Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC helps anyone that’s been hurt in a Kentucky car accident. There’s a lot of different types of car accidents you could be involved in, but one of the most common–and harmful–is a head-on collision. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in one of these accidents, our Kentucky car accident lawyers are here to offer legal support. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Should You Hire a Lawyer After a Head-on Collision in Kentucky?
Kentucky law doesn’t require you to hire a lawyer for car accidents, but if you’ve been in a serious head-on collision, having a lawyer can make a huge difference. So, you should definitely consider hiring a lawyer after one of these accidents, and our team has a proven track-record of success in helping clients like you. Here’s what we can do:
- Explain your rights and options
- Help you collect and present evidence
- Look into how the accident happened and figure out who’s responsible
- Negotiate with insurance companies
Our goal is to make the legal process as smooth as possible so you can focus on your recovery. You have the choice to work with us. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning no upfront costs for you.
What Steps Do You Need to Take After a Head-on Collision?
While you certainly have legal options when you’re hurt in a head-on collision, you can’t think about that right away. In fact, the only thing you should focus on is your health and safety. But at the same time, certain steps need to be taken after your accident so you can not only take care of your health, but your potential claim:
- Get to safety and call 911 – Again, the first thing you should address is your health. Call 911 for an ambulance. Even if you feel fine due to adrenaline, get checked out by EMTs. Delaying medical care might impact your insurance claim later.
- Report the accident to police – Call the Kentucky State Police (KSP) or local police to report the accident. Reporting the accident is vital, and the police will create an accident report that will have important information. While this report might not be used as evidence in a lawsuit, it’s valuable for your insurance claim.
- Collect other information – Once you’re safe and have medical care, gather details about the accident. Take photos and videos of your vehicle and any injuries. If you’re uncomfortable getting information from the other driver, ask the police for help.
Obviously, every accident situation is different. However, taking these steps are going to apply to most every head-on collision. It’s also important for setting up your potential claim.
What Claim Options Do You Have After a Head-on Collision?
When it comes to your options for filing an injury claim after you’re in a head-on collision, the process looks very similar to any other car accident in Kentucky. This means you generally can:
- File an insurance claim – If your injuries and vehicle damage are relatively minor, you might handle it through an insurance claim, receive a settlement, and move on.
- File a lawsuit – For more serious injuries and extensive damage, start with an insurance claim and consider a lawsuit if necessary.
In either case, an insurance company will be involved. Which one depends on who is liable for the accident. This is actually a pretty important part of the process, since the liable person will be the one that has to pay for your damages. The legal standard for liability involves figuring out who acted negligently and caused the accident, which could be:
- Another driver
- Passengers or pedestrians
- Car or part manufacturers
- Government agencies
Once liability is established and your claim is filed, you can potentially recover things like:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care needs
- Lost income or earning potential
- Repair/replacement costs for your vehicle or other damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses, if your injuries end up being fatal
- Punitive damages, if the negligence was intentional or especially reckless
Even if it’s clear who is at fault, your claim’s success depends on the evidence and how you present it. In Kentucky, you must file your claim within one year of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you might not be able to get damages at all.
How Do Head-on Collisions Happen in Kentucky?
While liability might not be all that complicated in a head-on collision, every accident is unique. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t common underlying causes of head-on collisions. So, when you’re involved in one in Kentucky, you can be fairly sure that they were caused by the following:
- Speeding – Speeding reduces your reaction time and control, increasing the risk of severe accidents. High speeds can lead to more significant injuries and property damage.
- Texting and driving – Texting while driving diverts attention and impairs reaction times, making accidents more likely. Distractions can lead to serious injuries or fatalities.
- Impaired driving – Driving under the influence impairs judgment and coordination, heightening the risk of accidents. The results can be devastating, often causing severe injuries or deaths.
- Drowsy driving – Drowsy driving reduces alertness and reaction time, increasing the risk of crashes. Falling asleep at the wheel can lead to serious accidents and injuries.
- Illegal passing – Many head-on collisions happen when cars try to pass illegally, such as on a double line. These accidents can result in severe injuries, especially to the face, neck, and head.
In head-on accidents, even with airbags, you can get serious injuries like damage to your head, neck, and spine. Other common injuries are cuts that may leave scars, internal organ damage, broken facial bones, brain injuries, broken bones, paralysis, whiplash, and back strains. These can lead to long-lasting health problems and severe pain. This makes your claim and what damages you’re able to get very important to your overall recovery. Our team can guide you through the process and make sure you have a strong claim.
Experienced Kentucky Head-on Collision Lawyers
Being in a head-on collision is never what you want to happen in Kentucky. These accidents can leave you and your family facing hard questions and major losses. Our Kentucky car accident lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC will be there to fight for your claim and make sure whoever is responsible is held accountable. If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a head-on collision in Kentucky, contact us today for a free consultation.
