Earlier this year, researchers published rankings of the states with the deadliest roadways. Kentucky came in sixth.
According to that report, for every 100,000 people in the state, Kentucky had 17.31 traffic fatalities.
Unfortunately, these statistics appear to be getting worse.
Rising fatality rates
After several years in which nationwide statistics showed traffic fatality rates holding steady or falling, researchers noted a rise in fatal accidents starting in 2020. Since then, the numbers have continued to go up.
According to the Kentucky State Police and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety, 806 people were killed on the state’s roads in 2021, up from 780 the year before.
Researchers have found various causes that can explain these worrying increases. Careless driving and drunk driving are major contributors. Poorly designed or poorly maintained roads also play a part.
Deadliest road in Somerset
One of the deadliest roads in Kentucky is here in Somerset. This past spring, the publication MoneyGeek analyzed crash reports and ranked Kentucky counties by their numbers of fatal accidents. Pulaski County came in at number 10, with 37 people killed in 33 accidents.
The road in Pulaski County that saw the most of these accidents was U.S.-27, where six of these crashes occurred.
Densely populated Jefferson County had more fatal accidents than Pulaski County, but our local area has had more than its share.
Personal injury and wrongful death
If you are injured in a car accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages through a personal injury lawsuit. In cases of fatal accidents, the family members of a victim may be able to recover compensation for their damages through a wrongful death lawsuit.
The damages in these cases can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more. After serious accidents, the total amounts of these damages can be extremely high. Attorneys help the injured and their families to calculate the totals they need and deserve, and help them fight for their rights.
