Since 2003, Kentucky has had what’s been known as a “Move Over” law that requires motorists to change lanes away from emergency services personnel on the side of the road, including law enforcement, emergency medical services and tow trucks, as well as construction workers. If drivers can’t move over for these vehicles and workers, then they are required to at least slow down to reduce the risk of an accident.
Now, that law has been significantly expanded. You need to know how so that you can stay in compliance with the law and can protect yourself and others when there’s activity on the side of the road.
How has the Move Over law changed?
In July, the legislature expanded the Move Over law to apply to all vehicles that may be stranded on the side of the road. Therefore, any time you see a stalled vehicle, there’s no guesswork in your next steps. You either need to change lanes or, if that’s impossible, slow down considerably. Keep in mind that this requirement is only applicable if the vehicle on the side of the road has their emergency flashers on or some other warning light or sign. So, be on the lookout for any indication that the vehicle is stalled, and that people are nearby. If you want to play it safe, then you should be prepared to move over or slow down when you see a vehicle on the side of the road, regardless of the existence of any warning lights.
The law could be strictly enforced. And if a driver is found to be in violation, they could be punished by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. That’s a steep price, but it’s important that the penalties are significant enough to deter drivers from operating their vehicles in a way that could put others in danger.
What should you do if you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a failure to move over?
The injuries suffered in roadside accident can be severe, leaving you with physical pain, mobility limitations, psychological turmoil and financial strain. You shouldn’t have to shoulder these burdens on your own. Fortunately, you might be able to alleviate the damages that have been unfairly thrust upon you by taking legal action in the form of a personal injury lawsuit. But to succeed on one of these claims, you’re going to need evidence to support your position.
One way to do so in a roadside accident case is to demonstrate that the driver who struck you failed to abide by the “Move Over” law. Here, you can gather witness observations as to which lane the vehicle was traveling in, how fast they were going and the fact that you had some sort of functioning warning system that put that driver on notice that you were stranded and that they needed to slow down or move over. This evidence could be enough to demonstrate negligence on the other driver’s part. At that point, then, you just have to prove your damages.
Although a car accident is a major life event, it shouldn’t define you and your life. Instead, you should take control of the outcome as much as you can, which is something that a personal injury lawsuit can help you accomplish. So, if you’re ready to fight for a just outcome that gives you the compensatory relief that you need and deserve, then now is the time to start building your case.