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Car accidents can come out of nowhere, leaving you in a whirlwind of confusion and anxiety. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious collision, it’s important to understand the appropriate steps to take to protect your health, legal rights, and financial interests. If you ever feel overwhelmed or unsure, a car accident lawyer at our firm is just a phone call away.
1. Check for Injuries and Get to Safety
After any accident, the top priority is to check for injuries. Begin by assessing yourself and your passengers, and then check on others involved if it is safe to do so. Serious injuries? Call 911 to request emergency medical assistance.
If your vehicle poses a hazard or is at risk of being hit again (for example, if it is in the middle of a busy road), move it to a safe location, but only if it is safe to do so. Be sure to turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If you cannot move your vehicle safely, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.
2. Contact the Police
Under Kentucky law, you’re legally required to report a car accident if it involves:
- Injury or death
- Property damage exceeding $500
- A hit-and-run
- A crash involving a government vehicle
(See KRS § 189.635 for reporting requirements.)
Even if you believe the accident was only minor, calling the police is often the best course of action. Law enforcement officers will create an accident report that can serve as key evidence in insurance claims and future legal proceedings. An accident report includes details such as who was involved in the crash, where it took place, what injuries occurred, and who witnessed the event. When speaking with law enforcement, be cooperative but avoid speculating or admitting fault; stick to the facts.
3. Exchange Information with Other Drivers and Witnesses
After checking for injuries and alerting the authorities, get contact and insurance information from the other driver(s). You should collect:
- Full name and contact details
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Make, model, and color of the vehicles involved
Talk to any witnesses nearby, and get their names and contact information as well. Their testimony could help back up your version of events if fault is disputed. Keep the conversation respectful and brief. Don’t argue, place blame, or admit fault; those determinations are best left to investigators, attorneys, and insurers.
4. Capture Evidence
One of the most important steps to take after a car crash is to gather evidence at the scene, if you’re physically able. Your phone is your best tool here. Take photos or even videos of:
- The vehicles (damage, location, angle of impact)
- Skid marks, debris, road conditions, or traffic signs
- Injuries (if visible and appropriate)
- The scene as a whole
This documentation can support your version of events and strengthen your insurance claim. Even seemingly minor details, such as the weather or lighting, can become important later.
5. Seek Medical Attention
It’s not uncommon to feel “fine” immediately after a crash. But many injuries, like whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma, don’t show symptoms right away. That’s why you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you think your injuries are minor. Getting prompt treatment protects your health and creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident, something insurers will look for when evaluating your claim. Delays in treatment can hurt both your recovery and your case.
6. Notify Your Insurer
You generally need to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as reasonably possible, ideally within 24 to 48 hours. Some policies even include specific timeframes.
When notifying your insurer:
- Be honest and provide the basic facts.
- Avoid speculating or assigning blame.
- Do not agree to a recorded statement without legal advice.
If the other driver’s insurer contacts you, you are not obligated to speak with them. In fact, it’s wise to consult a Louisville car accident attorney before engaging with any insurance adjusters.
7. Keep a Record of All Accident-Related Documentation
After the accident, it’s crucial to organize all documents related to the crash and your injuries, including:
- Medical records and bills
- Photos and videos
- Police report and incident number
- Insurance claim correspondence
- Repair estimates
- Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses (towing, rental cars, etc.)
- Notes about your pain, physical limitations, or missed work
Keeping everything in one folder or digital file will help you (and your attorney) build a strong case. Thorough documentation makes it easier to prove damages and justify your claim.
8. Reach Out to a Car Accident Lawyer in Louisville
Not every crash requires a lawyer, but if you’ve suffered injuries, missed work, or are facing pushback from insurers, contacting a lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take.
An attorney can:
- Investigate the crash and gather evidence.
- Handle communication with insurers.
- Help establish fault and liability.
- Negotiate for full and fair compensation.
- Take your case to court if necessary.
You should especially contact a lawyer if:
- You suffered serious injuries or long-term impairment.
- There’s a dispute over who caused the accident.
- The other driver is uninsured or underinsured.
- The insurer is offering a low settlement or denying your claim.
At Louisville Injury Law Firm, we offer free consultations to help you understand your options before making any decisions. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win.
Knowing What To Do Can Make All the Difference
Being in a car accident is scary and stressful, but what you do immediately after matters. Taking the proper steps protects not just your physical health, but also your legal rights and financial future. By documenting the scene, seeking prompt medical care, and speaking with an attorney, you put yourself in the best position to recover and move forward with confidence.
At Louisville Injury Law Firm, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost income, or just unsure of your next move, we can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Schedule a consultation to learn about your options.