.0000000000000.jpg)
When it comes to car insurance, Kentucky drivers who are involved in accidents need to understand no-fault laws. Other than the very few who “reject” no-fault, claims can be confusing.
With the exception of the very few who reject no-fault or purchase stripped-down (e.g. “liability only” insurance) when a Kentucky driver purchases insurance, it can feel like the payment of a single premium (cost of insurance) for the policy. Actually, it is more like the combination of several smaller payments for several different coverages. Typically, there is a charge for “liability” coverage. This is protection for damages YOU cause. Also, there is no fault, or PIP (Personal Injury Protection) to help you and your vehicle’s occupants with items such as medical expenses and certain lost wages—regardless of who caused the collision. Other coverages, such as Underinsured and Uninsured coverage are typically included (and are discussed below).
Personal Injury Protection vs. Personal Injury Lawsuits
Unless you choose to reject Kentucky’s no-fault insurance system, a part of your car insurance will likely include personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. PIP benefits will cover at least $10,000 in medical bills, some lost wages, and other accident-related costs. These benefits apply to you and the passengers in your car no matter who causes the accident (no-fault). However, there are certain thresholds that must be met to file a liability (or injury) claim…assuming you did not cause the accident.
If you do not wish to participate in no-fault insurance, you must complete the Kentucky No-Fault Rejection Form. Then, you can purchase liability insurance to protect you from lawsuits (to a certain extent—or, your “liability limits”). Your right to sue the at-fault driver without limitations will be preserved, but you will face liability in any accidents you cause. Further, you may have to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage and explore options for protecting your health and property without PIP. Basically, UNINSURED coverage is purchased to protect against damages caused by someone else—and that person does not have insurance. UNDERINSURED coverage protects against another driver causing the damages—but not having enough insurance coverage to adequately compensate for injuries, etc.
The meaning of “no-fault”, No-Fault Thresholds, and Liability Requirements
No-fault basically indicates a type of insurance coverage that is available REGARDLESS of who causes the accident. For example, if the driver of “Car A” is in a wreck with “Car B” and driver A is injured. Even if Car B caused the accident, Car A’s insurance will handle certain items, like medical expenses, at first…without regard to liability. Eventually, once liability is established, the insurance carriers will readjust the monies so that responsibility falls upon the at-fault driver. This is confusing to many who are involved in an accident/collision where there is no question of fault—like being rear-ended. In that situation, people often ask, “why would my insurance get involved if there is no way I caused the collision?”. One of the reasons is a no-fault state’s desire that payment for initial needs, like medical care, certain lost wages, etc., not be held up while insurance companies fight over responsibility. It is easier to understand in an example where 2 cars wreck in an intersection and both drivers claim they had the green light. REGARDLESS of fault, the car in which each person was traveling will, at first, cover the bills, wage loss, etc.
To make an injury claim, there are “threshold” requirements, like:
- The medical bills from the accident exceed $1,000
- The accident caused permanent disfigurement, serious fractures, loss of bodily function, or any permanent injury
Claims that meet these requirements meet the statutory threshold, which means claimants can legally file personal injury lawsuits.
If you want to file a lawsuit for less serious accidents, you still have to meet certain insurance requirements. Drivers who choose the liability car insurance system must carry coverage for any accidents they cause. In Kentucky, the minimum liability coverage requirements are:
- $25,000 per person for injuries you caused
- $50,000 per accident for injuries you caused
- $10,000 for property damage you caused
Keep in mind that most cars are worth much more than $10,000 and medical bills and injury claims can be higher than $25,000 per person. If the damage you caused exceeds your liability coverage, you will be personally responsible for the rest. For this reason, many drivers choose to purchase additional coverage or simply pay into the no-fault car insurance system.
To learn more about Kentucky insurance laws, check out this publication from the Department of Insurance.
If you want to file a claim or need help dealing with an insurance company, you can always contact Brett H. Oppenheimer, PLLC. Brett has been helping clients protect their rights after motor vehicle accidents since 1991, and he can help you, too!
All you need to do is call Brett at (502) 242-8877 or contact our legal team online for a free consultation.