Most people on the road take their financial protection for granted. Kentucky state laws require mandatory liability insurance, so people typically assume that if another driver causes a crash, they can file a simple insurance claim to pay for vehicle repairs or hospital bills.
While liability insurance coverage is available to the majority of people affected by Kentucky collisions, there’s always the possibility of a crash occurring due to the actions of a driver without liability insurance coverage. When uninsured drivers cause collisions, the people affected by the crash must use their own insurance policies or file lawsuits to address their losses.
How common is it for uninsured drivers to cause Kentucky collisions?
Many drivers don’t carry insurance
Proof of insurance is necessary when registering a vehicle or renewing its tags. Some people intentionally cancel their coverage as soon as possible after renewing their licenses or vehicle tags. Others may fall behind on their bills and end up with lapsed policies. They may not be aware that they are uninsured.
Whether the lack of insurance is intentional or the result of an oversight, the financial impact is the same. The other people involved in a crash caused by a driver without liability insurance are left without financial protection.
It is unfortunately quite common for drivers in Kentucky to head out on the open road without liability coverage. According to insurance industry claims data from 2023, Kentucky has a significant number of uninsured motorists. As many as 14.1% of all drivers, or roughly one in seven drivers, do not even carry the minimum liability coverage mandated by state law.
While those drivers may face penalties for the lack of insurance, their irresponsible and selfish conduct has direct economic implications for the other people involved in the collision.
Uninsured motorist coverage and other forms of supplemental coverage can help people cover collision costs. Otherwise, a lawsuit against the driver at fault may be one of the only possible sources of financial compensation.
Those affected by uninsured motorist collisions often need help understanding their options for covering crash costs and holding a driver at fault accountable. Consulting with a Kentucky lawyer can help those involved in crashes learn more about their rights.