Did you know that car accidents account for more than 90 percent of collisions in Kentucky?  Car accidents are also responsible for more than 70 percent of those who lose their life, or fatalities in a motor vehicle accident.  The most recent statistics from the Kentucky State Police show more than 225,000 cars were involved in accidents in the most recent statistical year.  The odds of being involved in an accident have gone up the past few years.  This is why it is important to ensure all occupants of your vehicle are wearing their seat belts.

Seat belts significantly reduce the likelihood of serious injuries or a fatal accident.  Kentucky requires all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts with very few exceptions.  Children should be properly restrained in an approved child safety seats.  In the most recent year, 61% of those who lost their lives in a fatal car accident were not wearing a safety belt.

Car accidents in Louisville are usually either rear-end collisions (almost 39 percent) or side-impacts and side-swipes (forty-two percent).

What can we all learn from this information?  How can we reduce the number of serious injuries in car accidents?  Rear-end collisions are usually the result of failure to allow for a safe stopping distance, and inattention from texting or talking on the phone .  As we head into winter the wet roadways, ice and snow increase the distance required to bring your vehicle to a safe stop.

Exercise additional caution when entering an intersection.  Many car accidents occur when vehicles are performing a left-hand turn or when entering an intersection as the light changes, or someone trying to “beat the light”.  Eliminate injuries and fatal accidents caused by distracted driving by turning your cell phone off, or at least silencing it and placing it out of reach as you drive. Always assume the other driver is not paying attention at an intersection.

While car accidents account for more than 90 percent of collisions in Kentucky, the experienced car accident and injury attorneys at Hargadon, Lenihan & Herrington help those who suffer injuries in all types of motor vehicle accidents including motorcycle crashes and accidents involving a commercial truck.  If you have been injured in a Kentucky car or motor vehicle accident we invite you to review the recommendations of our clients and the legal industry and contact HLH or call (866) 583-9701 for a free consultation.