Augment LeadsIf your firm takes Kentucky car accident cases, this guide pulls together Kentucky's official crash figures, the statutes that govern a claim and what intake should ask. Other states are on the car accident leads by state hub.
What the 2024 crash numbers show for Kentucky
There were 707 crash deaths in Kentucky in 2024. The rate, 15.4 per 100,000 residents, puts Kentucky 13th of 51 jurisdictions from highest to lowest; per mile driven, it's 1.44 deaths per 100 million miles.
- Rural roads accounted for 438 deaths, 62% in Kentucky compared with 41% across the country.
- Of 434 passenger vehicle occupants killed in Kentucky, 201 (46%) were unrestrained; nationally, 43%.
- Motorcyclists: 118 deaths, 17% of Kentucky's total, against 16% across all states.
- 49% of Kentucky crash deaths (343) came from single-vehicle crashes; the all-state figure is 52%.
Figures come from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's state-by-state fatality table (FARS data); the national comparisons add up all 51 rows.
How Kentucky law treats a crash claim
Fault and insurance system
Kentucky is one of the 12 no-fault states listed by the Insurance Information Institute. Under KRS 304.39-060(2)(b), a plaintiff can recover for pain, suffering, mental anguish and inconvenience only if medical expense benefits exceed $1,000, or the injury includes permanent disfigurement, a bone fracture, loss of a body member, permanent injury, permanent loss of bodily function or death.
Kentucky drivers can opt out. Under KRS 304.39-060(4), a person may reject the tort limits in writing, on a Department of Insurance form filed before the crash, and under KRS 304.39-060(2)(c) the limits don't apply to a motorcycle passenger.
Minimum liability coverage
KRS 304.39-110 requires split liability limits of at least $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for all persons in one accident and $25,000 for property damage, plus basic reparation (no-fault) benefits.
Kentucky's fault rule
Kentucky uses pure comparative fault. In Hilen v. Hays (1984), the Supreme Court of Kentucky replaced contributory negligence with pure comparative negligence, and KRS 411.182 has the fact-finder allocate a percentage of fault to each party.
Kentucky filing deadline
KRS 304.39-230(6) allows two years after the injury, the death or the last basic or added reparation (no-fault) payment, whichever is later, for motor vehicle tort claims. The general personal injury period in KRS 413.140 is one year.
General information, not legal advice. Confirm current rules with the statute or your counsel.
What Kentucky intake should ask
- Ask about medical bills so far and whether there's a broken bone or permanent injury. Pain and suffering claims need more than $1,000 in medical expense benefits or one of the injuries listed in KRS 304.39-060.
- Ask whether the caller's no-fault (PIP) benefits are still being paid, and the date of the last payment. Under KRS 304.39-230(6), the two years can run from that payment.
- Ask whether the caller ever rejected the tort limits in writing, and whether they were a pedestrian or motorcycle passenger, since those cases fall outside the threshold.
- Note how long ago the crash was. Kentucky allows two years under KRS 304.39-230(6), so anything near the cutoff needs a quick look.
- Ask whether the other driver's insurer has been in touch, and note whether the caller carries underinsured coverage; Kentucky requires only $25,000 per person in bodily injury liability.
- Ask for the county and road where the crash happened. 62% of Kentucky's 2024 deaths were on rural roads, so note the exact location for the police report request.
- Ask, without judgment, whether everyone in the vehicle was belted. 46% of occupants killed in Kentucky in 2024 were unrestrained, so record the answer plainly for the attorney.
Augment Leads in Kentucky
We run car accident campaigns nationwide and send Kentucky leads only to firms that pick Kentucky. The injured person fills in the form, each lead goes to one firm and is never resold, and unqualified leads are replaced under a written policy. Over 50 law firms work with us. See MVA leads.
Spanish-speaking MVA leads are part of our regular product.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an injured person have to sue after a car accident in Kentucky?
Two years under KRS 304.39-230(6), with exceptions that can shorten or extend it.
When can someone sue for pain and suffering after a Kentucky crash?
Under KRS 304.39-060(2)(b), when medical expense benefits exceed $1,000 or the injury includes permanent disfigurement, a fracture, loss of a body member, permanent injury, permanent loss of bodily function or death.
What car insurance does Kentucky require?
KRS 304.39-110 requires split liability limits of at least $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for all persons in one accident and $25,000 for property damage, plus basic reparation (no-fault) benefits.
How many people died in Kentucky car crashes in 2024?
IIHS counted 707 crash deaths in Kentucky in 2024, or 15.4 per 100,000 people.
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