Hargadon, Lenihan & Herrington, PLLC (HLH) wishes everyone safe travels over the Thanksgiving Holiday.  Many people have a few extra days this week.  This is a traditional time to gather with family and friends and transition into the “holidays.”   Perhaps you start pulling holiday decorations out of the attic, basement or garage.  There will be more traffic on the roads as people are traveling to visit those who are special to them, while others run errands in preparation.

It is not uncommon to have many things on one’s mind as you race through your errands.  Take a moment to clear these distractions from your mind before you start your car.  Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Louisville and across Kentucky.  This includes using your cell phone to text or email or monitor social media while driving.  Others are going to be distracted.  We urge you to be focused, especially as you enter or approach an intersection – the most likely place for an accident during the holidays.

HLH would also like to encourage all of you to take a few moments over the coming weeks to review the No-Fault (or Personal Injury Protection), Liability and Uninsured/Under-Insured Motorist Coverage (known as UM/UIM) on your automobile policy.  You see, when you become involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, someone with the State minimum coverage, or a hit-and-run driver you may not have the financial resources to cover your medical expenses out of pocket.  You may want to consider how you would cover the lost wages from missing work and recovering from any injuries you would experience in these circumstances.

UM/UIM coverage exists just for that reason.  It even covers you and your family when you are injured as pedestrians, or when your son or daughter is riding a skateboard down the street.  HLH strongly recommends that you maximize the UM/UIM coverage allowable by your insurance carrier.  We hope you enjoy the season and have safe travels over the Thanksgiving holiday.