatal accident attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve during this difficult time. We can help – call us today.
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What types of fatal car accidents do your Kentucky lawyers handle?
Our Kentucky wrongful death attorneys are experienced in handling a wide range of fatal car accident cases. These include, but are not limited to:
- Head-on collisions: These high-impact crashes are some of the most dangerous types of accidents and often result in fatalities.
- Rear-end collisions: When a driver fails to stop in time, especially at high speeds, the consequences can be deadly.
- T-bone (broadside) collisions: These occur at intersections when a driver disregards a signal or stop sign, causing a devastating side-impact crash.
- Sideswipe collisions: When vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide due to swerving or lane changes, the results can be fatal.
- DUI accidents: Driving under the influence is a major cause of fatal accidents.
- Distracted driving accidents: Texting, talking on the phone, or any activity that takes a driver's attention off the road can have tragic consequences.
- Multi-vehicle accidents: These can be caused by drunk driving, speeding, fatigue, or mechanical failure.
If you lost a loved one in a Kentucky car accident, regardless of the cause, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation.
How often do fatal car accidents happen?
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, “There were 42,514 deaths from motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2022. This corresponds to 12.8 deaths per 100,000 people and 1.33 deaths per 100 million miles traveled.”
In Kentucky, 744 people lost their lives in accidents in 2022, which is 16.5 deaths per 100,000 population and 1.55 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. These 744 deaths break down into the following types of road users:
- 254 car occupants
- 219 pickup and SUV occupants
- 17 commercial truck occupants
- 105 motorcyclists
- 93 pedestrians
- 14 bicyclists
Who is liable for a fatal accident in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, determining liability for a fatal accident involves assessing who was at fault. Here are some key points:
- Negligence: If a driver’s negligence caused the accident, they could be held liable. This includes reckless driving, speeding, driving under the influence, and failing to follow traffic laws.
- Employer liability: If the driver was on duty at the time of the accident, the employer might be liable under the principle of vicarious liability.
- Product liability: If a defect in a vehicle or part contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or distributor could be liable.
- Government liability: If poor road conditions or lack of proper signage contributed to the accident, a government entity might be liable.
- Comparative fault: Kentucky follows a comparative fault rule, meaning that if the deceased was partially at fault, the compensation could be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Families of victims can file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for their loss. This often involves proving the other party’s negligence or liability in court. The Kentucky fatal accident attorneys at Crandall & Pera Law can help.
Who can bring a wrongful death claim in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, a wrongful death claim can be brought by the following individuals:
- Spouse: The surviving spouse of the deceased can file a claim.
- Children: If there is no surviving spouse, the deceased's children can bring the claim.
- Parents: If the deceased was a minor or there are no surviving spouse or children, the parents can file a claim.
- Estate representative: In cases where no family members are eligible or willing to bring a claim, the personal representative or administrator of the deceased’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the beneficiaries.
The damages awarded in a wrongful death claim can include compensation for loss of companionship, lost income, medical expenses, and funeral costs.
What is the value of my Kentucky fatal accident claim?
The value of a Kentucky fatal accident claim depends on several factors:
- Economic damages: This includes quantifiable losses such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and any other financial support the deceased would have contributed to their family.
- Non-economic damages: This covers intangible losses such as pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress. These are more subjective and can vary widely.
- Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. However, they are less common and typically awarded in cases where the driver’s behavior was particularly egregious.
- Insurance coverage: The at-fault party’s insurance limits can impact the value of the claim. If the at-fault party has minimal coverage, it might limit the amount you can recover.
- Liability and fault: The extent to which the court finds each party liable can affect the claim’s value. Kentucky’s comparative fault rule can reduce the damages if the deceased was partially at fault.
It is important to consult with the personal injury attorneys at Crandall & Pera, who can evaluate the specifics of your case and help determine a fair value for your claim. We can also assist with negotiating settlements and representing you in court if necessary.
Compassionate Kentucky fatal accident lawyers helping your family
If you lost a loved one due to a fatal accident in Kentucky, you deserve dedicated support and skilled legal representation. It is your right to seek justice and fair compensation. Contact the fatal accident attorneys at Crandall & Pera Law today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options. Let our experienced team guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you and your family deserve during this difficult time. Please call our offices today or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Kentucky fatal car accident attorney. We have offices conveniently located in Lexington and Louisville.