Involved in A Car Wreck? Turn To Trusted Somerset Lawyers.
Car wrecks can have a serious impact on your life. You could be hospitalized, stuck with expensive medical bills, or unable to work. That’s why it’s important to retain a car wreck attorney you can trust.
The Law Office of Jeremy A. Bartley is based in Somerset and serves the entire commonwealth of Kentucky. Let us pursue the compensation you need to remove the daily stress and anxiety from your growing medical bills and wage loss and to focus on healing. We strive to get our clients the most for their injury claims.
What To Do After A Car Crash
Car accidents can be overwhelming. Knowing what steps to take next can make a significant difference. Here are some important things to do after a crash:
- Stay safe: Make sure you and others are out of harm’s way.
- Contact the police: They will investigate the scene and create an official report.
- Document what happened: If you can, take photos of the scene, your injuries and the vehicles involved.
- Exchange information: Collect insurance information from the other driver(s) involved and contact information from any witnesses.
- Get medical attention: No matter how you are feeling, get checked by a medical professional, as not all injuries are immediately apparent.
Promptly reaching out to an experienced car accident lawyer, such as a member of our trusted team, is also critical. Doing so can ensure you’re getting the legal guidance you need to navigate the aftermath of your crash.
How To File A Car Accident Claim
Kentucky is a no-fault car insurance state. This means your first claim will generally be to your own insurer. So, after an accident, you’ll want to make sure to:
- Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible.
- Submit a claim following the procedures outlined in your policy.
- Promptly provide any requested documentation, such as medical records and police reports.
- Ensure you meet all deadlines related to your claim.
- Be careful about what you say – remember that your insurance company may put its bottom line, not you, first.
Our personal injury attorneys can guide you through the claims process.
Understanding Your Options
After a car accident, you may have multiple avenues available for pursuing compensation. These could include:
- A PIP claim: You ask your insurer to cover medical expenses and lost wages through your PIP (personal injury protection) coverage.
- A personal injury claim: If the other driver was at fault, you might be able to seek damages from their insurance company for your injuries.
- A property damage claim: You may be able to pursue such a claim against the other driver address damage done to your vehicle.
- A product liability claim: If a defective auto part contributed to your accident, you might have a claim against the manufacturer.
We can help you have the full picture of your options. Our team, led by attorney Jeremy A. Bartley, will examine the facts of the case, evaluate your potential claims, determine which parties and insurance companies are responsible, and organize all of the details in preparing and presenting your case.
Common Types Of Car Accidents We Handle
Car accidents can happen in many ways. That is why understanding how any of the following crashes happen can help support your claim and show who may be at fault.
- Rear-end collisions: They often occur in traffic or at stoplights when one driver follows too closely or is distracted. Even at low speeds, they can cause neck and back injuries.
- T-bone accidents: These side-impact crashes usually happen at intersections when someone runs a red light or fails to yield. They can lead to serious injuries, especially to those seated on the side of impact.
- Sideswipe accidents: These occur when two vehicles going in the same direction make side-to-side contact, often from unsafe lane changes or failure to check blind spots.
- Highway accidents: High-speed crashes on interstates or parkways often involve severe damage and injuries. Factors like merging errors, sudden stops and poor lane discipline contribute.
- Multi-vehicle accidents: Chain-reaction crashes typically involve more than two cars and make it harder to determine fault. These often result in complex claims and high medical costs.
- Hit-and-run accidents: When the at-fault driver leaves the scene, it creates extra challenges for victims. However, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own policy.
No matter how aggressively insurance companies and their representatives prioritize the company’s bottom line, our firm has the skills, experience and resources needed to stand up to them effectively.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents
Many car wrecks stem from avoidable behaviors or unsafe driving conditions, such as:
- Distracted driving: Phone use, eating or adjusting GPS while driving can lead to missed signals or slowed reaction times, putting everyone at risk.
- Drunk driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs slows thinking, clouds judgment and affects control behind the wheel.
- Reckless driving: Speeding, ignoring signals and weaving through traffic often result in crashes that could have been prevented.
- Tailgating: Following too closely does not leave enough time to stop and can lead to rear-end collisions, especially in heavy traffic.
- Weather and road conditions: Rain, fog, snow and poor lighting make roads slippery or reduce visibility, often increasing the risk of accidents.
- Drowsy driving: Fatigue can impair alertness and focus in ways similar to intoxication. Drivers who nod off even briefly put others in danger.
No matter the circumstances, when another driver’s negligence caused a serious injury accident, that driver should be held accountable.
Common Injuries From Car Wrecks
Car accidents can result in a range of injuries, including:
- Whiplash
- Fractures
- Head and brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord Injuries
- Cuts
- Bruises
- Internal injuries
- Burns
The severity and long-term impacts of such injuries can vary considerably. It is our job to assess all of your injuries, medical bills (surgeries, medications, etc.), physical pain, mental suffering, and loss of income after a car wreck. We realize that in many cases no amount of money can replace your loss, our team will pursue the compensation you deserve. We will handle the insurance companies while you focus on healing and getting back to you.
Get In Touch Today
If you need a car accident attorney, turn to our team. We are located in Somerset, but serve clients throughout the commonwealth of Kentucky, including Laurel County, Wayne County, Lincoln County, Casey County and Russell County. Call us at 606-485-1713 our send us an email to schedule a free consultation.