Deadly Hit and Run Accident in Oldham County on Christmas Day: What Does Kentucky Law Require of Someone in An Auto Accident?
59-year-old Gerald Rath of La Grange, KY was arrested for his involvement in a hit and run accident on December 25, 2022 that resulted in the death of the other driver of another vehicle. Surveillance video at the scene eventually lead Oldham County police to Mr. Rath who claimed he had an accident with a deer. Unfortunately for Mr. Rath, the damage to his vehicle matched the debris at the scene of the accident and he was arrested and charges with leaving the scene of an accident, failing to render aid or assistance and tampering with physical evidence.
What Do Kentucky Laws Require of Someone Involved in A Motor Vehicle Accident?
Most people know that it is wrong to leave the scene of an accident, but what other responsibilities are required of someone involved in an auto accident. KRS 189.580 sets forth the statutory requirements of anyone in Kentucky that is involved in a vehicle-related accident and they are summarized as follows:
Stop and ascertain the extent of injury or damage.
Render reasonable assistance, including the carrying or making arrangements for the carrying of an injured party to a medical facility if it is apparent the treatment is necessary or if it is requested by the injured party.
Provide the registration number of the vehicle to the other party.
Provide the name and address of the owner, occupants and operator not to exceed 5 people.
If the accident happens on an interstate highway, parkway or any on or off ramp thereto and there is no known death or injury or the vehicle contains hazardous materials, then the vehicle must be moved off the roadway but as close as possible to the accident location. The operators must provide to each other their vehicle registration number and insurance information.
If in an accident with an unattended vehicle or property, the vehicle operator must stop near the accident location without obstructing traffic and notify the owner of the accident and provide his registration and insurance information or attach a written note with this information in a conspicuous place or on the vehicle or shall file a report with the local police department.
In the event of an injury accident, the owner or operator of any vehicle in the accident has the responsibility to notify a public safety answering point.
If an accident involves an injury or death or more than $500 of property damage, the operator of the vehicle must file a report with the state police within 10 days after the accident.
Contact Kentucky Auto Accident Attorney
The circumstances in the Oldham County accident, described above, will require the services of an experienced Kentucky auto accident attorney to investigate and locate all available evidence to determine liability and to maximize all insurance benefits available to anyone injured in this auto accident. Matthew Troutman, Kentucky auto accident lawyer, of the Troutman Law Office has been handling auto accident claims, almost exclusively, since 1986 and has the experience and talent to obtain the best result for the victims in the above car accident. It is likely the at-fault driver will not have enough insurance to fully compensate the victim’s estate, and, therefore, it will be important for there to be underinsured motorist benefits available.
If you need legal assistance due to a motor vehicle accident, contact Kentucky auto accident attorney Matthew Troutman directly at 859-696-0001 or 502-648-9507 and he will meet with you in the hospital, your home or wherever is convenient for you. He will give you direct access through his cell phone and guide you through the difficult process necessary to obtain the best result possible for you in your car accident claim. To learn more about the Troutman Law Office, click here