When Can You Sue After an Accident in Kentucky?
Kentucky is a no-fault state, which means that all parties involved in the accident must seek compensation from their own insurance policies. Drivers in Kentucky are required to have basic PIP coverage in most instances, which can offer up to $10,000 in compensation after an accident.
The no-fault status of Kentucky also limits a victim’s right to sue the at-fault driver. If you got into a fender-bender with a few bumps and bruises, you won’t be able to sue the person who hit you – even if they were negligent in some way or another.
If the accident was more severe, however, you still have the right to sue the at-fault party. The thresholds for being able to sue someone are:
- $1,000 in medical expenses
- A broken bone
- Permanent disfigurement or injury
- Death
Dealing With Insurers After an Accident
While this process of making a claim might seem straightforward, it can actually be extremely difficult to complete successfully.
Even your own insurance company isn’t truly on your side. Its main goal is to reduce the amount of money it pays out to customers, so you might find that your insurer is eager to poke holes in your claim and contact you with insufficient settlement offers.
The smartest way to deal with your insurance provider after an accident is to not deal with them at all. Instead, let an experienced attorney speak with their representatives. A skilled lawyer can negotiate with insurers and review their offers to make sure you aren’t getting taken advantage of.
Kentucky’s Filing Deadline for Personal Injury Lawsuits
If your insurance company fails to offer enough compensation for the expenses, inconveniences, and suffering you’ve experienced, your lawyer will likely advise you to file a lawsuit. In Kentucky, personal injury lawsuits must adhere to the statute of limitations.
Kentucky Revised Statutes section 413.140(1)(a) states that you have one year from the date of your accident to submit a suit. Failure to take legal action within this timeframe could prevent you from getting the life-changing damages you’re owed. To ensure that you receive a timely settlement, reach out to a personal injury attorney from our team today.