Hit-and-Run Lawyer in Kentucky

What This Page Covers

• How hit-and-run collisions can create additional challenges because the at-fault driver may be unidentified or difficult to locate.
• Potential compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, reduced earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, and other qualifying losses.
• How uninsured motorist coverage may apply when the fleeing driver cannot be identified or does not have insurance.
• Wrongful death claims that may be available to families after a fatal hit-and-run collision.
• Steps our attorneys may take to investigate the crash, identify the driver, gather evidence, address insurance issues, and pursue a claim.

Why This Matters

• Leaving the scene can make it harder to identify the responsible driver and determine what insurance coverage is available.
• Evidence such as police reports, witness information, photographs, vehicle descriptions, and surveillance footage can become important to your claim.
• Injuries can affect your health, ability to work, finances, independence, and family life long after the crash.
• Insurance claims can become more complicated when the at-fault driver is unknown, uninsured, or disputes responsibility.
• Understanding your legal options early can help protect evidence and reduce the risk of resolving a claim before the full impact of your injuries is clear.

Key Actions You Can Take

• Move to a safe location when possible and request emergency medical help if anyone is injured.
• Report the hit-and-run to law enforcement and provide as much information as you can about the fleeing vehicle and driver.
• Photograph the scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries, and gather witness contact information if you can do so safely.
• Seek medical attention and report the crash to your insurer, including asking what uninsured motorist coverage may apply.
• Speak with a Kentucky hit-and-run lawyer to review the evidence, available insurance coverage, and your legal options before resolving the claim.

Experiencing a hit-and-run accident can be confusing and stressful. When someone leaves the scene of an accident, it is a serious crime that complicates the process of seeking justice.

A skilled Kentucky hit-and-run lawyer is essential to protecting your legal rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Rhoads & Rhoads is here to ease your burden, guiding you with care and competence through each step of your legal journey.

Identifying the hit-and-run driver, locating the details of their vehicle insurance policy, registration number, and dealing with your own insurance company can be overwhelming.

Kentucky law imposes strict penalties on drivers who flee, but finding and holding them accountable requires expert legal help.

A hit-and-run lawyer can assist law enforcement in identifying the at-fault driver and help you pursue potential claims through your insurance company, including under uninsured motorist coverage if applicable.

Your accident lawyer will help you track down the person involved, secure their insurance company details, and begin the legal process to secure compensation for your injuries.

Seeking justice after a hit-and-run accident? Rhoads & Rhoads is here to help. Call 270-683-4600 for a free consultation and let us guide you through your legal options.

Compensation You Can Receive from a Hit-and-Run Driver

You may be entitled to compensation for various damages if you’re the vehicle involved in a hit-and-run accident.

These can be categorized into economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages include measurable financial losses:

• Medical expenses: This covers medical bills like emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any ongoing treatment necessary due to car accidents.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost income during recovery.
• Property damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing any damaged property belonging to the person struck, most often your vehicle.
• Future medical expenses: This involves a recovery for medical expenses that will likely be needed in the future by the injured person.
• Impairment to earn: This claim involves the amount of money an injured person will be reasonable likely to lose over the lifetime as  a result of their injuries.

Non-Economic Damages cover more subjective losses, such as:

• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
• Loss of consortium: If your injuries impact your relationship with your spouse or family, you may receive compensation for the loss of companionship and support.
• Emotional distress: This can include psychological effects like anxiety or depression resulting from a crash.

In some instances, you might also be awarded punitive damages for a car wreck. These are not commonly granted but may be applied in a serious offense, excessive recklessness, or malicious behavior by the at-fault party.

Our auto accident lawyers will work diligently to investigate the incident, identify the responsible party, and pursue the compensation you need for your injuries and losses.

We use our extensive experience to help you seek compensation and hold the driver accountable.

Don’t let a hit-and-run accident leave you without answers. Call Rhoads & Rhoads at 270-683-4600 for a free consultation and let us guide you. We fight for you, not just in court, but in every interaction, championing your rights against large companies.

Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in a Hit-and-Run Accident

Losing a loved one in a hit-and-run accident is incredibly painful, and dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming.

Filing a civil claim or a wrongful death lawsuit is one way to hold the person responsible accountable and provide much-needed financial support to the grieving family.

This type of claim can cover various losses, including funeral expenses, the loss of the deceased’s financial contributions, and the emotional distress experienced by family members when the person dies.

The driver will likely have skilled legal representation when facing hit-and-run charges and mount an aggressive defense against you.

If you’re facing a skilled hit-and-run defense lawyer, you need a highly experienced attorney to win your case.

The goal of a wrongful death lawsuit is to secure compensation for the family and ensure that the responsible party is held accountable for their actions, including facing a criminal offense and a very large fine.

It’s important not to agree to any offer made by insurance adjusters without speaking to a hit-and-run accident lawyer.

The other driver’s agent will likely try to settle your case for significantly less than it’s worth.

Speak with Rhoads & Rhoads at 270-683-4600 to discuss what the other driver is legally responsible for under Kentucky law. As lifelong members of Western Kentucky, we advocate for the well-being of our entire community.

Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident

After an accident, the actions you take can significantly impact your case.

Here’s what you should do:

• Provide safety: Make sure you and any passengers are safe. If possible, move to a secure area and call emergency services if there are injuries.
• Call the police: Notifying law enforcement after a driver hits you and fleas will create a paper trail you’ll need later. Provide as much detail as possible, including the description of the vehicle. The accident report will be part of your car accident lawsuit evidence.
• Gather evidence: If you’re able, take photos of the scene of an accident, any vehicle damage, and your injuries. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Some injuries may not be immediately noticeable but could be severe.
• Notify your auto insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company. They can guide you through the claims process and inform you about coverage options, like uninsured motorist coverage.
• Consult with a hit-and-run accident lawyer: Contact a hit-and-run accident lawyer experienced in hit-and-run cases. They can help protect your rights, gather evidence, and represent you if legal action is needed.

Call Rhoads & Rhoads at 270-683-4600 for a free consultation and get the support you need.

Why Do Hit and Run Accidents Occur?

Hit-and-run accidents happen for a variety of reasons, often related to the driver’s fear of repercussions or lack of awareness.

Some of the most common reasons drivers don’t immediately stop include:

• Fear of legal consequences: Kentucky hit-and-run drivers might flee the car accident scene to avoid legal issues, especially if they’re driving under the influence, without a license, or have outstanding warrants.
• Lack of insurance: Some drivers leave the scene of an accident because they don’t have the insurance required by the Kentucky Department of Transportation and want to avoid financial liability.
• Panic and confusion: In the heat of the moment, some drivers panic and flee without fully considering the consequences.
• Unawareness: Occasionally, a Kentucky hit-and-run driver might not realize they’ve caused an accident, particularly in minor collisions.
• Disregard for others: Sadly, some drivers simply ignore the harm they’ve caused and leave the scene of an accident.

Rhoads & Rhoads is here to help. Call 270-683-4600 for a free consultation and start your path to recovery.

Is It Illegal to Leave the Scene of an Accident?

Kentucky traffic laws require a driver involved in an accident to stop, provide contact and insurance information, and render reasonable assistance to an injured party.

When they do not immediately stop, the driver can face serious criminal charges and fines.

1. Accidents Involving Property Damage

If a driver leaves the scene of a crash or pedestrian accident that only involves minor or moderate property damage, it is generally considered a misdemeanor offense.

The penalties can include:

• Fines: The driver may face fines, typically up to $500.
• Imprisonment: The driver may be subject to a jail sentence of up to 90 days.
• License suspension: The driver’s license may be suspended for a period determined by the court.

2. Accidents Involving Physical Injury

When an accident involves substantial damages including injures to another person, and the driver leaves the scene, it can be classified as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances.

Penalties may include:

• Fines: Substantial fines can range from $500 to $1,000 or more.
• Imprisonment: The driver could face a jail or prison sentence, typically up to one year for a misdemeanor and longer for a felony.
• License suspension: The driver’s license may be suspended or revoked for a significant period.

3. Accidents Involving Serious Injury or Death

If a hit-and-run accident results in serious physical injury or death, it can be considered a serious hit-and-run charge or class d felony.

The hit-and-run charge penalties are more severe and may include the following:

• Fines: The driver may be fined substantially, often exceeding $1,000.
• Imprisonment: A driver convicted of this offense may face a lengthy prison sentence, ranging from one to five years, depending on the specific circumstances and charges.
• License revocation: The driver’s license may be revoked for an extended period or permanently

Let Rhoads & Rhoads handle your hit-and-run case while you focus on healing. Call 270-683-4600 for a free case evaluation with a hit-and-run attorney.

Contact Rhoads & Rhoads Hit and Run Lawyer in Kentucky

If you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, it’s crucial to get legal help as soon as possible. At Rhoads & Rhoads, we specialize in assisting victims through these challenging situations.

Our experienced team of hit-and-run accident lawyers understands the complexities of Kentucky law, hit-and-run cases, and how to prove the drivers involved were negligent.

Contact the Rhoads & Rhoads legal team today at 270-683-4600 to schedule a free consultation of your Kentucky hit-and-run case.

Hit-and-Run Lawyer in Kentucky FAQs

What happens if the hit-and-run driver is never identified?

You may still have options through your own auto insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage can apply to bodily injury caused by an uninsured driver when the policy and facts support the claim, and Kentucky PIP benefits may also help with certain medical expenses and lost income. We can review the available policies and help determine which coverage may apply.

Can Kentucky PIP coverage help after a hit-and-run accident?

Yes, PIP may help pay certain accident-related medical expenses, lost wages, and other covered losses regardless of who caused the crash, subject to Kentucky law and your policy. Kentucky generally provides basic reparation benefits for injuries arising from the use of a motor vehicle, although exceptions and coverage issues can apply.

How can I pay for vehicle damage if the hit-and-run driver is unknown?

Payment for vehicle repairs usually depends on the property-damage coverage available under your policy. Kentucky’s statutory uninsured motorist coverage focuses on bodily injury and death, so collision coverage or another applicable property-damage provision may be important when the fleeing driver cannot be identified.

Can a passenger injured in a Kentucky hit-and-run make a claim?

Yes. An injured passenger may have access to PIP benefits and may also have an uninsured motorist claim depending on the insurance policies that apply. The available coverage can depend on the vehicle, the passenger’s own insurance, and the facts of the crash.

What evidence can help identify a hit-and-run driver?

Useful evidence can include witness statements, photographs, dashcam footage, surveillance video, vehicle descriptions, license plate information, debris from the other vehicle, and the police report. Gathering this information quickly can make it easier to trace the vehicle and preserve proof of what happened.

What happens if the hit-and-run driver is found after I already opened an insurance claim?

Finding the driver can create additional options. You may be able to pursue a claim against the driver and any applicable liability insurance while your existing first-party insurance claim is being handled. The claims should be coordinated carefully so coverage, reimbursement issues, and deadlines are addressed.

Can I pursue a civil claim if the hit-and-run driver also faces criminal charges?

Yes. A criminal case and a personal injury claim serve different purposes. Criminal charges are handled by the government, while a civil claim allows an injured person to seek compensation for qualifying losses. Evidence from the crash investigation may be relevant to both matters.

How long do I have to file a Kentucky hit-and-run injury lawsuit?

Kentucky motor vehicle injury claims are generally governed by KRS 304.39-230. Depending on the circumstances, the filing period may run from the injury, death, or the date of the last basic or added reparation payment. Because the exact deadline can vary, it is safer to have your claim reviewed as soon as possible.

Can I make a claim if I was hit while walking or riding a bicycle?

Yes. A pedestrian or bicyclist injured by a motor vehicle may have a claim even when the driver leaves the scene. PIP or uninsured motorist coverage may also apply depending on the facts and the insurance policies involved.

What should I do if my insurance company disputes that another vehicle caused the crash?

Preserve every piece of evidence that supports your account, including photos, witness information, video, vehicle damage, medical records, and the police report. Our attorneys can investigate the crash, communicate with the insurer, and present evidence supporting how the collision occurred and why coverage should apply.