Suspected severe injuries from traffic accidents in Kentucky declined from 2,607 in 2015 to 2,326 in 2019. However, car accidents on Kentucky’s roadways remain a significant concern. In 2022 alone, 744 people were killed in 693 fatal collisions. Of these deaths, 265 involved drivers under the influence of drugs, and 153 involved drivers under the influence of alcohol. Overall, 29,451 Kentucky residents were injured in car accidents in 2022 – meaning 1 in 153 state residents suffered injuries in a traffic collision.
According to Matthew Minner, an experienced Bowling Green car accident lawyer, if you are involved in a car accident and sustain injuries, here are the steps you must take immediately:
After The Car Accident, Get Out of Harm’s Way
If you can move yourself, get your vehicle out of the roadway and onto the shoulder. If you cannot move your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights and wait for help inside with your seatbelt fastened. Your safety is the top priority, so do not try to assess the damage or deal with the other driver until you are out of harm’s way.
Call for Emergency Help After the Car Accident
Dial 911 to get emergency medical services (EMS) and police are immediately dispatched. Provide your exact location and describe any injuries you are aware of. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions carefully. Wait to hang up until help has arrived.
You Should Get Checked Out by a Medical Professional After a Car Accident
Even if you do not think you have significant injuries, getting checked out by a doctor immediately after an auto accident is essential. Symptoms of shock, concussion, internal bleeding, and other severe conditions may not appear until hours or days later. The documentation from your initial medical examination will also be vital if you need to file an insurance claim or lawsuit later on.
Document the Car Accident Scene with Photos and Notes
If you can do so safely, take photos of the vehicles’ positions, damage, skid marks, debris, weather conditions, or anything else that could be relevant. Police may take official photos, but it helps to have your documentation. Write down or record voice memos about what happened after the crash while your memory is fresh. Get the other driver(s) ‘s contact details and insurance information.
Swap Contact and Insurance Information With The Other Driver
Share your name, driver’s license number, vehicle registration, insurance details, and basic contact information with the other driver(s) involved. Get their info as well. You are not admitting fault or accepting responsibility by exchanging information. This data is simply needed for the insurance and claims process. Avoid speculating about what happened or assigning blame.
File an Official Car Crash Report
An official car accident report must be filed with the police and your insurance company. Cooperate fully with the police to describe the incident to your knowledge. Give statements truthfully but stick to just the facts. Speculation and assumptions about who was at fault could hurt your case later. Call your insurance company to start your claim as soon as possible.
Consult a Car Accident Lawyer
It is wise to contact an experienced car accident lawyer for guidance if you sustain any significant injuries or have major vehicle damage. An attorney can deal with insurance companies on your behalf, help maximize your settlement, and take legal action if necessary. They know how to build a strong case using evidence and medical records. Most personal injury attorneys work on contingency, meaning legal fees only come out of any eventual settlement you receive.
Being injured in an auto accident is scary, but taking quick and focused action helps ensure you get the care, compensation, and justice you deserve. Follow these steps, and work with qualified medical and legal professionals to protect your rights and facilitate your recovery after an car accident. With patience and perseverance, you can overcome your injuries and work toward putting this traumatic incident behind you for good.
