The most important principle of any car wreck is to understand that thorough documentation is the key to dispute resolution.

In my legal practice, the most common car wrecks involve the other driver turning left in front of your vehicle or rear-end collisions, especially in Louisville, Kentucky.   If you were the victim of such a car accident, chances are that you were not at fault for the car wreck and 100% liability for the wreck rests on the other driver.  So, knowing this, what are the most important steps you can take after a car accident in Kentucky?

Immediately After the Accident

If you are physically able:

  • Call 911.
  • Report the accident to law enforcement.
  • If the police arrive at the accident scene, obtain the accident report number.

Additionally, document everything you can by:

  • Taking photographs of both vehicles, the roadway, and any visible injuries you suffered, including bruises, cuts, or scrapes.
  • Taking pictures of the accident scene and the location of the vehicles.
  • Exchange insurance and contact information.
  • Do not admit fault for the wreck.

The Desmond Difference in Practice, Real Kentucky Case

My client claimed he had the green light and the other driver ran the red light.  The police report did not list any witnesses to the car accident. However, my client had the name and phone number of the driver behind his vehicle that established unequivocally that he had a green light and that the at-fault driver blew through a red light.  In other words, no issues on who was at fault and no basis for an insurance company to argue comparative fault on my client; all because he documented who, with their contact information, saw the car accident at the accident scene.

Medical Treatment Matters

Seek medical attention if you have any pain or injury!  Your car looks like someone took a can opener to it.  If you have pain, dizziness, numbness, loss of consciousness, significant vehicle damage, or any concern that you’ve been injured, let EMS evaluate you and don’t hesitate to go to the Emergency Room. Make sure you did not suffer any broken bones or other injuries. Many neck and back injuries do not fully develop until hours or even days after the collision.  Prompt medical evaluation not only protects your health but also creates documentation that you were hurt in the car wreck.  Whether you want to admit it or not, you are preparing your injury claim from the accident scene forward, and your injury claim lives entirely upon the contents of your medical records.  So, to prepare the best injury claim from a car wreck, take an ambulance ride to the Emergency Room and let the E.R. doctors do their job.

RESERVE the No-Fault or Personal Injury Protection on the insurance policy for the vehicle you were riding in.

So, you listened to my legal advice, the advice of Attorney Jim Desmond, a car wreck lawyer, and got checked out at the Emergency Room after the automobile accident.  Great! Now, tell your own automobile insurance to RESERVE your no-fault coverage. If you were riding in someone else’s vehicle, tell the insurance company for the vehicle you were in “RESERVE my no-fault coverage until I provide you with a written direction otherwise!”  I can use your no-fault insurance or your health insurance to pay the medical bills arising from your car wreck. Your no-fault coverage has a limit of $10,000 per person, and your health insurance is pretty much unlimited.  In short, if your E.R. bill was more than $10,000, I am going to use your health insurance to pay that E.R. bill and preserve your no-fault insurance to pay your other damages such as prescription charges, lost wages, funeral expenses, etc.

Jim Desmond’s Practical Advice

Reserve your no-fault coverage immediately.

Use both your no-fault insurance and your health insurance to get the medical treatment you need as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident.

Document your injuries and complaints of pain by seeking medical attention after the car wreck.

Attorney James “Jim” Desmond

Jim Desmond is a Louisville car accident lawyer licensed in Kentucky and Indiana since 1993. He has represented victims of automobile, motorcycle, truck, and pedestrian collisions throughout Kentucky.

The Desmond Difference

Every accident case is unique. Insurance companies often evaluate claims based on limited information gathered shortly after a collision. Before accepting an insurance company’s decision about fault, injuries, or the value of your claim, it can be helpful to understand all of your legal options.

If you’ve been injured in a Kentucky car or motorcycle accident, Attorney Jim Desmond offers a free consultation to discuss your case. Call (502) 609-7657 or contact us online to learn more.