The Commonwealth of Kentucky estimates that the total cost of 2015 Kentucky traffic collisions was between $2.5 billion and $17.7 billion. The lower number—$2.5 billion—includes economic costs only, while the larger number—$17.7 billion—includes the lost quality of life caused by injuries and fatalities.
Your own recovery may only be a small fraction of the total cost of traffic crashes in our state, but it is important. A fair recovery can mean the difference between economic hardship and maintaining your current standard of living.
In Order to Get a Fair Recovery You Have to Take Action
You can begin protecting your car crash recovery beginning at the scene of the crash and continuing until the check is in your hand. To do that, it is important to know:
- What to do after a crash. The things that you do at the accident scene and after the crash are important to your recovery. Accordingly, you should take steps to protect your physical recovery, to gather and protect evidence, and to protect your legal rights as soon as you can after a collision.
- What not to do after a crash. It can be difficult to make the right decisions at the chaotic scene of a car crash or in the stressful days that follow. However, it is important to be aware of mistakes that could harm your recovery such as neglecting your medical care, forgetting about evidence, or agreeing to a quick settlement.
- What evidence is important after a crash. Evidence is necessary to prove that another driver’s negligent or intentional actions caused your crash and resulting injuries. The evidence is unique to each collision but could include photos, eyewitness testimony, police reports, medical records, phone records, and other information.
- Whether you need expert witnesses after a crash. Expert witnesses are not required after every car accident. However, they can play an important role in some crashes such as when the cause of the crash or the extent of the injuries is complicated.
- What to do if your child was hurt in a crash. It can be difficult to tell if your baby or child has been hurt in a car crash. Therefore, it is important to make sure that your child is riding in the right car seat prior to any crash, to get your child medical attention after a crash, and to take the necessary steps to protect your child’s future if your child has been injured.
- How to handle insurance companies after a crash. Insurance companies profit when they pay out as little as possible in claims. Accordingly, the insurance adjuster assigned to your case is trying to minimize your recovery. You can, however, learn more about insurance company tactics and take steps to protect your fair recovery.
- How to find a lawyer after a crash. Most lawyers offer free consultations after a car crash. It is important to learn about an attorney’s experience and philosophy and to meet personally with a lawyer to get your questions answered before you decide which lawyer should represent you after a car wreck.
These tips will help you protect your recovery.
But It’s Not Just Up to You
While you are working hard to protect your recovery, the insurance company is working to minimize your recovery. The insurance company profits by paying you as little as possible in damages. Accordingly, you can do everything right but you will still need to negotiate with the insurance adjuster or win a court verdict in order to recover damages for your accident injuries.
Our Louisville car crash lawyers are experienced in gathering evidence and making persuasive arguments to get our clients the full and fair recoveries that they deserve. If you would like more information about how we may be able to help you after a car crash injury, please reach out to us any time—24/7/365—via this website or by phone. We would be pleased to provide you with a free no-obligation consultation.
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