Rear-end accidents in Covington can be caused by a wide variety of dangerous driving behaviors. Motorists who are texting behind the wheel, following too closely, making unsafe lane changes, speeding, or talking on the phone while driving could easily find themselves unable to stop in time and strike the vehicle in front of them. Other common causes of rear-end auto accidents include aggressive driving, drunk driving, or simply non-observance of traffic laws.
Collisions can inflict wide-ranging personal injuries that lead to costly losses, including medical bills, missed wages, and more. Our experienced car crash lawyers could investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident and advise whether you may have a legal right to compensation.
Demonstrating Legal Fault For a Rear-End Auto Accident
When it comes to filing a claim for damages after an auto accident, states fall into two categories: fault and no-fault. Kentucky is a no-fault state. This means that even when a negligent driver rear ends another motorist and injures them, the injured individual will usually have to go through their own policy to get compensation and can only pursue an outside claim or lawsuit in certain circumstances. The injured party’s personal injury protection coverage would then generally pay up to $10,000 in medical bills, lost wages, and other related costs stemming from the accident.
However, there are a few issues with this system. For one, if a person sustains serious injuries in a rear-end accident, this dollar amount can be quickly exhausted. That is why Kentucky allows individuals who have sustained certain severe injuries or racked up $1,000 or higher in medical bills to file a claim against the at-fault driver. There can also be rare circumstances where personal injury protection does not apply at all, such as when the injured individual had previously opted out of such coverage when purchasing their insurance policy.
In order to prove that an at-fault driver is liable for damages in a
personal injury claim, you need to show that the other driver violated their duty to operate their vehicle with reasonable care and, in so doing, caused your injuries and damages. This is where an attorney comes in. Our Covington attorneys have extensive experience establishing fault after rear-end crashes and other types of accidents.
Collecting Compensation After a Rear-End Collision
There are multiple types of damages available after a tailgating wreck. These include economic damages, non-economic damages, and even punitive damages in some cases.
Economic damages are the precise costs associated with an accident, such as lost wages, hospital bills, physical therapy bills, and property damage expenses. Non-economic damages do not have a particular dollar value assigned to them and refer to losses such as emotional distress, pain, and suffering. Punitive damages are not included in all instances of financial recovery, but may be achievable in some cases where the court deems it appropriate to subject the at-fault party to financial punishment. Seasoned Covington lawyers know how to accurately put a value on the losses associated with a rear-end crash and pursue compensation accordingly.
Consult with a Covington Attorney After a Rear-End Car Accident
When it comes to recovering damages for rear-end car accidents in Covington, KY, it is vital to work with a lawyer who has proven experience both in and outside the courtroom. Our team could investigate the case, collect evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and identify any and all routes to compensation that the law may afford you.
You do not have to face up against the legal system alone. Reach out to our office today to
set up your free legal consultation and discuss the details of your accident with an attorney. We can help you understand the next steps for your case.
