What Every Motorcyclist Needs to Know About PIP Coverage
Kentucky is a “no-fault” state when it comes to car insurance. That means most drivers are protected by Personal Injury Protection (PIP)—coverage that helps pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses after an accident, no matter who was at fault.
Sounds great, right? It is—if you’re in a car.
But here’s the catch: If you’re on a motorcycle, you’re not automatically covered by PIP. That’s right. Motorcycle riders in Kentucky are excluded from no-fault coverage unless they specifically add PIP to their policy.
This legal loophole leaves riders dangerously exposed after an accident. Motorcycle crashes can result in serious injuries—and without PIP, you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars in medical bills and lost income while you recover.
What Can You Do?
Add PIP to your motorcycle insurance policy. It’s optional—but crucial. Make sure you talk to your insurance agent and ask if you’re covered. If not, request that PIP be added immediately.
Know your rights and options. Understanding Kentucky’s motorcycle insurance laws can help protect you financially if the unexpected happens.
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contacting Queener Law is a crucial first step in protecting your rights. Our experienced personal injury attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll an injury can take, and we’re here to help you navigate the legal process with clarity and confidence. At Queener Law, we fight to secure the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life. Don’t wait—your recovery starts with the right legal team by your side.
Many Kentuckians enjoy the thrill of riding in the bed of a pickup truck, especially during warm weather. However, before hopping in the back, it’s essential to understand the legalities. Kentucky law has specific rules regarding riding in the bed of a truck, and violating them can lead to serious consequences.
Kentucky Law on People Riding in the Bed of a Truck
In Kentucky, the legality of riding in the bed of a truck depends on several factors, including the rider’s age, the location, and the circumstances. Generally, Kentucky law allows adults to ride in the bed of a truck, but there are specific regulations for minors and requirements for safe transportation.
Under Kentucky law, minors riding in the bed of a truck is legal in some situations. It is allowed during a parade or when the vehicle is part of a special event or used for emergency purposes. It is also legal when transporting farmworkers from one field to another on farm-to-market roads, ranch-to-market roads, or county roads outside municipalities.
Additionally, riding in the bed is permitted during a hayride that the local governing body or law enforcement agency has permitted.
Kentucky Law on Pets Riding in the Bed of a Truck
In Kentucky, there are no specific state laws that prohibit dogs from riding in the bed of a pickup truck.However, allowing a dog to do so without proper restraint can raise concerns under the state’s animal cruelty statutes, which prohibit transporting animals in a cruel or inhumane manner.
While Kentucky doesn’t have explicit laws mandating restraints for dogs in truck beds, it’s important to consider safety recommendations.Unrestrained dogs are at significant risk of injury from falls, sudden stops, or accidents.To ensure their safety and to avoid potential legal issues, it’s advisable to use a secured crate or a cross-tethering system when transporting dogs in the bed of a pickup truck.
Additionally, some local ordinances may have specific regulations regarding this practice. Therefore, it’s prudent to check with local authorities to ensure compliance with any municipal laws.
Legal Considerations for Adults Riding in the Bed of a Truck
Kentucky law is more lenient for adults. It is generally legal for adults to ride in a truck’s bed, but the truck must be equipped to carry passengers safely. Passengers in the truck bed must be seated or standing securely, and the truck should have a bed designed to hold passengers safely.
Even though it’s legal for adults, safety is a critical concern. Passengers in the bed of a truck are vulnerable to being ejected, especially in the event of a collision or sudden maneuver. Kentucky law requires that the passengers in the truck bed must take precautions to avoid accidents that could lead to serious injury or death. In the event of an accident, you may be liable for the accident and the passenger’s injuries.
Why Safety Matters
Riding in the bed of a truck can be dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over 500 people are killed each year in the U.S. after being ejected from pickup truck beds. The unrestrained nature of the ride, combined with the lack of protective barriers, increases the risk of serious injury or death in the event of a crash.
Passengers in the truck bed also lack protection from the elements or other vehicles, which can amplify the severity of any accident. Unrestrained passengers are at a significantly higher risk of injury in any collision.
Best Practices for Safety
If you must ride in the bed of a truck, follow these safety tips to minimize risks:
Consider Avoiding Riding in the Bed: The safest option is to ride inside the truck’s cab. This provides far more protection in the event of a crash.
Wear a Seatbelt: If you’re in the bed, please make sure that you are seated securely and, if possible, wearing a seatbelt or safety harness.
Drive Carefully: Drivers should adhere to speed limits, avoid sudden maneuvers, and exercise caution when driving with passengers in the truck bed.
Use Safety Barriers: Trucks equipped with safety barriers or nets for passengers should use them to prevent ejection.
Use a Crate For Pets: Consider transporting your pet in a crate or a cross tethering system.
If someone is injured while riding in the bed of your truck, you could be held liable for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other economic damages. In such cases, having legal representation is crucial to navigating the complexities of personal injury claims and potential lawsuits.
Follow Kentucky Laws and Exercise Caution
In Kentucky, riding in the bed of a truck is generally legal for adults, but there are strict laws regarding minors. Kentucky prohibits children under 18 from riding in the bed of a car on public roads to protect them from potentially deadly accidents. While the law permits truck bed rides for adults, safety remains a critical concern. Please ensure the truck is designed to carry passengers safely and follow the necessary precautions to avoid injury.
In summary, while not explicitly illegal statewide, transporting an unrestrained dog in the bed of a pickup truck in Kentucky can pose safety risks and potential legal concerns under animal cruelty provisions.
Contact Queener Law
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer like Henry Queener at Queener Law to schedule a free initial consultation today.
Should You Buy Rental Car Insurance? Pros and Cons Explained
Renting a car can be a convenient way to travel, whether you’re on vacation, on a business trip, or your vehicle is temporarily out of commission. But right before you drive off the lot, you’re faced with a familiar question at the rental counter: Do you want to purchase insurance with that?
If you’ve ever hesitated or felt unsure, you’re not alone. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of buying rental car insurance to help you make a confident decision the next time you rent.
The Pros of Buying Rental Car Insurance
1. Peace of Mind
One of the biggest advantages is the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re covered. If anything goes wrong — from a fender bender to theft — you won’t have to deal with your personal auto insurance or pay out-of-pocket.
2. Protects Your Personal Insurance
If you use your personal auto insurance for a rental, any claims can impact your rates. Rental insurance helps you avoid filing through your own policy, preserving your premium and avoiding deductible payments.
3. Additional Coverage
Rental insurance often includes extras not covered by personal insurance, like loss-of-use fees (charges for the time the rental is out of commission), administrative fees, and roadside assistance.
4. Simpler Claims Process
With rental insurance, the rental company typically handles claims directly. This can be much faster and less stressful than going through your personal insurance provider.
The Cons of Buying Rental Car Insurance
1. It Can Be Expensive
Rental car insurance can add $10–$30 or more per day to your rental costs. If you’re renting for several days or weeks, that adds up fast.
2. You May Already Be Covered
Many drivers already have sufficient coverage through their personal auto insurance, credit cards, or travel insurance. Paying for duplicate coverage is essentially throwing money away.
3. Confusing Terms
Rental companies often offer multiple types of coverage (collision damage waiver, liability, personal accident insurance, etc.), and it can be unclear what’s necessary or redundant — especially under pressure at the counter.
4. Coverage May Still Have Gaps
Even with rental insurance, you might not be fully protected. For instance, some policies don’t cover damage to tires, the undercarriage, or windshield — all of which are common damage points.
So, Should You Buy It?
It depends. Ask yourself the following:
Does my personal car insurance cover rentals?
Does my credit card offer rental car insurance?
Am I traveling internationally, where my coverage might not apply?
Do I want to avoid the hassle of filing claims?
Consumer Reports suggests “before you get to the rental counter, find out exactly what your credit card and personal auto insurance protect you against, paying special attention to the common coverage gaps and special circumstances.”
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contacting Queener Law is a crucial first step in protecting your rights. Our experienced personal injury attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll an injury can take, and we’re here to help you navigate the legal process with clarity and confidence. At Queener Law, we fight to secure the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life. Don’t wait—your recovery starts with the right legal team by your side.
Car Wrecks with Defective Airbags: A Silent Threat on the Road
Car accidents are devastating enough, but when a vehicle’s safety features fail, the consequences can be even more catastrophic. One of the most alarming defects in modern vehicles involves faulty airbags. These devices are designed to save lives but can cause serious injuries or even fatalities when defective.
The Role of Airbags in Vehicle Safety
Airbags are a crucial part of a car’s safety system. They are designed to deploy within milliseconds of a collision to protect passengers from direct impact. Since their widespread adoption, airbags have significantly reduced the severity of injuries in car crashes. However, when they fail to deploy or deploy improperly, they can become deadly hazards instead of lifesaving devices.
Common Defects in Airbags
Defective airbags can malfunction in several ways:
Failure to Deploy: In some cases, airbags do not deploy, leaving occupants unprotected.
Unexpected Deployment: Airbags that deploy without a collision can startle drivers and lead to accidents.
Overly Forceful Deployment: Some airbags deploy excessively, causing serious injuries instead of cushioning impact.
Shrapnel Ejection: Perhaps the most infamous defect, some airbags explode upon deployment, sending metal fragments into the vehicle’s occupants. This was a significant issue with Takata airbags, leading to one of history’s largest auto recalls.
Notable Cases and Recalls
One of the most infamous airbag defects involved Takata Corporation. The company’s airbags were found to have a design flaw that could cause them to explode upon deployment. The defect was linked to multiple fatalities and severe injuries, prompting a massive global recall affecting millions of vehicles. Automakers such as Honda, Toyota, and Ford were forced to recall vehicles equipped with Takata airbags, and many consumers were left driving cars with potentially deadly safety equipment.
Legal and Financial Consequences
The aftermath of accidents involving defective airbags can be legally complex. Car manufacturers and airbag suppliers have been sued for negligence in designing and producing these faulty components. Many victims have sought compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress resulting from accidents caused by or worsened by defective airbags.
What to Do If You Have a Defective Airbag
If you suspect your vehicle has a defective airbag, take these steps:
Check for Recalls: Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website and enter your vehicle’s VIN to see if it is subject to any recalls.
Contact Your Dealer: If a recall applies, schedule a repair immediately. Automakers typically offer free replacements for recalled airbags.
Exercise Caution: If your vehicle is under recall but awaiting repair, consider alternative transportation or discuss temporary solutions with the manufacturer.
Seek Legal Advice: If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective airbag, consult an attorney specializing in product liability cases to understand your rights and options.
Contact Queener Law
Airbags are meant to be the last line of defense in an accident, but when they are defective, they can turn a survivable crash into a fatal one. Staying informed about recalls and taking proactive steps to address airbag defects can help prevent unnecessary tragedies on the road. If you or someone you know has been affected by a defective airbag, seeking legal and financial recourse is crucial to ensure accountability and justice. Attorney Henry Queener has litigated several cases involving faulty airbags. Contact Queener Law about your potential airbag claim by calling us directly at 606-451-0053, or you can write to us with the details of your accident by using our free contact form.
Understanding your Traffic Crash Report or police report after a car accident can be confusing. However, it’s essential to comprehend your accident report and ensure its accuracy, as insurance companies will use it to determine compensation for your accident.
If you were in a truck accident, the trucking company will likewise look at the accident report as part of their response to the accident. Moreover, if the investigating officer is called to testify in a deposition or at trial, their testimony will likely be based on the report.
Here are some key components to pay attention to:
Accident Details: Look for specifics on how the accident occurred, including diagrams or sketches if available.
Contact Information: Ensure that all involved parties and witnesses’ names, addresses, and contact information are accurate.
Injuries and Damages: The report should outline any injuries sustained and the damages to vehicles involved.
Citations and Violations: Check for any traffic citations issued and details about the circumstances leading to such violations.
Witness Accounts: Witness statements can provide additional context to the events.
Officer’s Narrative: The officer’s interpretation of the incident can influence the outcome, so it’s vital to reflect the situation accurately.
Insurance Information: Note the insurance details entered in the report that are necessary for claims processing.
Contact Queener Law and schedule a no-cost consultation with our law firm to get assistance if you have questions about your police report. Call (606)451-0053.
Commercial trucks are vital to our economy, delivering everything from essential goods to building materials nationwide. However, a looming threat—a nationwide shortage of qualified truck drivers—is putting the safety of our roads at risk. This shortage can lead to overworked and fatigued drivers, potentially causing a rise in truck accidents with devastating consequences.
Factors Contributing to the Driver Shortage
Several factors contribute to the nationwide driver shortage. Here are some key reasons why trucking companies are struggling to fill truck driving positions:
Wages and Benefits: The trucking industry can be demanding, with extended hours and irregular schedules. While truck driver salaries can be attractive, concerns linger about benefits packages and the overall work-life balance for those traversing our state’s roads.
Aging Workforce: The current generation of truck drivers is aging, and attracting younger individuals to fill the gap is proving challenging. The perception of a long and arduous career path with limited advancement opportunities deters potential recruits from considering trucking jobs.
Training Requirements: Obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) requires training and passing rigorous exams. While these measures ensure qualified drivers on the roads, the initial investment of time and money can be a barrier for some looking to enter the trucking industry in our state.
Infrastructure Issues: Truck drivers spend significant time on the road, away from home. The lack of adequate truck parking facilities along significant highways in rural areas leads to driver fatigue and frustration.
How Driver Shortages Can Compromise Safety
When trucking companies face a driver shortage, they face immense pressure to deliver goods on tight deadlines. This pressure can lead to drivers pushing themselves beyond safe limits, resulting in fatigue—a major contributor to road truck accidents. Fatigued drivers experience slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and an increased risk of falling asleep at the wheel while traveling interstates and highways. In the worst-case scenario, these factors can culminate in a catastrophic accident, putting motorists at risk.
The pressure to meet deadlines can lead truck drivers to cut corners on safety procedures. Skipping rest breaks, neglecting pre-trip inspections, and exceeding speed limits are all dangerous shortcuts that can have dire consequences for people sharing the road with these massive vehicles.
The Potential Consequences of Trucking Accidents
Truck accidents are inherently more dangerous than car accidents due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. Collisions with large trucks can result in severe injuries, permanent disabilities, and even fatalities. The emotional and financial toll on victims and families can be immense.
Common commercial truck accident injuries seen by our personal injury attorneys include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Spinal cord injuries
Amputations
Severe lacerations and burn
Internal organ damage
Hiring Truck Accident Lawyer
A Truck Accident Lawyer often differs from a car wreck lawyer due to the specific complexities and regulations associated with commercial trucking accidents. Here are some key differences:
1. Specialization: A big truck lawyer typically specializes in cases involving commercial vehicles, which includes understanding the federal and state regulations governing the trucking industry. They are well-versed in unique issues that arise from truck accidents, such as driver fatigue, vehicle maintenance standards, and cargo loading regulations.
2. Liability Factors: Truck accidents can involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturers, and others. A truck lawyer is experienced in navigating these complex liability issues, while a car wreck lawyer may focus solely on personal injuries or issues directly related to passenger vehicles.
3.Injury Severity: Injuries from truck accidents are often more severe due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. A big truck lawyer is equipped to handle such serious cases, which may involve significant medical expenses, long-term care needs, and substantial compensation claims.
4. Insurance Policies: The insurance policies for commercial trucks are often different and more complex than those for personal vehicles. A big truck lawyer understands these policies and knows how to negotiate effectively to secure fair compensation for their clients.
5. Regulatory Knowledge: Trucking operates under specific federal regulations (such as those provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). A lawyer specializing in truck accidents will be more familiar with these regulations and how they apply to the case.
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a commercial truck, consulting with a lawyer who specializes in that area can be beneficial to ensure you receive the appropriate representation and understanding of your case. Attorney Henry Queener will ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation necessary to aid your recovery and future well-being.
