Most drivers are safe and responsible, and it’s easy to share the road with them. Their choices promote safety and they have a responsible attitude.
However, not every driver in Kentucky is going to have that attitude, which is why it’s important to be aware of the rules if you end up in a crash.
Knowing the rules means that if you follow them, you may have a better chance of filing a successful claim. And if the other driver didn’t follow them, they’ll be more likely to be held liable if you qualify to file a personal injury claim against them.
Specific Rules in Kentucky
These are several rules that it’s important to pay attention to when driving in Kentucky.
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Seatbelts: In Kentucky, the driver and all passengers must be wearing a seatbelt. If the passengers are children, then they must be in an appropriate child safety restraint system.
Depending on the child’s age or weight, this could be a booster seat (for kids under seven or between 40 and 50 inches tall) or a child restraint system (for kids under 40 inches tall).
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Drunk driving: People 21 and older cannot drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher in Kentucky. The standard is even more stringent for drivers under 21-- they aren’t allowed to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.02 or higher. Ignition interlock devices aren’t mandatory for first-time offenders.
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Open container laws: No open containers of alcohol can be stored in the passenger area of the car in Kentucky. That being said, they can be stored in the trunk of the car.
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Distracted driving: Texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers in Kentucky. The regulations are stricter for drivers under 18; they aren’t allowed to use any communication devices at all while driving. Drivers 18 and older can still use their devices for phone calls.
Distracted Driving and Your Kentucky Auto Accident
What would happen if you ended up in an accident in Kentucky with someone who was texting and driving? Perhaps you were going at the speed limit and doing everything properly when another driver hit you because he was texting.
If this were to happen to you, it would be prudent to call a personal injury attorney. Even though Kentucky is a no-fault state (which means that you would file a claim with your insurance company), you can actually file a personal injury claim if the accident results in medical bills that cost more than $1,000.
The key component to a successful personal injury claim is proving that the other driver was liable, and a personal injury attorney will be in the best position to do that.
Hiring a Personal injury Lawyer
Contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer in Kentucky will be one of your first steps towards a successful claim. If you have any questions about your claim or are uncertain about any part of it, a personal injury attorney can help.
