Police Chase Ends in Car Crash into Downtown Louisville Hotel
On Thursday, March 23, 2023, at approximately 1:30 am, the Clarksville Indian Police Department chased a vehicle across the Clark Memorial Bridge and, as a result of the chase, the vehicle ran into the Courtyard by Marriott hotel causing considerable damage to the hotel and vehicle. Two teenagers were inside the vehicle and the vehicle had, reportedly, been stolen. The occupants of the vehicle were injured and taken to Norton Children’s Hospital for treatment. Several people in the hotel were awakened by the crash, but none were injured.
As a general rule, there is no insurance coverage for a car accident that is part of a crime.
Most insurance policies are written such that the insurance coverages on the vehicle are void when the vehicle is part of a crime. The driver and passenger in the above accident are not likely entitled to any insurance benefits on the vehicle they stole or any other coverages they may have on another vehicle. The owner of the stolen vehicle will likely be entitled to have his car fixed by the insurance company since he or she was not involved in the crime.
It is likely that the stolen vehicle was registered and insured in Indiana since that is where it was located at the time it was stolen. Had the car been insured in Kentucky, the Kentucky no-fault laws specify that there is no insurance coverage for such accidents.
What about the potential claim of the passenger in the car since it was the driver, who was at fault for causing the accident. Unless the passenger was kidnapped or otherwise not participating in the crime then they may be able to make a claim. However, if the passenger participated in the crime then it is unlikely he or she will have any insurance coverages available to them.
When it comes to any claim for insurance benefits, the terms of the contract will control whether someone has the ability to make a claim. The auto accident attorney will need to review the terms of the policy to make a determination of whether their client has the right to make a claim under the policy.
Protect your vehicle from being stolen.
There seems to be an increase in thieves stealing vehicles today and, therefore, it is important for us to do what we can to prevent this from happening. There are many things we can do to protect are vehicles by locking the doors (even if kept in a garage), not leaving keys in the vehicle, close the windows, park in well-lit areas, install an alarm system and install a vehicle immobilizer system.
CONTACT LOUISVILLE AUTO ACCIDENT LAWYER
If you are involved in a car, truck or motorcycle accident, you will require the services of an experienced Louisville auto accident attorney to investigate the cause of the accident and maximize all benefits available to the victims and their families. Matthew Troutman, a Louisville 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.
If you need legal assistance due to a motor vehicle accident, contact Louisville auto accident attorney Matthew Troutman directly at 502-648-9507 or 859-696-0001 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 Louisville car accident attorney Matthew Troutman and the Troutman Law Office, click here.