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Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of injury and death, leaving victims and their families in physical pain, emotional suffering, and severe financial straits. From our office in Middlesboro, the Bowling Law Office represents individuals who have been injured in vehicle accidents in eastern Kentucky and northeastern Tennessee. Whether you’ve been hurt in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.

Types of Vehicle Accidents We Handle

Our law firm is well-versed in handling a wide range of vehicle accident cases, including:

  • Car Accidents: From rear-end collisions to multi-vehicle pileups, car accidents can lead to significant injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages.

  • Truck Accidents: Accidents involving large commercial trucks often result in catastrophic injuries due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. Our firm is used to taking on large corporate defendants like trucking companies and their insurers, helping everyday people get justice and compensation when they’ve been hurt by the negligence of others.

  • Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on the road and in the claims process as well. Most riders don’t benefit from no-fault protection, forcing them to bring and prove a fault-based claim against a negligent driver to recover compensation for serious or catastrophic injuries. When accidents occur and the injuries are often severe, we work diligently to hold negligent drivers accountable to the people they have hurt.

  • Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: If you were hit by a car while walking or riding your bike, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. We are dedicated to advocating for pedestrians and cyclists injured by reckless or distracted drivers.

No matter the circumstances of your accident, our team is committed to seeking justice and recovering compensation on your behalf.

Liability in Kentucky Vehicle Accidents

Kentucky is a “no-fault” state, meaning that after a car accident, your own insurance company pays for your medical expenses and other out-of-pocket losses, regardless of who was at fault. However, if your injuries are severe or your expenses exceed a certain threshold, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

All drivers in Kentucky must carry either 25/50/25 or $60,000 single limit liability insurance. In addition, the insurance must also provide $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection, also known as PIP or basic reparations benefits. No-fault benefits pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket losses related to the accident. These benefits are provided regardless of who was at fault, but they prevent you from suing the other driver even if they were at fault. The only way to sue the at-fault driver when you carry PIP insurance is if the injury meets one of the following conditions:

  • $1,000 in medical expenses
  • A broken bone
  • Permanent disfigurement
  • Permanent injury
  • Death

Alternatively, Kentucky drivers can reject this tort limitation, giving them the right to sue a negligent driver without having to meet one of the above criteria. These drivers will still carry PIP coverage for guest passengers and pedestrians injured in a crash. Insurance without the tort limitation is more expensive than no-fault insurance.

Negligence and Fault in Tennessee Car Accidents

Tennessee follows a “fault” system, where the person responsible for the accident is liable for the damages. In Tennessee, you can file a claim with your insurance or the other driver’s insurance, or file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault party. Tennessee also follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means you can recover damages only if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident.

Minimum liability insurance requirements in Tennessee are comparable to Kentucky, which are low compared to the national average, but both states have very high rates of uninsured drivers, making it important to carry uninsured motorist coverage in the event you are hit by an uninsured driver.

How the Bowling Law Office Can Help

At the Bowling Law Office, we provide personalized, compassionate legal representation to accident victims in Kentucky and Tennessee. Our legal team is committed to investigating the accident thoroughly to determine liability, working with medical experts to understand the full extent of your injuries, negotiating with insurance companies to secure the right amount of compensation, and taking your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

You should not have to bear the financial burden of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. We fight to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle accident in Kentucky or Tennessee, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact the Bowling Law Office in Middlesboro today by calling 606-248-8383 to schedule a free consultation. Let us take the stress of dealing with insurance companies off your shoulders so you can focus on healing. Reach out to us today to learn more about your rights and options.