How does this affect the Kentucky accident victim?
There are a variety of reasons that Kentucky driving privileges are suspended. It can be as a result of a drunk driving conviction or for habitual speeding. Those with suspended driver’s licenses are dangerous drivers that keep driving. Unfortunately, they often cause serious automobile accidents. What is even worse, many car insurance policies will not cover the accident because the driver is in violation of the law, and thus the terms of the policy. Other times, the at-fault party doesn’t have car insurance to cover an accident at all. The coverage was not available because they didn’t paid their premium.
What can be done?
There is new technology on the horizon, which may beat the low tech solution of simply impounding the offending party’s car (which is a short term fix at best). There is a potential option being developed called the Electronic Driver’s License (EDLs). What is an EDL? It is similar to a bank card or a “smart card” that works together with an ignition interlock system (these are used to prevent habitual drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel). It is an on board computer that would verify the drivers identity in order to authorize the operation of the car.
Along with verifying the identity of the driver, the EDL system will have the ability of providing travel information such as time of day and speed prior to an impact. This is similar to a black box that we often hear about in airplanes. This is also standard equipment on many luxury automobiles and is referred to as an Event Data Recorder. We will like see more of these in cars in the near future.
Related: New Technology Set To Remove Drunk Drivers From Roads
What can you do to protect yourself from these uninsured drivers?
You have to make sure that you have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your own car insurance policy. This is not an option anymore. Never waive uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. If you are injured in an accident in Kentucky and the person that hit you does not have insurance, you will not be compensated unless you have this coverage on your policy. There will be no compensation for loss of power to labor and earn money, medical bill or pain and suffering. That is unless you have uninsured motorist coverage. Call your insurance agent today and ask if you have this coverage. If the answer is yes, you should raise your limits. If the answer is no, add it immediately!
Don’t put yourself in a situation where you are injured in an accident and the at-fault party doesn’t have insurance. Make sure you are covered. You’d be surprised at how many people think they have full coverage when they don’t. Call your agent and see what your insurance will cover in the event of an accident.