Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC helps answer important questions car accident victims have in Louisville. When you’ve been injured in a car accident, you’re probably wondering what all you’ll need for a claim. Our team can answer these and any other questions you have about the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Do You Need a Police Report to File an Insurance Claim After a Car Accident in Louisville?
The aftermath of a car accident can be pretty confusing, since you have to deal with injuries while also trying to get important information you’ll need for a claim. The police can help manage the accident scene and usually make a report, but the question is: do you need it for your claim?
The answer depends on the situation. You don’t need a police report to file an insurance claim, but having one is extremely helpful. These reports usually have important information that you could use to start your claim, like:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Driver names and contact info
- Witness statements
- Vehicle and damage descriptions
- Early decision on fault
However, if your case goes past an insurance claim into a lawsuit, you actually can’t use the police report as evidence. In Kentucky, accident reports are helpful for figuring out fault and liability, but they can’t be used as evidence in court because they rely on hearsay. This is another reason why you don’t technically need a police report to file your claim. So then, the question then becomes, what is the claims process like?
What is the Claims Process Like After a Louisville Car Accident?
Again, the claims process after a car accident in Louisville generally has two paths: insurance out of court or a lawsuit inside the court system.
The insurance claim process is much less formal, but it’s also totally controlled by the insurance company itself. This means that you submit the claim to them, they evaluate it, then decide if they offer you a settlement. In most car accidents where their insured is at-fault, they’ll offer a low settlement in the hopes that you’ll take it.
On the other hand, a lawsuit is much more formal, taking place under a judge in civil court. The process is pretty similar, with both sides presenting evidence and arguing for their case. When you file a claim, your overall goal is to recover damages, like:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care needs
- Lost wages or earning potential
- Repair/replacement costs for your car
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life or companionship
- Wrongful death expenses for fatal accidents
Whether you decide to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit, you have one year from the date of the accident to file. Miss this deadline, and you can’t recover damages in a claim at all.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Claim After a Car Accident in Louisville?
One of the toughest parts of any car accident in Louisville is the aftermath. It’s a pretty stressful time, especially if you’re seriously injured. While this makes everything more difficult, there’s certain steps that need to be taken to protect your claim:
- Get to a safe place – If it’s safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries, and call 911 for help.
- Exchange insurance information – Share your contact and insurance details with the other drivers involved in the accident.
- Report the accident – Call the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) to respond to the scene, especially if there are injuries, significant damage, or if others involved aren’t cooperating.
- Get medical care once EMTs arrive – Once an ambulance arrives, let them assess and treat any immediate injuries. Follow up with a doctor or visit an emergency room for further treatment if you don’t know how hurt you are.
- Start getting evidence – Take photos and videos of the scene, including vehicle damage, injuries, and relevant road signs.
- Call your insurance carrier – Report the accident to your insurance company to start their claims process.
- Keep records of damages – Save all important documents, like medical bills, repair estimates, and communications with insurance companies.
While every car accident in Louisville is different, following these steps can help protect your health and strengthen your claim. From there, our team can provide you with valuable legal support and guidance as you make your way through the claims process.
Get Help From Kaufman & Stigger After a Louisville Car Accident
Even though car accidents happen frequently in Louisville, you probably don’t think about what to do until you’re in one. While it may seem unlikely, accidents do happen, and when they do, you have legal options. In Kentucky, there’s no law requiring you to have a lawyer, and for minor accidents, legal action might not be necessary.
However, car accidents can cause serious injuries, and the more severe your injuries, the more help you’ll likely need. Our team of Louisville car accident lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC is here to help. Here’s how:
- Investigation – We’ll thoroughly investigate the accident to determine what caused it.
- Gathering evidence – We’ll help you get key evidence to strengthen your case.
- Talking to witnesses and experts – We’ll speak to witnesses and consult with experts to gain valuable insights.
- Communications – We’ll handle all communications with the insurance companies and the other party’s lawyers.
- Negotiating a fair settlement – We’ll fight to secure the best possible settlement for your case.
We focus on what’s most important to you. Our team prioritizes your needs, and we offer free consultations with a contingency-fee arrangement, so you pay nothing upfront. This allows you to focus on your recovery and your family. Contact us today to set up your free consultation to get started.
