If you suffered injuries in a Laurel County, Kentucky, car accident caused by someone else, you need an experienced car wreck lawyer to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
A knowledgeable car accident lawyer with Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer will fight for the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial losses related to the auto accident. You should not have to bear the cost of someone else’s carelessness or negligence.
Our personal injury lawyers have the Kentucky Courage to pursue justice and just compensation for injured people in Laurel County. We have attorneys based in London, KY. Contact our law office today for a free consultation.
The Importance of Having a Car Accident Lawyer in Laurel County
Seeking the help of a car accident lawyer with extensive experience is critical if you are dealing with significant injuries from a car crash caused by another motorist. Having an experienced attorney who knows Laurel County and its people can make all the difference in the outcome of your injury claim.
A Laurel County car accident lawyer can handle all aspects of your case while you focus on recovering from your injuries. Your personal injury attorney will investigate the circumstances of the motor vehicle accident, gather critical evidence, and advise you of your legal options for pursuing compensation.
We understand phone calls, texts, emails and letters from an insurance company can be stressful. We are ready to handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies on your behalf. If the insurance company representing the at-fault driver refuses to agree to a fair settlement, our attorneys will go to court and demand justice for you.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Laurel County, KY
Car accidents occur for various reasons. The most common causes of collisions are driver errors such as:
- Speeding
- Driving while texting or otherwise distracted
- Driving too fast for traffic or weather conditions
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving while fatigued
- Following too closely
- Failure to follow the rules of the road
What You Need to Do After a Car Accident?
Knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath of a car wreck can be difficult, especially if you have suffered injuries. After you have called 911 and been evaluated at the scene by emergency medical personnel, you may be unsure of what to do next. Consider the following steps to protect your legal rights after a wreck:
- Contact a car accident attorney – Contact an experienced Laurel County personal injury lawyer immediately after the crash. By retaining an attorney early in your case, you will have a legal advocate on your side from the beginning to collect evidence that may not be available later. You can also refer any phone calls from insurance companies to your lawyer. Let an accomplished personal injury law firm handle your case while you focus on healing.
- Seek follow-up medical treatment – Even if you did not suffer any apparent injuries, follow up with your primary care physician or have an evaluation by a medical provider at an urgent care facility as soon as possible after the accident for further evaluation. Because some car accident injuries, such as concussions, are not immediately evident, you may need to see a trained medical professional for testing and a proper diagnosis.
- Gather evidence – If you can, take photos of the vehicles involved in an accident, the accident scene, and any nearby traffic signals or signs. You can also return to the scene to take photos if necessary. If you are injured, document your injuries through photos. You can also record your symptoms and pain in a journal. You should speak to eyewitnesses about the accident and obtain their contact information. The police will investigate the accident when they arrive. You can request a copy of the police report, which will be helpful if you pursue a car accident claim. You should not post on social media anything about how the wreck happened or how you were injured.
- Notify your insurance company – Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Your auto insurance policy likely contains a provision requiring you to notify the company in the event of an accident, even if it was not your fault. By promptly contacting your company, you will not inadvertently waive any coverage under your policy. Do not talk with any insurance company for the other driver. Let your attorney handle those contacts.
How To Prove Fault in a Car Accident?
To pursue a successful car accident claim or personal injury lawsuit, your attorney must prove that the other driver was at fault and is financially responsible for your injuries. Typically, an injury victim needs to establish that the other driver acted negligently and caused the collision.
To prove fault, your attorney will gather evidence to support your claim against the other driver.
This evidence in a car accident case typically includes:
- Police report
- Witness Statements
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Video surveillance footage from nearby businesses
- Medical records and bills
- Telephone records
- Payroll records
- Expert reports
The type of evidence you need depends on the specific facts of your case. At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, a skilled personal injury lawyer will develop your case based on the nature of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the evidence available.
Suppose you or your loved one suffered catastrophic injuries in an accident on a Laurel County highway. Our law firm might hire an accident reconstruction professional to analyze how the crash occurred and provide testimony to establish the at-fault party’s liability. If you cannot work due to the injuries sustained in the accident, our law firm may hire an ecnonomist to prepare a report supporting a claim of future lost wages. Each case is different, but you can count on our firm’s personalized legal services and advocacy.
How the Car Accident Insurance Claim Process Works in Kentucky?
The law enforcement officer who arrives at the accident scene will complete a report. If police do not come to the scene, you must complete a Civilian Traffic Collision Report Form.
You must report the car wreck to your insurance company. The company will assign a claim number and claims adjuster to your case and initiate their investigation to determine liability. You should speak with a personal injury attorney before giving a recorded statement to any insurance company. Your attorney can assist you with communications with the insurer.
Kentucky has a no-fault insurance system known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. If you have a PIP policy, your insurance company pays for your initial medical bills and a portion of your lost wages. You should have Personal Injury Protection as part of your auto insurance unless you specifically declined it.
At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, we will help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims and the legal process if your case goes to court. We understand it may be intimidating, especially when you are trying to recover from your injuries. With an experienced car accident attorney on your side, you can be confident all legal avenues for demanding financial compensation will be explored to seek a favorable result.
Difficulties in Calculating Car Accident Damages in a Lawsuit
Determining what financial damages you can pursue in a personal injury lawsuit can be difficult. While some losses are easily quantifiable, such as medical expenses or lost wages, non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, can be more challenging. An experienced personal injury attorney at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer can calculate the full extent of your losses.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, your lawyer may advise that you can pursue money for your economic losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. The attorney will request your medical records, obtain your payroll records, and calculate your losses. You may be eligible to pursue certain non-economic damages, including money for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of earning capacity, and loss of consortium for your spouse. Your attorney may confer with your medical providers about what care you need down the road to estimate your future medical costs.
Insurance companies sometimes make lowball settlement offers at the outset of a case. However, our attorneys have the Kentucky Courage to stand up to insurers and demand a full and fair settlement. If the insurer refuses to negotiate in good faith and offer a reasonable settlement, we will file a personal injury lawsuit and pursue the money you need in court.
Choose The Right Lawyer for Your Injury
If you need a car accident attorney in Laurel County, KY, or elsewhere in eastern Kentucky, turn to Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer. Our law firm has law offices in London, KY. One of our attorneys obtained a jury verdict in Laurel Circuit Court for more than $3,000,000 for a husband and wife that were injured by a negligent motorist. Our attorneys represent people seriously injured in car accidents and other motor vehicle accidents caused by the negligence of others. We are ready to advocate for your rights and help you seek maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact our Laurel County car accident lawyers at 877-809-5352 for a free consultation.
