Driving courses and experience have taught you what to do on Kentucky roads and how to stay safe, but do you know what to do if you get in a car accident? No matter how skilled and prepared you are, you cannot prevent someone else from driving recklessly and hitting you.
The Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association shared that in 2013 over 1.5 million crashes led to 2.31 million injuries, comprising about 28 percent of all crashes. Deaths made up less than 1 percent, with the remaining being property damage. Because the probability of getting in an accident is high, you need to know what steps to take to receive the best outcome for your well-being and wallet.
Get medical treatment first
The first thing to take care of is your health. If the accident was bad enough to cause you bodily harm, call an ambulance immediately or have someone take you to the emergency room. Even if the injury is minor, have a doctor assess it. It is common for seemingly small injuries to be more severe.
The sooner you get proper treatment, the likelier and quicker you are to heal. As you talk to medical personnel, be specific about your injuries to ensure accurate documentation. You will need this to sue for financial compensation for your medical bills.
Gather important information and notify relevant parties
Take notes, or ask someone else to, of insurance information and the names of those involved, including witness contact information if necessary. Remember to write down or take photos of the vehicles as well, especially if the person at fault tries to flee. Then, report the accident to the police. You will also have to call a tow truck or a ride home. Finally, inform your insurance company of the incident to get started on your claim.
Hire a personal injury lawyer
It is best to go through the process of handling claims, medical fees, workers’ compensation and any other financial matters with a personal injury attorney with experience in Kentucky law and insurance companies. What may seem like a large sum of money to you now may not be sufficient to meet all your monetary needs in the long run. It takes time to realize the true extent of your injuries and the impact they will have on your life, from your ability to work to the increasing cost of various insurance plans. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you navigate the waters so you are more likely to receive fair compensation.