The car accident statistics for both a fatal crash and non-fatal crash in Kentucky have generally declined in recent years, but there are still far too many crashes happening on the state’s roads.
Most of the car accidents in Kentucky occur because drivers simply do not give the road their full attention to highway safety per Kentucky car accident laws, and too often they engage in dangerous and reckless behaviors risking fatal crashes and wrongful death.
When motorists are not careful, other people pay the price: motor vehicle fatalities. Car crash victims are left with serious injuries, and in some cases, they don’t even survive the accident. If you or a loved one has been in a serious crash, a Kentucky car accident lawyer at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer can help you seek compensation for your losses.
Call us today for a free traffic accident consultation and find out more about how we can put our Kentucky Courage to work for you. Have issues with your property damage, medical bills, or personal injury claims? Our car wreck injury clients can handle them for FREE, don’t be afraid to ask when contacting us.fa
Kentucky Car Accident Facts
Car accidents and the injuries and fatalities that result from them dropped from 2017 to 2018 in Kentucky. Still, the Kentucky car accident reports are alarming and hundreds of people around the state were involved in car deaths per year.
Kentucky’s collision statistics regarding traffic deaths are also still well above the national average, indicating there is still much room for improvement. Below are some of the most troubling car crash statistics in the state, according to the Kentucky Transportation Center.
- There are 724 people killed on Kentucky’s public roads in 2018, a drop of 7.4 percent from the previous year.
- The number of accidents in parking lots and on private property also dropped in 2018 by 64.7 percent, with six people in total being killed.
- In total, there were 730 people killed in Kentucky auto accidents in 2018. That was a total reduction of 8.6 percent from 2017.
- There were also fewer people injured on public roads in Kentucky in 2018 than the prior year. In 2018, there were 33,914 people injured on public roads while in 2017 there were 35,999. The total drop between the two years was 5.8 percent.
- Fewer people were also injured in parking lots and on private property in 2018. That year, 860 people become injured in these areas, while in 2017 that number was slightly higher at 896.
- In total there were 34,774 reported injuries from car accidents in 2018, compared with 36,895 in 2017.
- Although the Kentucky crash reports may be dropping around the state, injuries and fatalities in Kentucky car crashes are still higher than the national average. In 2018, there were 1.50 deaths per 100 million miles traveled in Kentucky. That’s higher than the national average of 1.24 deaths per 100 million miles traveled.
- Kentucky’s fatality rate has been higher than the national average since at least 2009.
Sadly, most of these crashes are preventable events and only occur because too many motorists don’t take the proper care when out on the roads.
Kentucky Crash Results
Many car accidents are very minor and result in few injuries and little property damage. Unfortunately, many car crashes result in some of the most serious injuries. The worst of these include:
- Head and traumatic brain injuries – During a crash, an injury victim’s head may hit the steering wheel, dashboard, windshield, and other parts of the vehicle. Flying debris can also cause concussions, contusions, penetration injuries, and more.
- Back injuries – During a car accident, excessive pressure is often placed on the back and this can result in sprains and strains. Back injuries typically leave car accident victims in chronic pain for months, and even years, following the crash even if wearing a seat belt.
- Spinal cord injuries – Whiplash, herniated and ruptured discs, spinal fractures, and facet joint injuries are some of the most common spinal cord injuries seen after car accidents.
- Broken bones – Broken bones are not minor injuries. They often require multiple surgeries and the more broken bones a victim suffers, the more surgeries they’ll require and the longer it will take them to make a full recovery. These injuries are also incredibly painful and costly to treat.
- Internal injuries – Brain bleeds, broken ribs, punctured lungs, abdominal aneurysms, and organ injuries are just a few of the most common internal injuries caused by car accidents.
These injuries are often life-changing for crash victims. When they are caused by another driver’s reckless behavior, those injured can seek compensation that can help ease the financial burden of the injuries from car insurance companies after a motor vehicle accident.
Common Causes of Crashes that Result in Death
The worst car accidents don’t only result in injuries, but fatalities as well. The most common causes of accidents that result in death are listed below.
- Distracted driving – Drivers texting while driving is illegal for all drivers in Kentucky, but that doesn’t stop many motorists from engaging in dangerous behavior. In addition to using a cellphone, there are other forms of distractions as well, including eating, grooming, loud music, and rowdy passengers.
- Drunk driving – One of the most reckless forms of dangerous driving, drunk driving takes thousands of lives every year around the country. Tragically, many of those are right here in Kentucky.
- Wrong-way driving – Wrong-way driving is usually a result of other dangerous driving behaviors, such as drunk and distracted driving. This type of driving typically results in head-on collisions and other very serious types of accidents.
- Aggressive driving – Tailgating, speeding, and frequently changing lanes are just a few forms of aggressive driving. When motorists engage in these behaviors, they put many lives at risk.
- Speeding – Speeding is the main cause of auto crashes, and it also increases the severity of accidents. When drivers speed excessively, it causes the vehicles involved to crash with greater force, resulting in injuries that are more serious and increased fatalities.
- Failing to yield right-of-way – Stop signs and traffic lights are there for a reason. When drivers ignore them, other motorists are placed at extreme risk and may not survive the crash.
These are just a few driving behaviors that result in fatalities on Kentucky’s roads. Any time motorists act carelessly or recklessly, they put the lives of others at risk.
Need Help After a Crash? Talk to a Kentucky Auto Accident Lawyer Now
Kentucky’s car accident statistics show that too many injuries and fatalities occur on the state’s roads every year. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, it’s important that you speak to a car accident lawyer today.
At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, we have the necessary experience to help accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. We want to put that experience to work for you. Our attorneys are ready to investigate the crash, collect evidence to prove liability, and ensure your rights are upheld throughout the entire process.
Contact us today for your free consultation so we can get started on your case.
