Do you have questions about how long it will take to pursue compensation after a Kentucky car accident? At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, our team has a detailed understanding of Kentucky’s car accident claims process and can guide you through each step. Let us pursue your auto accident case and demand the money you need. Contact an experienced car accident lawyer today for a free case evaluation to discuss your options.
The Car Accident Claim Process in Kentucky
Understanding the car accident claim process is essential after a serious crash. When you know what to expect, you can set realistic expectations about how long it might take to receive a settlement. This knowledge is fundamental because it helps you plan your finances while you wait for your insurance claim to be resolved.
Car accident injury claims take time. By understanding the potential car accident timeline and having the guidance of an experienced car accident attorney, you can make informed decisions throughout the legal process and manage your financial resources. This preparation can significantly reduce stress, allowing you to focus on your health and recovery.
Immediate Steps After an Accident
Taking the right steps immediately after an accident can significantly improve your ability to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and more. Here’s what you need to do at the scene:
1. Call the Police
Call the police right after an accident. They can redirect traffic to prevent further accidents and secure the scene. They also act as first responders, providing immediate assistance to injured parties until medical professionals arrive. They will produce a motor vehicle accident report that will be useful if you pursue a personal injury claim.
2. Get Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash, might not show symptoms right away. A physician’s assessment can diagnose whether you have any injuries and provide documentation for your insurance claim if car accident injuries appear later.
3. Exchange Information
Take a moment to exchange contact information and insurance details with the other drivers involved in the collision. This information is necessary for filing your insurance claim and for any follow-up communication.
4. Document the Accident
Take photos of the scene, all vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. The images can provide proof for your car accident case and accurately portray the accident’s impact.
5. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Have an experienced car accident attorney review the details of the car crash and explain your legal options. If you have a personal injury claim, our personal injury lawyers will offer to handle your case on a contingency fee basis. You won’t be charged any legal fee unless we obtain money for you. Most car accident cases settle without a jury trial.
Hiring an accident lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of your injury claim, especially if you sustained severe injuries. A lawyer understands the legal system and can navigate the claim process on your behalf. Our law firm can handle all the paperwork and legal procedures, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Our attorneys negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to demand the fair compensation our clients need.
If you have questions about a Kentucky car accident claim, contact Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer for assistance. We can handle the entire claim process for you and file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf if necessary. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Negotiating a Settlement
Negotiation is the crucial phase that may lead to auto accident settlements. Our attorneys will seek to negotiate an accident settlement that covers your losses and clears up the medical debt related to the accident. Here’s how it works.
The Demand Letter
After determining the extent of your losses, your attorney will submit a demand letter to the insurance company. The letter outlines the accident, the injuries you suffered, the treatment you received, and the amount of money you are seeking, including money for medical bills and lost wages. The letter states the amount you believe you deserve as compensation. This letter is your starting point for negotiations.
The Insurance Company’s Response
After receiving your demand letter, the insurance company will review it and may respond. They might accept your demand, but it’s more common for them to make a counteroffer or deny financial responsibility. The insurance company might try to minimize your claim by questioning the severity of your injuries or suggesting you were at fault for the accident.
The Negotiation Process
What follows is a series of back-and-forth negotiations between your lawyer and the insurance company. This process can take time. You need a lawyer who is prepared to dispute and disprove the insurance company’s misrepresentations, deal with their tactics designed to lessen your claim’s value, provide evidence to support your claim, and press for the maximum compensation possible.
Filing a Lawsuit If Necessary
Sometimes, negotiating a settlement doesn’t work out. If the insurance provider refuses to agree to a fair settlement, you might need to file a car accident lawsuit. For instance, you might decide to sue if the insurance company’s final offer is too low.
If you are considering filing a car accident lawsuit in Kentucky, you should be aware that you have a limited amount of time to do so. Kentucky law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit to recover damages due to your injury. You must start the process before the deadline, or you could lose your right to compensation.
Once you file a lawsuit, your case will move into the litigation phase. This starts with the discovery process, where both sides gather evidence, share documents, and interview witnesses. After discovery, the case might go to mediation or a settlement conference, where you try to reach an agreement without a trial. If that doesn’t work, the case is set for trial, where a judge or jury will decide the outcome based on the evidence that both sides present.
It’s essential to work with a reputable personal injury lawyer who understands the legal system and can guide you through each stage of your lawsuit.
What Affects the Timeline?
The amount of time needed to resolve a car accident injury claim can vary widely from a number of months to more than a year if a vehicle accident case goes to trial. Several factors that affect the length of auto accident cases include:
The Severity of Your Injuries
If you or others involved in the accident have serious injuries, your claim might take longer to settle. With serious injuries, it takes more time for you to reach maximum medical improvement and to understand the full financial impact of the injuries and how they will affect your life and work.
Complexity of Fault
If it’s not clear who was at fault for the accident or if multiple parties were involved, resolving the claim can take more time. Each side might have a different view of what happened, leading to disputes over car accident liability that require resolution through negotiation or court.
Insurance Company Delays and Tactics
Sometimes, insurance companies take a long time to respond to a claim or dispute its validity. These tactics are designed to delay the process, hoping you’ll eventually accept a lower settlement.
How Your Kentucky Car Accident Lawyer Helps
A Kentucky car accident lawyer with Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer will stand up for you if you have been seriously injured by another driver’s negligence. Our lawyers are known for the Kentucky Courage they display when fighting big insurance companies to help injured people. We know how to deal with insurance companies and make sure you’re treated fairly. If you’re dealing with a car accident claim in Kentucky, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for your free consultation.
