Kentucky’s unique traffic statutes both help address the consequences of collisions and limit the risk of them occurring in the first place. For more than two decades, the move-over law has imposed an obligation on motorists to merge into another lane of traffic in cases where emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks, ambulances or police cruisers, were on the side of the road with their lights illuminated.
In the last few years, that law underwent significant revisions. Lawmakers expanded the move-over statute to apply to road crews, tow trucks and any other vehicles with flashing lights illuminated on the side of the road. When drivers fail to comply with the law, they might inadvertently cause collisions with stopped vehicles. In that scenario, the move-over law can directly influence liability for a particular crash.
Non-compliance can trigger liability
Determining who is at fault for a collision usually begins with a review of the situation. When there are clear signs that one party was negligent or that they violated state statutes, they are likely to be liable for the expenses generated by the crash.
Vehicles stopped on the side of the road may park in unsafe or even illegal locations. Unsafe parking and other details about the situation, such as opening a door into traffic, might raise questions about whether the party operating the emergency vehicle or tow truck was technically at fault for the crash.
However, with the move-over law in effect, drivers who fail to merge to give adequate space to vehicles with flashing lights engaged have violated the law and are therefore likely liable for the collision that results. They may face a citation in addition to liability for collision expenses.
In some cases, tow truck operators and others affected by unsafe driving habits may potentially have the right to take legal action against drivers who did not adhere to Kentucky’s move-over law. That right may be critical in scenarios where professionals are self-employed and may not have access to workers’ compensation coverage.
Reviewing the circumstances of a recent Kentucky car crash with a skilled legal team can help people understand their legal rights and options for compensation. An attorney can review a crash report and provide insight into viable solutions for covering collision expenses.
