Elizabethtown Car Accident Lawyer
An Elizabethtown car accident lawyer who can get it done
If you’ve been involved in an Elizabethtown, KY car accident, you might find yourself facing injuries that are painful, long-lasting and expensive to treat. You deserve to be compensated for your injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering and other losses. The Elizabethtown car accident lawyers from Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers can help. We have been fighting for the rights of E-Town accident victims for many years and can help to ensure you get the money you deserve.
If you wish to speak with a member of our team about your accident, give us a call. We offer free case evaluations and once completed, our Elizabethtown personal injury lawyers will review your accident and let you know if and how we can help.
Our office is conveniently located on North Dixie Ave., just north of Best Buy, on the west side of the road.
Call us today
800-800-4600
Get it done.
Elizabethtown, KY & Hardin County car accident facts
- Using 2018-2022 data, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet lists Hardin county as ranking 8 out of the "Top 40 Safety Needs Counties" in all of Kentucky.
- Due to the growing needs of Elizabethtown and Hardin county, in 2020, The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and the Radcliff/Elizabethtown Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) initiated the East Elizabethtown Connectivity Study [PDF] to analyze safety. Injury crashes throughout the timeframe of the study mostly occurred at major intersections, with over 65% occurring along the largest, most congested roads, including US 62, US 31W and KY 3005, locally known as Ring Road since it is the northern bypass of Elizabethtown.
- According to the 2019 census estimate, Hardin county's population was 111,309
- The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that Elizabethtown's population in 2021 was 31,931, versus 28,531 in 2010, and is still steadily growing. This growth brings more vehicles, and with them, more car accident risks into the city and surrounding areas.
- Hardin county had 14,332 crashes between 2016 and 2021, which ranked 6th in all of Kentucky during this time period, making it one of the most common counties for car accidents across the state.
Why choose Hughes & Coleman to manage your case in Elizabethtown
Our Elizabethtown car accident lawyers are local
Hiring a local firm can help you. Our attorneys know the laws specific to E-town and the Kentucky state laws. We're familiar with many of the dangerous roads, intersections and common causes of Elizabethtown car accidents. Hiring local also gives you the flexibility of visiting our offices in person to meet with our attorneys if you choose.
Over three decades of experience
Our firm has over 35 years of experience helping injured victims and their families across Kentucky and Tennessee. In an Elizabethtown, KY car accident case, experience matters, and our team can support you through the process while you focus on your recovery.
Over 1 billion recovered
We've recovered over 1 billion dollars for our clients across Kentucky and Tennessee.
You don't pay unless we recover for you
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay us anything unless we recover money for you.
We keep you informed
We are available for you 24/7. Our team prides ourselves on ensuring you are kept well informed along the way and throughout the entire duration of your case.
Voted Best Law Firm in Elizabethtown
For the third year, Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers has been voted Best Law Firm in the News Enterprise Readers’ Choice Awards. This competition, voted on by those in Hardin County and Elizabethtown, Kentucky, is held annually to determine the best the community has to offer.
Free case evaluation
We offer a free case evaluation. Every situation is different, and our team is available 24/7 to help understand your situation and offer guidance. If needed, we can even come to you. We have field representatives available to travel throughout Kentucky and Tennessee. Contact our team today to set up an in-home consultation.
Common causes of auto accidents in Elizabethtown
Accidents can happen at any speed, and injuries stemming from a collision can widely vary. Some of the most common causes of Elizabethtown car accidents include:
- Distracted driving. According to the Elizabethtown Police Department, the number of traffic accidents within the city limits in 2021 rose to nearly 2,500, moving the department to increase traffic patrols specifically to target distracted drivers.
- Kentucky distracted driving law prohibits reading, writing or sending text messages while in motion, as well as drivers under the age of 18 from all cell phone use.
- Speeding or reckless driving. In 2020, speeding killed 11,258 people. Speeding is an ongoing issue and one of the top causes of car accidents. The Elizabethtown Police Department has also stated that they will be targeting speeding vehicles within school zones more aggressively to keep our children safe.
- Inclement weather or other road hazards that impair driving conditions. On average, there are 163 rainfall days throughout the year in E-town, and 25 days of snowfall, which means that weather in Elizabethtown can negatively affect driving for over half of the year.
- Aggressive driving or road rage. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that aggressive drivers cause two-thirds of all fatal crashes and nearly 35 percent of all crashes. Road rage is more serious because it often involves violent intent toward another driver. This includes actions such as using a vehicle to sideswipe another car.
- Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs. In 2019, over 15,000 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence in Kentucky. Driving under the influence continues to be an issue and can result in serious personal injuries for all involved.
- Driver fatigue is compared to driving while intoxicated by The National Safety Council, and according to the National Sleep Foundation, drowsy driving is responsible for more than 6,400 U.S. deaths annually. If you are driving while fatigued, you are three times more likely to be in a car crash.
Most of these causes can be avoided when drivers are safe and following the law. However, there are many cases where driver negligence and not following the law result in auto accident victims needing legal advice or attorney representation to recover damages caused by the accident.
If you've suffered a personal injury following an Elizabethtown car accident, call Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Common injuries following an Elizabethtown car accident
Car accidents have the potential to result in significant damage and life-threatening injuries. Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries can result from severe impacts, as well as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, sprains, strains and contusions.
The most common injuries following an accident are:
- Traumatic Brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
- Broken bones
- Neck and spinal cord damage, including whiplash
- Lacerations or puncture wounds
- Internal injuries
- Wrongful death
If you've suffered a personal injury, it is important to contact an Elizabethtown car accident lawyer that has decades of experience and can help you get the compensation you deserve. It is equally important to do it quickly. The longer you wait, the more likely complications will arise with your case. Waiting to contact an attorney could cause issues concerning statute of limitation laws, which require you to file a claim within a certain time period after the accident occurs.
What to do after a car accident in Elizabethtown
If you've been in a serious car wreck, it is important that you prioritize your safety and the safety of any passengers or loved ones that may have been involved.
- If you or your passengers are seriously injured, dial 911.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including:
- Full name and contact information of the other driver.
- Insurance policy and policy number (if the driver is uninsured, it is important to understand this as well).
- Driver’s license and license plate number.
- Type, color and model of their vehicle.
- Document the accident scene. Take photos, gather witness names and contact information.
- Get a copy of the Elizabethtown police report for your records and to file a claim.
- Speak with a car wreck attorney as soon as possible so that you can understand your legal rights.
Hughes & Coleman personal injury lawyers are here to help you take back control.
What NOT to do after an Elizabethtown car accident
- Do not wait to file your claim.
- Do not discuss fault with the other driver, the police, or the insurance company.
- Do not skip your medical appointments -- your treatment and diagnosis can impact your settlement amount.
- Do not post photos of yourself or details of your case to social media -- the insurance company can use these posts against you.
- Do not sign any agreement with the insurance company, or accept any settlement offer without legal representation.
What if I contributed to the accident?
Did you know that being partly at fault does not bar you from recovering damages from the other driver in Kentucky? Kentucky follows a pure comparative negligence rule for traffic accident liability, which means you can recover compensation even if you contributed more than 50 percent to the accident.
However, it is important to note that your percentage of fault decreases your recovery. For example, if you were 25 percent at fault and the other driver was 75 percent at fault, the other driver would be liable for 75 percent of your damages. This means you would be entitled to 75 percent of your damages demand (e.g., $75,000 of $100,000). Our injury attorneys can help prove fault and percent of fault so that you can recover the most money possible.
How do I get a copy of a police report or collision report?
To obtain a copy of your accident report, you can contact the Elizabethtown Police Department. The cost to obtain a collision report is $5.
OUR ELIZABETHTOWN CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS HANDLE ALL TYPES OF WRECKS
For over 35 years, Hughes & Coleman has successfully represented clients who have been injured in:
- Rear-end collisions
- Sideswipes
- T-bone accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Hit-and-runs
- Highway accidents and crashes
- Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing accidents
- Multi-vehicle crashes or pile-ups
- Rollovers
- Accidents involving pedestrians or bicyclists
- Accidents caused by construction negligence
- And more
What to expect when you hire a car accident attorney from Hughes & Coleman
When we begin working on your case, we are with you from the start.
When you call
You will speak with one of our team members, who will help to understand your situation and guide you through what to expect during the process.
Unlike some law firms, we do not run an assembly-line, one-size-fits-all process. We know that each person, accident and injury is unique. We will take the time to get to know you and learn about your needs. Our team will then assess your case, let you know your options, and if we can help. The consultation is free, and there is no risk or obligation to move forward.
When the attorney-client relationship begins
Once you become a Hughes and Coleman client, an experienced car accident lawyer from our firm will start working to strengthen your claim to get you compensation for your injuries.
We investigate your accident, gathering several key pieces of information and evidence. This includes:
- The identities of all responsible parties.
- Any photo or video evidence of your accident or its aftermath.
- Police reports and witness statements.
- Accident reconstruction.
- The opinions of expert witnesses.
By being thorough in our investigation, we can uncover evidence that makes it difficult for the other party or their insurer to overcome our claims of liability. It can also allow us to defend against any accusations of fault from the other side, which can enable you to obtain a more robust recovery.
We handle communication and negotiation with the insurance company
Our team can handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance company. Insurance companies aren’t afraid to send lowball offers and do everything in their power to keep you from getting the money you deserve. Our team of car accident attorneys understands the tactics insurers use to avoid paying compensation. We will counter these tactics to get you a settlement that pays you what you deserve.
We help you focus on your recovery
Following a car accident, victims commonly require additional medical attention. It is important to understand that there is no way of knowing how long you may need treatment or how long your pain may persist. The treatment you receive will not only help you recover but will also serve to prove the extent of your injuries when negotiating with insurance companies.
We review and negotiate all settlement offers
Insurance companies will often offer settlement amounts that do not cover all of your personal injury costs or that do not adequately factor in long-term care needs. You need an Elizabethtown car accident lawyer who has the experience to fight for your rights when dealing with the insurance company. Our law firm has obtained thousands of victories for our clients, and our offices are ready to take your call today.
Let our decades of experience work for you
Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers has been helping Kentucky residents recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries for over 30 years. We use our experience to determine the best way to approach your case and get you the compensation you need for your recovery.
Call our offices today at 800-800-4600 for a free case evaluation
Most recent car accident settlement example
$349,500 car accident settlement
For an Elizabethtown, KY client who was injured in a head-on collision
Is Kentucky a "No-Fault" state regarding insurance?
Yes, Kentucky is a No-Fault state. You must acquire Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which is intended to cover your personal damages. You are not permitted to file a lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident unless your losses or injuries reach a specified threshold.
Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage insurance required in Kentucky?
Except for motorcycle insurance policies, PIP coverage is a requirement in Kentucky for all auto insurance policies.
Regardless of who was found to be at fault for the accident, this insurance coverage covers injury-related costs of up to $10,000 per person.
Does PIP coverage limit my ability to take legal action if I've been injured?
You agree to some restrictions on your ability to sue and be sued when you get PIP coverage along with your auto insurance. These include restrictions on seeking recovery for medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
However, there are exceptions that do allow you to take legal action and hold the at-fault party responsible. Regardless of PIP insurance limitations, you can recover expenses if certain thresholds are exceeded. One or more of these thresholds must be met under Kentucky law:
- $1,000 in medical costs
- A broken bone
- Permanent injury or disfigurement
- Death (this includes bringing a wrongful death claim on behalf of a victim who has died as a result of the accident)
If any one of these is met or exceeded, you can file a claim against the at-fault party. A personal injury lawyer can help you recover medical expenses and other damages resulting from an accident. If you have been injured and have questions, call to speak with a representative of our law firm today.
What can I sue for after a car wreck?
The list of expenses you could face after a car accident is seemingly endless. Injuries are not only expensive to treat, but they can keep you out of work, reducing or eliminating your income at the exact time you need more money, not less. There are also the losses you suffer that cannot be easily measured in dollar amounts -- for instance, the loss of the ability to partake in hobbies you once enjoyed.
At Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers, we fight for the full scope of damages you deserve if you've been injured, both economic and non-economic.
Economic damages in a claim involve quantifiable loss, such as:
- Medical bills (e.g., hospital bills, surgical costs, costs of ongoing care, etc.)
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity (if your injuries required you to retire, take a lesser-paying job or work fewer hours)
- Emergency transportation
- Prescription drugs
- Medical devices
- Home modifications to accommodate a disability
Non-economic damages are not quantifiable in dollar terms and are subjective. They include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Scarring and disfigurement
Punitive damages
Punitive damages may also be awarded in cases of gross negligence. These are meant to punish the wrongful party for their actions.
How long after a car accident do you have to file a lawsuit in Elizabethtown?
A personal injury claim must be filed within one year under Kentucky law. This is referred to as the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you lose the right to seek a personal injury claim for your accident.
Insurance companies hope that you miss this deadline, which is why it is important to contact a personal injury attorney as quickly as you can after an accident.
Will my auto accident case go to trial?
Our clients tend to receive settlements to compensate them for their injuries, which eliminates the need to go to trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer you a fair settlement amount during negotiations, your Hughes & Coleman personal injury lawyer is prepared to go to trial to fight for every dollar you deserve.
If a case does go to trial, we are prepared.
In a recent case, an insurance company initially offered one of our clients $50,000, which wasn’t nearly enough to compensate our client for the injuries they suffered. In the trial court, making use of expert witnesses, our attorneys were able to present evidence clearly showing that the defendant driver was responsible for the car wreck. The outcome of this trial was a $12 million dollar verdict.
How much do Elizabethtown car accident lawyers cost?
We understand when thinking of hiring an attorney, the cost is a major factor considered for all of our clients. At Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers, we work on a no-recovery-no-fee basis (contingency fee basis). This means we charge only for results, not for our time. If we do not recover compensation for you, we do not get paid. And if we do recover compensation, we get paid only when you do by taking an agreed-upon portion out of your settlement or verdict. You never have to give us any money out of pocket.
Contact an Elizabethtown car accident lawyer near you today
A car accident can happen quickly and can suddenly throw your life into chaos. By protecting your rights and helping you collect the money you need to pay for your injuries and property damage, our car accident team can help you get your life back.
Our team is waiting for your call. We have Elizabethtown personal injury lawyers that can help you recover the compensation you deserve after a crash. Remember, we work on a no-recovery-no-fee basis and get paid when you do, never before.
We offer free consultations 24/7, and there is always someone here to take your call. Call us now or fill out this form, and we will contact you. You can also visit our office:
Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers
2110 N Dixie Hwy #102
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
