Best Car Accident Attorneys in Lexington
Compare Top Car Accident Attorneys
| Lawyer Name | KY Bar Association Status | Year Admitted to KY Bar | Law School Attended | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles C. Adams, Jr. | Active | 1986 | University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law | |
| Kellie M. Collins | Active | 2008 | University of Kentucky College of Law | |
| Christopher Goode | Active | 2000 | DePaul University College of Law | |
| Thomas K. Herren | Active | 1980 | University of Kentucky College of Law | |
| Matthew C. Minner | Active | 2012 | Vanderbilt University Law School | |
| Stephen M. O’Brien, III | Active | 1974 | University of Kentucky College of Law | |
| Justin Peterson | Active | 2008 | University of Kentucky College of Law | |
| Haley A. Prevatt | Active | 2007 | University of Kentucky College of Law | |
| H. Caywood Prewitt, Jr. | Active | 1993 | University of Kentucky College of Law | |
| Brian Vines | Active | 2015 | University of Virginia School of Law |
Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Kentucky
When you’ve been injured in a car accident, you need to understand the processes and laws that affect whether you can successfully recover by filing a lawsuit. From the statute of limitations for initiating a lawsuit to how the legal system assigns fault for a car accident, this section introduces you to the specific laws that apply to drivers in Kentucky.
Kentucky Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is the legal deadline by which you must initiate your lawsuit. Kentucky law sets a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including car accident cases. This means you must initiate your lawsuit within one year from the date of the car accident. Failing to file in time can mean you lose your ability to recover through the legal system.
Kentucky Laws for Car Drivers
- Move over for emergency vehicles. When approaching an emergency vehicle or public safety vehicle that has turned on its flashing lights, drivers are required to move over to the adjacent lane. If it is impossible or unsafe to move over, then drivers must pass slowly and with caution.
- Slow traffic keep right. Slower drivers must keep to right lanes so that faster traffic may pass on the left.
- Hands-free driving. Drivers are not permitted to text or use similar communication tools while operating a motor vehicle.
- No-fault insurance. No matter who caused the car accident, each driver’s car insurance is responsible for covering medical expenses and lost wages up to a threshold amount. Drivers are able to opt out of this requirement by filing a no-fault rejection form with the Department of Insurance.
Identifying Fault for a Car Crash
Kentucky utilizes a pure comparative negligence rule for deciding who is at fault for a car accident. This means that each party to the accident is assigned a percentage of fault. The percentage of fault reduces how much each party can recover. For example, if your damages equal $100,000 but you are found to be 10% at fault for the accident, then the most you can recover is $90,000.
How Can an Attorney Help You?
By hiring a car accident attorney in Lexington, you are better able to recover from your injuries. An attorney can explain complex insurance and legal procedures and advocate for your rights. Some of the ways an attorney helps include:
- Evaluating your case. A qualified lawyer will review your case carefully and help you determine the best course of action. Their knowledge of the law will be critical to estimating the compensation you are owed.
- Gathering evidence. Investigating the accident, interviewing witnesses and gathering necessary documentation will all be led by your attorney. This stage is crucial to develop a strong case.
- Negotiating on your behalf. Your attorney will negotiate with insurance companies and defense attorneys to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- Advocating at trial. Most legal cases do not proceed to trial, but an experienced car accident lawyer will be comfortable advocating in court when a settlement is not reached.
How to Find the Best Car Accident Lawyer in Lexington, KY
Here are tips on finding the best car accident attorney for your case:
- Car accident case experience. Look for a lawyer who has experience working on car accident cases to ensure you are represented by someone who fully understands the nuances of these cases. This experience is particularly helpful when it comes to dealing with insurance companies.
- Trial experience. Trial lawyers are prepared to take your case through the entire legal process, making sure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
- Fees. Most car accident lawyers charge a contingency fee. This means that you pay them a percentage of your final recovery rather than on an hourly basis. Make sure you understand your lawyer’s fee structure before committing to work with them.
- Client testimonials. Look for client reviews or ask for references to ensure the lawyer you hire is well regarded by the people they’ve represented.
- Communication style. Ask how the lawyer will communicate with you and how long it will take them to respond to your questions. You want to hire someone whose communication style matches your expectations.
Methodology
To come up with the Best Car Accident Lawyers in Lexington in 2023, Forbes Advisor considered many factors. Forbes Advisor’s mathematical module considers and weighs the information collected to calculate a specific rating and reviews these results to find the best attorneys in a given practice area.
Within the model, we take into account factors that legal professionals and consumers value in an attorney’s qualifications. After assigning weighted scores to hundreds of data points, we narrowed the field down to our top choices based on:
- Legal experience
- Special licenses & certifications
- Ethics and bar disciplinary measures
- Legal thought leadership
- Education & employment background
- Scholarly lectures & writings
- Awards & Honors
Forbes Advisor collects public data from a variety of sources, including state bar associations, court records and other published sources on the internet. This information should not be considered comprehensive, however. It might not include additional relevant information on an attorney’s legal skills and experience.
Each lawyer listed here has their own merits. Bear in mind that our list relates to these lawyers’ legal backgrounds, but does not evaluate their personalities or their knowledge of the law. One attorney may be more suitable than another for your specific legal situation.
One thing that can’t be quantified, though, is the rapport you establish with your attorney. Personality goes a long way when teaming up with an attorney, especially when going through a potentially difficult legal situation. These rankings should serve as a reference and potential starting point in your search for the right lawyer for you and your legal concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it worth getting a personal injury lawyer for a car accident?
Hiring a lawyer helps ensure you fully understand your rights and receive fair compensation for your injuries. This is especially true if you have suffered non-economic damages like pain and suffering. These damages are difficult to quantify, but a lawyer will help you get the recovery you deserve.
How does Kentucky no-fault work?
In no-fault states like Kentucky, drivers are required to first claim against their insurance for compensation. Medical bills and lost wages should be compensated for by insurance in cases where damages do not exceed certain thresholds. However, individuals in Kentucky do have the ability to opt out of this requirement by filing a no-fault rejection form.
Whether you have opted out or not, if you suffer damages beyond the insurance threshold or have significant non-economic damages like pain and suffering, then your recovery may be best served by filing a lawsuit. Speaking with a lawyer that specializes in car accidents is the best way to analyze your case.
Who pays for car damage in a no-fault state like Kentucky?
If you have been in a minor car accident, then the standard way to recover for damage to your car or for medical bills is through your own insurance company. If you have suffered significant damages, then legal action may provide a more equitable recovery. A car accident lawyer can evaluate your case and advise you whether filing a lawsuit makes sense for your situation.
