Car accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries and death in Kentucky. Under some circumstances, even the safest drivers cannot avoid getting involved in a crash. If you have been injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you may be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver.

The injuries resulting from serious motor vehicle accidents can be devastating, especially if the family breadwinner can no longer work. The at-fault party’s insurance company may even seek to avoid paying the full value of your claim, which is why it is so important to have an experienced lawyer for car accidents on your side.

In order to determine what your claim may be worth, it should be evaluated by a qualified Kentucky personal injury attorney.

An experienced attorney for car accidents can investigate the accident and collect evidence that proves you were not at fault. In addition, if necessary, they can fight on your behalf for full compensation from the negligent party’s insurance company. The common types of damages sought in a personal injury lawsuit are:

• Economic damages, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced future earning capacity
• Non-economic damages, which may include pain and suffering

These types of damages can be accompanied by punitive or exemplary damages when the evidence shows that the at-fault party’s actions were willful or malicious. Punitive damage awards are not intended to compensate victims; instead, they are designed to punish the defendant for their actions and disincentivize people from doing the same in the future.

Police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony are just some of the types of evidence that can be used to support your claim. However, having an experienced Kentucky car accident lawyer by your side can allow you to focus on recovering while they fight for you in court, which is why it’s so important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Kentucky

No two KY motor vehicle accidents are exactly alike, and there are many reasons why they may occur. Perhaps unsurprisingly, driver behavior is the number one reason why motor vehicle collisions occur in Kentucky on a daily basis.

Drivers are commonly distracted by their cell phones, although this is believed to be less prevalent today than it was several years ago due to increased awareness about the dangers of texting while driving. Another common distraction is eating and drinking behind the wheel, which is made all the more dangerous because motorists often take their hands off of the steering wheel to do so.

Aggressive driving and speeding are also big contributors to accidents in Kentucky, as are unsafe road conditions. Depending on the location, driver error may include driver’s failure to adjust to slick or hazardous roadways, negligent roadway design (i.e., poorly designed roads), or poor road markings.

Additionally, drowsy driving is also a major cause of traffic collisions in Kentucky and nationwide. Drowsy driving accidents often happen when motorists are less attentive because of lack of sleep, long-haul drives without stopping, or sedating medications.

What Should You Do if You Have a Car Accident?

To recover compensation from the other driver’s insurance company for your injuries and damages, you will want to make sure you follow the proper procedures:

1. Seek medical care for your injuries immediately following the accident, even if you don’t believe that your injuries are serious. A delay in seeking treatment can impair your ability to document and prove the extent of your damages (e.g., medical bills, lost wages, etc.). If you think that your injuries may be too severe to treat at the scene of the accident, call 911.

2. Take photos and/or video of the accident scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage. You may have to prove the extent of your injuries and damages to receive fair compensation from the other driver’s insurance company, so it is important to protect yourself by keeping detailed written records of what happened.

3. Get contact information from other drivers, passengers, and witnesses at the scene of the accident. If possible, ask for their insurance information so you can contact their insurer after you file a claim against them to recover damages.

4. Contact your own insurance company as soon as possible to inform them about the accident and ensure that you have coverage for any damage to your vehicle or injuries.

5. Contact an experienced Kentucky car accident attorney to discuss your case and receive advice on how to proceed. An experienced personal injury attorney may be able to help you prove the extent of your damages and recover full compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other economic and non-economic losses caused by the collision. To find one, you can search for “personal injury lawyer near me” or “car accident attorney near me.”

How Can an Auto Accident Attorney Help You?

A car accident lawyer will be capable of handling even the most complicated cases because of their depth of knowledge of the laws surrounding medical insurance, personal injury, and property damage. They will also understand the legal proceedings that are involved in such cases, so they may be the best lawyer to inform you of your rights.

You should not have to worry about going into further financial ruin to get the personal legal attention you deserve. Many auto accident law firms work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only receive payment if they successfully resolve your claim.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, an experienced and compassionate car crash lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.