What should I do after a car accident in Kentucky?

It pays to ask “What should I do after a car accident?” whether you are a new driver, new to Kentucky, or simply have never been in a car accident and want to make sure you follow proper procedure. In fact, it may come in handy if you ever get in an accident, and the other person tries to dupe you or is unsure of what to do as well. These are some of the steps you should follow if you are ever in a car accident in Kentucky.

Get to Safety

The number one priority is your safety. Step out of the road if you can, and contact the local emergency team and law enforcement. You might also check on the safety of the other people involved, but don’t put yourself in harm’s way and don’t touch anyone without their permission. You might have the best of intentions, but you don’t know what their intentions are or how it will pan out in the end.

Be Prepared to Document

You have a right to ask the other parties involved for their information. This means getting contact information and insurance information from the driver. If the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, you need the owner’s information as well. You should be prepared to share the same with other parties involved in the accident, even if you aren’t at fault. Putting on a cooperative face is the best way to keep the situation amicable, and you’ll have a better chance of getting the necessary information. It might also help if you can take pictures of the scene, including the surrounding area, vehicle(s), and the roadway. You may never need these photos, but it helps to be prepared.

Seek Care for All Parties Involved

You may not think you need medical care. You may think that your vehicle runs fine. You still need to get things checked out to make sure the accident didn’t have an impact on you or your vehicle. You may even need to have a mental health evaluation because even one accident can cause anxiety, depression, PTSD, and many other issues in the future, all of which need to be addressed. You aren’t just taking care of yourself when you do this; you’re letting the courts know that you have valid reasons to seek reimbursement for your injuries.

Contact the Right People

You will need to contact your insurance company, and most likely, a car accident lawyer. Your insurance company may be able to handle your claim up to their limits. At the same time, a lawyer can help you decide if it’s your insurance company you need to turn to or some other entity or person. In either case, these are two of the most significant contacts you will make in the long run.

You can’t always prevent accidents but if you know what to do if one should happen, you can, at least, be a little bit more prepared. If you have been in a car accident in Kentucky and even if you have missed any of these steps, the lawyers at Harville Law Office can help you gather the information you need for your case. Call us today at (502) 245-2333 or contact us for a consultation immediately.