A car accident can not only change your life in the blink of an eye, but it can also place many things on your to-do list that you don’t have time for, such as filing an insurance claim or maybe even a lawsuit. You may also be confused about what you should do next to ensure your physical, mental, and financial health.
If you were injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, a Lexington car accident lawyer from Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers could help you navigate your lawsuit and pursue the financial compensation you deserve. We are standing by to assist you in your time of need.
Reporting Your Car Accident
Suppose someone is involved in a car accident and does not call the police immediately. In that case, Kentucky law requires that they file a Civilian Collision Report with theKentucky State Police within ten days of the incident. This only applies if property damage totals more than $500 or if the car accident resulted in the injury or death of any involved parties.
For a free legal consultation with a car accidents lawyer serving Lexington, call 800-333-9999
What Is Choice No-Fault Car Insurance?
Kentucky is a “choice no-fault” state for car insurance. That means drivers can choose between “at-fault” and “no-fault” insurance.
No-Fault Insurance
Drivers with no-fault insurance are required to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP pays for expenses after a car accident, no matter who is at fault.
According toKy. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 304.39-060, drivers who have no-fault insurance cannot file a lawsuit to recover additional compensation unless their medical bills total more than $1,000 or they have suffered a severe or disabling injury (including one or more broken bones or permanent or disfiguring injuries).
If you have no-fault insurance, you will file a claim with your insurance company for your medical expenses and lost wages after a car accident in Lexington, Kentucky. Basic PIP provides up to $10,000 per person per accident, but you can purchase a higher coverage amount if you choose. PIP coverage will not compensate for non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering.
At-Fault Insurance
Drivers can choose to complete a no-fault rejection form and submit it to theKentucky Department of Insurance. If you previously waived no-fault insurance and are in an accident that is not your fault, you maintain the right to submit a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or file a lawsuit against them.
It is best to hire an attorney as soon as possible. As time passes, evidence could be lost or destroyed. Injured drivers generally have two years from the day of the accident to file a lawsuit (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 304.39-230). If you have hired a Lexingtoncar accident lawyer, they can help you collect evidence and relevant documents to file your claim.
Lexington Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-333-9999
Are You Eligible for Financial Compensation?
If you qualify to file a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party, your attorney must prove that the at-fault party’s actions directly led to the accident. Your potential compensation, or damages, will fall under three different categories:
Economic Damages
These are monetary losses, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages (if you have to take time off work to receive medical treatment and recover from your accident), and lost potential earnings (if you have to work fewer hours or find a new job because of your injuries).
Non-Economic Damages
These are non-monetary losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost quality of life.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded in rare circumstances only if the at-fault party committed gross negligence or if their acts were intentional. These damages are not meant to compensate the plaintiff for anything they experienced during or after the accident. Instead, punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault driver for their actions that led to the accident.
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What Does It Cost to Hire a Lexington Car Accident Lawyer?
When you work with us at Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers, you don’t need to be concerned about paying any upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs. We work on a contingency-fee-basis, which means our law firm does not charge fees or costs unless we win your case or settle outside of court.
If we help you earn fair compensation, we will take a percentage of that award, which we will make you aware of from the beginning of our lawyer-client relationship. However, you don’t owe our firm anything if you don’t recover anything.
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Can Issacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers Help You?
Our attorneys at Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers are always ready to support our clients, protect their rights, and do all we can to help them get the maximum compensation they deserve. Our law firm has helped clients in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio recover over $2 billion in settlements.
We have an in-house litigation team, Spanish-speaking attorneys and paralegals, and a combined legal experience of over 400 years. Also, our firm has an on-site mock courtroom, where clients facing a trial can practice and become familiar with court procedures.
Lexington Car Accident Law Office
A car accident can change your entire life. Don’t let the hospital bill or the insurance company ruin your recovery – call Issacs and Issacs, the Lexington car accident lawyers, today! Our goal is to help you receive every penny you deserve. We work hard to make sure our clients are compensated for their injuries. If you’ve been injured in a crash, contact us immediately.
Our team offers free case evaluations. You don’t pay unless we win.
What Steps Should I Take After A Lexington Car Accident?
If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, here are some steps you should take:
- Check to make sure everyone is okay. If someone appears hurt, call 9-1-1. You don’t want to wait too long because emergency personnel won’t arrive quickly enough to help.
- Make sure everyone gets out of the vehicle safely. Do not move the injured person unless necessary. Check for physical injuries on everyone involved in the crash. Take note of all of the injury victims. Render assistance as needed.
- Stay calm. Your emotions could affect how well you react during an emergency situation.
- Get names and contact info for witnesses. Note any other accident victims. This way, you’ll know who to call for follow-up questions and witness statements.
- Keep track of the location of the crash. Write down where you parked, where the vehicles came to rest, etc.
- Document the incident. Photographs and video footage can be evidence in case something goes wrong. It can help determine who the negligent driver was.
- Make sure you retain copies of all of your medical records. The insurance company will need access to these documents related to your insurance policy.
- Contact an experienced car accident attorney near you in Lexington.
Do I Have a Car Accident Claim in Lexington, KY?
If you are involved in a car accident in Kentucky, completing the proper paperwork and contacting your insurance provider as soon as possible is important. This includes filing a police report and contacting your insurance agent about making a claim. If you do not act quickly enough, there could be consequences such as paying higher premiums due to increased risk.
In addition to filling out the police report, you must call your insurance provider to ensure that you are covered under your policy. You may want to include information about how much damage was done to your vehicle. Also, keep documentation of the repairs and medical bills.
Fill Out Your Police Report Immediately After An Auto Accident
The police report is one of the most crucial pieces of paper you need to collect after a car crash. This document contains information like the date and time of the collision, its location, the names of everyone involved, and the type of damages sustained.
You should complete a police report within 24 hours of the accident, even if you do not feel physically hurt. In some cases, the police officer may ask you to wait longer, depending on what happened during the accident. For example, if someone else caused the accident, you might be asked to wait until the person is arrested. However, you should still fill out a police report if you are injured. Try to note if the negligent party (the at-fault drive) was drunk driving or was impaired by alcohol or drugs. It’s important to document drunk drivers in the accident reports as early as possible. It makes determining the negligent parties easier in a car accident lawsuit in the State of Kentucky.
Call Your Insurance Company About Making A Claim
After the police report is filed, you should call your insurance provider to discuss whether you are eligible for coverage. You may be able to recover compensation for your losses, including lost wages, property damage, and medical expenses.
Contacting your insurance provider can help ensure that you receive the benefits you deserve after being involved in a car crash.
Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer for Your Accident Claim
Accidents happen every day. Sometimes it’s because someone else is negligent; sometimes, it’s just plain old bad luck. Either way, accidents are stressful enough without dealing with the legal process. If you’ve been involved in an accident, taking steps now is important to protect yourself and your family. Here are some things to consider when hiring a lawyer for your accident claim.
What type of case do I have?
There are three main types of cases if you’re injured in an auto accident. These include bodily injury claims, property damage, and personal injury claims. Each one requires different skills and knowledge. For example, if you’re hurt in an auto accident, you might want to hire a personal injury attorney to handle the case. This person will know how to navigate the complicated court system and file paperwork correctly. They will also know what documents to gather and where to send them.
How much does my case cost?
At Isaacs and Issacs we work on a contingency fee basis. That means that you pay no up-front fees for legal representation in your case or personal injury lawsuit. At the end of your case, your personal injury lawyer will take a previously agreed-upon percentage of your settlement as payment. Our law office has recovered over $2 billion in damages due to negligent actions.
Who should I choose?
When choosing a lawyer, ask around for recommendations. Ask friends, coworkers, and even your doctor about their experiences. Look up reviews online. Check out Yelp and Angie’s List sites to see what others think of the lawyer. Once you’ve narrowed your list, contact each potential lawyer and schedule a consultation. You’ll learn about their experience level, qualifications, and fee structure during this meeting. Then, you’ll decide whether you want to retain their services. Your best bet is to contact us here at Isaacs and Issacs. We have represented accident victims here in Lexington for many years. We understand the local laws, such as the statute of limitations.
What Compensation Can Be Recovered in a Lexington Car Crash Claim?
In Kentucky, you are entitled to compensation for economic losses caused by someone else’s negligence. These include medical bills, missed work days, and even car repairs. You can also receive noneconomic damages, such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress. However, some people don’t realize how limited these types of damages truly are.
We handle cases involving these types of damages from accident injuries:
- Loss of earning capacity
- Severe injuries
- Mental anguish
- Medical treatment
- Brain injuries
- Catastrophic injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Physical impairment
- Permanent injuries
- Spinal cord injury
If you suffer one of these types of damage and require medical care, it could mean losing out on financial support for yourself and your family. If you decide to pursue a claim, you must file a lawsuit within the time limit imposed by the statute of limitations. Otherwise, you lose your right to seek recovery for those damages.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
Car accidents are upsetting and overwhelming. The injuries and property damage you have experienced may be difficult to recover from financially and emotionally. In some cases, a car accident can permanently change your life.
Our attorneys at Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers understand that the period after a car accident in Lexington can be extremely difficult. That is why we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the legal process and helping them receive fair compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, call 1-800-800-8888 for your free consultation with expert legal counsel today.
Call or text 800-333-9999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
