If you were seriously injured in a car accident in Hazard, Kentucky, you may be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. During this difficult time, trusted guidance is available. An experienced car accident lawyer in Hazard can help you navigate the legal process to pursue fair compensation.
The car accident attorneys at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer understand how difficult life can become after suffering significant injuries and other losses in a car crash. Our injury attorneys are ready to advocate for you after a car crash. We focus exclusively on Kentucky car accidents, which means we have the knowledge and resources to help you seek full compensation. Call our law firm today or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
What Are the Steps To Take After a Car Accident in Hazard, KY
After a car accident, you can take steps to protect your health and your legal rights to seek compensation. You can increase your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve by doing the following:
Step 1: Make Sure You Are Safe
If you or other drivers involved in the accident sustained injuries, dial 911 to summon emergency medical services. If nobody appears to be injured, you should still call the police so that law enforcement can respond to the scene and investigate the crash. If you do not go to the hospital by ambulance from the accident scene, you should still see your doctor as soon as possible, even if you believe you have only minor injuries. Some internal injuries do not show symptoms right away. You should get checked out by your doctor.
Step 2: Contact a Hazard, KY, Car Accident Lawyer
Many people attempt to file car accident claims on their own, only to be overwhelmed by the process, especially while healing from severe injuries. An experienced car accident attorney in Hazard will have the knowledge and resources to handle every aspect of your car accident injury case, allowing you to focus on your health. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can communicate with insurers on your behalf and be sure that your auto accident claim is filed on time.
Step 3: Take Notes and Photos
A successful car accident injury claim requires evidence demonstrating who was at fault for the auto accident. Pictures of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and your injuries, can be persuasive evidence, allowing investigators to determine how the accident occurred and who was responsible. You should take detailed notes of everything you remember about the automobile accident. Your notes can assist your attorney in investigating the crash. You should also exchange contact information with other people involved in the accident.
Step 4: Track Your Medical Expenses
Having documentation of your medical treatment costs is just as important as demonstrating how your injuries occurred. Save all receipts, bills, and invoices related to treatment for your injuries. An experienced car accident attorney can use them to calculate the full value of your medical expenses.
Step 5: Check Your Insurance Coverage
Many automobile insurance policies require policyholders to notify them of any accident within a specific timeframe, even if the crash was somebody else’s fault. Your insurer’s representative will inform you of any steps you need to comply. You should check your auto insurance policy to see whether it covers medical expenses if you are injured by an uninsured driver. Keep in mind that your insurer may have a right to recover the relevant amount from any car accident compensation you recover.
Step 6: Prepare to File a Personal Injury Claim
A lawyer can gather the necessary documents and evidence and submit a claim to the appropriate insurance company on your behalf. Before contacting any insurance company, you should consult with a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney.
Step 7: Negotiate a Settlement
Most car accident cases are settled out of court via negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurer. The negotiation process is best left to your attorney, as they will understand how to communicate with the insurance adjuster and counter any tactics used by the insurance company to deny or minimize your claim. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer fair compensation, your lawyer can take the at-fault party to court.
How Much Compensation Will I Get for a Car Accident
The circumstances of a car accident, the seriousness of the injuries, and the auto insurance coverage available determine the compensation that might be available to an injured party. Depending on the nature of the crash and the extent of your injuries, you may be eligible to recover compensation for losses such as:
- Medical expenses,
- Future medical expenses,
- Lost wages for missed time at work,
- Reduced earning capacity,
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering, including loss of the enjoyment of life.
When you consult with a Hazard car accident attorney, the attorney can provide some idea of the value of your personal injury case. Each car accident claim depends on the facts of the specific accident. Nothing can be guaranteed. You should walk away from any personal injury lawyer who guarantees to win your case or promises a certain amount of money for you.
When Should I Get a Car Accident Lawyer
Getting legal representation as soon as possible after a car accident is crucial to protecting your rights and increasing your chances of a successful claim. An attorney can start gathering evidence and communicating with insurance companies immediately, preventing you from making mistakes that could harm your case.
You should contact a car accident lawyer for guidance if any of the following apply:
- You sustained any physical injuries in the crash,
- The other driver was clearly at fault
- The insurance companies are disputing fault or offering quick settlements
- Your injuries will require medical treatment and time off work
- You feel overwhelmed by the idea of navigating the claims process on your own
Having a strong advocate on your side can relieve stress and increase your chances of maximizing your compensation.
What Doctor to See After Car Accident
The medical professional you choose after a car accident can affect your health and legal case. Here are some guidelines for selecting the right doctor:
- Seek emergency care if your injuries are severe. Dial 911 to summon emergency medical services to the crash scene. Go to the hospital emergency room for treatment.
- If you don’t require emergency treatment, visit your primary care physician promptly. Some injuries are not immediately obvious. Your doctor can evaluate your condition and refer you to specialists if needed.
- Consult with orthopaedists, neurologists, physical therapists, chiropractors, and other specialists for injury-specific diagnoses and treatment plans.
- Be wary of clinics advertising directly to accident victims. They may prioritize settlements over your well-being.
- Select doctors who accept your health insurance to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
- Ask about your doctor’s experience diagnosing car accident injuries specifically.
- Follow all recommended treatment plans, even if you feel fully recovered. Incomplete care can reduce settlement amounts and put your health at stake.
Documentation of your injuries and medical treatment after an accident is vital for your claim.
What To Expect During the Car Accident Lawsuit Process in Hazard
If negotiations with insurers fail, your car accident attorney may file a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation from the at-fault driver. Here is what you can expect during litigation:
- Your lawyer will file a complaint detailing your allegations of negligence against the other driver.
- The defendant will be served with the complaint and have 20 days to respond, either admitting or denying the allegations.
- Your attorney will request the relevant documents and evidence from the defendant .
- Depositions will allow both sides to interview parties and gather information under oath prior to trial.
- Your lawyer may have to respond to defense motions trying to get the case dismissed or delayed.
- As your trial date approaches, both sides may participate in settlement negotiations to avoid a trial.
- If necessary, your case will proceed to trial, where both sides will present arguments. A judge or jury will render a decision and, if applicable, an award for damages.
- The losing party can file appeals challenging the verdict.
Why Choose Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer as Your Car Accident Lawyer in Hazard
If you were injured in a car accident in Hazard, effective legal representation can significantly increase your chances of recovering fair compensation for your losses. The car accident lawyers at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer have many decades of combined legal experience handling car accident claims across Kentucky. To date, we have recovered millions for our deserving clients. We have numerous five-star car accident attorney reviews attesting to our compassionate and professional service.
If you have suffered injuries in a car accident in Hazard, contact a personal injury lawyer in Hazard for a FREE personalized consultation. Learn about your legal options and how Kentucky Courage can help you.
