Reviewed by Larry Forman, Attorney.
Interstate 71 starts at the Kennedy Interchange in downtown Louisville and heads northeast along the Ohio River, past the Watterson Expressway (I-264) and the Gene Snyder Freeway (I-265), and on through Oldham and Henry counties toward Cincinnati. It carries commuters from Prospect, Crestwood and La Grange and a steady stream of tractor-trailers. Crashes on I-71 range from downtown merge wrecks to high-speed rural collisions.
Common I-71 crash types
- Merge and lane change crashes near downtown and at the I-264 and I-265 interchanges. See lane change accidents and Spaghetti Junction crashes.
- Truck crashes on the route between Louisville and Cincinnati. See our truck wreck lawyer page.
- Rear-end and chain-reaction crashes when traffic stops suddenly. See multi-vehicle pileups.
- Crossover and head-on crashes on rural stretches. See head-on collisions and wrong-way driver accidents.
- Deer and weather crashes in Oldham and Henry counties. See drowsy driving and our wet-weather tips.
- Work zone crashes. See work zone accidents.
Who investigates an I-71 crash?
In Louisville Metro, LMPD often responds. Outside Jefferson County, Kentucky State Police or a county agency usually handles interstate crashes. The report tells you which agency. See how to get a Kentucky State Police accident report and Louisville accident reports.
Evidence on the interstate
- TRIMARC traffic cameras near Louisville. TRIMARC says it doesn’t record its camera feeds, but it may have incident records. See how to request TRIMARC records.
- Truck engine data and dashcams. See truck black box evidence.
- Your own dashcam and photos. See dashcam footage.
- Witnesses who stopped or called 911
Who pays
- Unless you rejected it in writing, your own PIP (personal injury protection) coverage pays up to $10,000 of medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault. See how Kentucky PIP works.
- The at-fault driver or trucking company for losses beyond PIP. To recover pain and suffering from an at-fault driver, Kentucky’s no-fault law generally requires more than $1,000 in medical expenses, or an injury such as a fracture, permanent injury, permanent disfigurement or permanent loss of bodily function (KRS 304.39-060).
- Your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage if the other driver is uninsured, underinsured or fled. See hit-and-run accidents.
Kentucky uses pure comparative fault: your share of fault reduces your recovery but doesn’t bar it (KRS 411.182).
What to do after an I-71 crash
- If you can, move to the shoulder, turn on your hazards and stay buckled in. Standing beside interstate traffic is dangerous.
- Call 911 and give the direction of travel and the nearest exit or mile marker.
- Get medical care the same day.
- Photograph the scene if it is safe.
- Get the agency name and report number.
- Talk with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement.
Deadlines
Most Kentucky motor vehicle injury claims must be filed within two years of the crash or the last PIP payment, whichever is later (KRS 304.39-230). Use our statute of limitations calculator.
Help along the I-71 corridor
We help people hurt in crashes across Louisville and in Prospect, Crestwood and Oldham County. Larry Forman has tried 50+ jury trials, and we prepare every case as if it may go to trial.
I-71 accident FAQs
Who handles a crash on I-71 in Oldham County?
Usually Kentucky State Police or a local agency. The crash report will name the agency and the report number.
What if a truck caused my I-71 crash?
Truck cases involve federal safety rules, more insurance and data that can disappear quickly. Talk with a lawyer early.
Hurt in an I-71 crash?
We’ll get the report and the evidence. The consultation is free. Get a free case evaluation or call (502) 931-6788.
This post is general information about Kentucky law, not legal advice. Every case is different.
