What to Do After a Car Accident in Kentucky?

A car accident can happen to anyone. Even with all the built-in safety features, the average American driver will be involved in three or four accidents in their lifetime. Nationally millions are injured in car wrecks, and the state of Kentucky is no exception. In 2016, the most recent statistics available, there were over 160,000 reported collisions.

A car crash is one of the most shattering events anyone can experience. After an accident, everyone involved is shaken, scared and severely hurt or injured. To protect yourself and your legal rights in the aftermath of a crash, you should take some important steps while still at the scene of the accident.

Kentucky is a choice no-fault state, which means drivers may sometimes get compensation from the at-fault driver or may recover expenses for medical bills and lost wages from their insurer. The experienced attorneys at Hessig & Pohl can explain this process.

Steps to Follow After a Crash

1. Stop your Car

You must stop your car if it has not already stopped. Do not leave the scene of the accident. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road as to not block the road and possibly cause another accident.

2. Check if everyone involved is OK

Are you and all your passengers OK? Check if the driver or drivers of the other vehicle(s) are OK.

3. Call the Police

A police officer will arrive at the scene. Ask for the accident report to be written at the crash scene. It helps prove how the accident happened. If the report is not written at the scene of the wreck, your attorney can track it down.

4. Take Pictures

If possible, take pictures of the accident, the other cars, their locations, the damage to your vehicle and others, the roadway, any debris on the road, road condition and any nearby signs. Also, take pictures of all injuries.

5. Exchange Contact Information

Where possible, gather insurance and contact information from all drivers involved in the accident. Give other drivers your insurance and contact information. If there are eyewitnesses nearby, get their name and information about the crash. They may have invaluable evidence.

6. Report the Accident to you Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company of your accident. While at the scene, do not answer any questions from insurance adjusters.

7. Get Medical Attention

Even if your injuries seem minor, go to your physician. Detail all injuries to your physician. Often, injuries do not appear immediately. See a doctor as soon as possible to establish a written record of the accident and any injuries sustained. This helps you prove the car crash caused your injuries and they did not appear at a later date. A written record of your injuries cannot be dismissed as easily.

8. Keep Detailed Records

Keep detailed records of all paperwork related to the accident. This includes the police report; driver and witness information; and medical expenses, therapies, and treatments relating to the crash.

Protecting Your Legal Rights in Kentucky After a Crash

To protect your legal rights after you have been involved in a vehicle accident, remember the following tips:

1. Report the collision to the insurance company as soon as possible.
2. Never admit fault or apologize for the accident.
3. Make sure to reach out and connect with an experienced and capable Kentucky car accident attorney at Hessig & Pohl.

At Hessig & Pohl, we understand the loss that occurs after any vehicle accident. You may be experiencing pain and suffering in addition to lost wages, but you may also be facing severe and permanent impairment, or have lost a loved one in a car accident. Hessig & Pohl takes a comprehensive approach to an accident investigation by gathering evidence quickly to support your case. We work with a team of professionals to develop the best strategy to protect your rights and achieve a fair settlement. Call us today for your free consultation at 502.777.1111.