Exterior of the Office Building of Michael L. Hawkins & Associates, P.L.L.C.

Get The
Personal Attention
You Deserve

Hit by someone from out of state? Consider this

On I-75 and I-64 you’ve probably seen your fair share of crashes. Combined with so many people who drive through the area to get to Tennessee, Ohio, Louisville and other populated locations, it’s no wonder that there are so many collisions. People from various states are trying to follow their own state rules, even though the only driving rules that matter are Kentucky’s while in the state.

If you’re coming in from out of town or were hit by someone who was, the truth is that everyone should have been following Kentucky’s driving laws. Someone who causes an accident because they don’t realize that U-turns are legal or who aren’t familiar with bike lanes should be held accountable for those actions.

Among drivers heading to Kentucky from out of state are large truck drivers. These drivers are familiar with their larger vehicles, but they may not know local laws or the way traffic flows through Frankfort and other cities in Kentucky. Combined with congestion and the many drivers who hail from various places in the U.S., it’s a recipe for disaster.

What should you do if you’re hit by someone who has out-of-state plates and tags?

This is something to keep in mind when you discuss your case with your attorney and the insurance company. When someone comes from another state, the likelihood is that they’ll be the one who makes a driving error. Driving laws change when you cross the state borders, so it’s not unusual to see someone do a U-turn in Ohio thinking it’s legal when it’s not or to see someone not watch out for vehicles making U-turns in Kentucky.

What can you do to prepare for traveling to different states?

If you have to travel to another state, take a quick look at some of the common traffic laws, like whether or not U-turns are legal, common speed limits and unusual driving laws that may apply. When in doubt, do what the signs on the roads say you can, so that you don’t make a mistake that results in a crash.

If you are hit by someone who makes a mistake due to coming to Kentucky from out of state, you will have the right to pursue a claim against them for compensation. Any injuries you suffer, along with damages to your property, should be covered by their insurance or through a personal injury claim.

FindLaw Network

We don’t have just clients; we’re developing relationships that become friendships

- Michael L. Hawkins