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DIY Guide: Filing an Insurance Claim for Personal Injury in Kentucky

Imagine this – you’ve been rear-ended by another vehicle on the highway. Your back immediately hurts and your car is severely damaged. What do you do?

One of your options is filing a personal injury claim. The claim is a request for financial compensation from an insurance company for damages sustained in a car accident.

Filing an insurance claim can be complex, as the laws surrounding fault and compensation vary by state. In Kentucky, an injured person can seek compensation through a personal injury claim on their own. However, it can help immensely to have the assistance of a lawyer experienced in car accident injuries. To file your own insurance claim, it’s important to understand the concepts and state-specific regulations.

This page is a DIY guide meant to guide Kentucky residents through the process of filing a claim with their insurance.

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Filing an Insurance Claim for Personal Injury in Kentucky

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Understand Kentucky’s No-Fault Insurance System

Kentucky follows the coverage and limitations set under the 1975 Motor Vehicle Reparations Act, KRS 304.39. The two components under this act include personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and the limitations on a person’s right to sue and be sued. The PIP covers medical expenses and lost wages resulting from an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Basic PIP coverage is up to $10,000 per person for medical expenses, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs.

The Kentucky Department of Insurance explains that when a person becomes injured in an accident, they can file a claim for basic PIP benefits with insurance for the vehicle occupied at the time of the collision, or the vehicle they were struck by if they were a pedestrian. An injured person struck by a vehicle without insurance can recover basic PIP benefits from their policy or to the Kentucky Assigned Claims Plan. The only person not entitled to basic PIP benefits are vehicle owners without insurance.

An injured person seeking to file a claim would reach out to the insurance company to notify them of the accident, along with the resulting injuries and damages. However, prior to making the call to the insurer, it’s important to first assess the accident and gather key evidence to support the claim.

Assess the Accident and Your Injuries

As the dust settles on the collision, your biggest concern should be your safety. If possible, contact the police and an ambulance to respond to the accident. You should be checked out by a medical professional. This will identify any immediate injuries and help develop medical documentation. A police officer can review the crash site, interview the other parties involved, and help to assert who was at fault. If an officer did not respond to your accident, you must file a Civilian Collision Report within 10 days.

Gather Key Information and Evidence

If you are seeking to be awarded compensation for your car accident injuries, you must obtain information to support the claim.

Immediately following the crash, collect these essential details:

  • Police reports;
  • Photos of the crash site;
  • Driver information of all parties involved;
  • Insurance information;
  • Contact details of witnesses; and
  • Images of injuries and car damage.

Throughout medical treatment for injuries, collect and maintain documents that outline:

    • Extent of injuries;
    • Medical treatment;
    • Necessary medical equipment; and
    • All medical bills and receipts.

This information is imperative to file a personal injury claim. Once you have collected the necessary evidence and paperwork that supports your case, you can notify your insurance company of the wreck.

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Notify Your Insurance Company

When communicating with an insurance adjuster to file a personal injury claim, it’s important to remain professional, cautious, and well-prepared. Ensure that you’ve collected all essential documents such as the police report, medical records, repair estimates, and witness statements. This can allow you to provide accurate information without hesitation. Some advice on speaking with insurance companies includes the following:

  • Timing is Key – Under Kentucky law, you are required to notify your insurance company of an accident as soon as possible. The statute of limitations for a personal injury case in Kentucky is typically one year from the incident. However, a person injured in an accident involving a motor vehicle has two years from the date of the collision to file a claim. Attempting to do so past the statute of limitations could result in the claim getting barred.
  • What to Say – Keep it brief and stick to the basic facts—the date, time, and location of the collision. Answer the adjuster’s questions honestly but avoid giving unnecessary details. Don’t offer opinions or guesses about the accident or injuries. If you are still undergoing treatment or don’t yet know the full extent of the injuries, say that.
  • Avoid admitting fault – Don’t make any statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Since Kentucky follows the comparative fault rule, admitting even partial fault could result in your compensation becoming reduced.

Before discussing negotiations and settlements, we should first discuss what compensation is even available in a personal injury case. In short, the case value will be dependent on the unique circumstances of the case. That means the severity of injuries, property damage, and extent of medical care will all add value to the injured person’s case. Otherwise known as the damages in a personal injury case, this can include:

  • Past, present, and projected medical expenses;
  • Lost wages and benefits;
  • Diminished earning potential;
  • Property damage; and
  • Wrongful death.

Insurance adjusters will offer settlements based on how much the injury has impacted your daily life. While you can determine this on your own, the best way to assess the potential value of a personal injury case is by consulting with a Kentucky personal injury attorney.  

Negotiating a Settlement

When it comes time to negotiate a settlement for your claim, there are a few things you should be aware of. Insurance adjusters will typically start with a low settlement offer to see if you’ll accept it. Be prepared to try and negotiate, and avoid accepting the first offer, especially if you have not completed medical treatment.

Calculating your damages and knowing the full value of your claim before discussing a settlement is ideal for dealing with insurance adjusters. While it is in the insurance company’s interest to close the case quickly, you do not have to accept an offer until you are confident all the medical treatment is complete and that you fully understand the extent of your injuries.

Even if the adjuster is being difficult, it is always best to remain polite and professional. Becoming defensive or emotional can hurt your credibility and could work against you in the negotiation phase. Try not to feel pressured. While adjusters may attempt to apply pressure to quickly settle, you should not accept less than your claim is worth. Stay firm, be patient, and don’t let yourself be rushed into a decision.

If you’re not confident with speaking to insurance adjusters, you can always hire a Kentucky personal injury attorney to represent your case.

What If Your Claim Is Denied?

In some cases, a personal injury claim can be denied. This can happen for a variety of reasons, ranging from disputes about liability to technical issues. If you are planning to file your own claim, it is important to understand the reasons for getting denied and how to appeal it.

Common reasons why a personal injury claim is denied include:

  • Failure to seek medical attention – A claim may get denied if the injured person did not seek immediate medical treatment, arguing that the injuries were not as severe as is being claimed.
  • Insufficient evidence of liability – A claim may get denied if there is not enough evidence to prove the other person was at fault. The comparative fault system reduces compensation for shared fault, or in some cases denies a claim if you are found primarily at fault.
  • Missed deadlines – A claim that is not filed within the statute of limitations are likely to get denied.
  • Discrepancies in reports – A claim may get denied when it has information from the claimant that differs from the information in the police report or medical report.
  • Pre-existing conditions – A claim may get denied if the insurance company argues that your injuries were the result of a pre-existing condition and not from the accident.
  • Insufficient insurance coverage – A claim may get denied if the injured person’s medical expenses exceed their PIP limits and the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance coverage.

You can seek to appeal the denied claim by requesting a reconsideration. You can write a formal letter that outlines why you believe the denial was in error, along with providing any additional evidence to support your claim. You should try and communicate with the insurance adjuster directly on the denial and clarify any misunderstandings. If the claim is still denied after sending an appeal, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Whether you need help with an appeal or seeking litigation, a Kentucky personal injury attorney with Morrin Law can assist you with your case.

When to Consult a Lawyer

Although this guide is meant to explain how to file a personal injury claim on your own, it’s also worth noting when to consult with a legal professional. In some cases, the surrounding circumstances of a collision may be complex or confusing. For example, a person who suffers life-altering injuries, wrongful death, or in cases where insurance limits are exceeded. Additionally, in cases where a claim is denied or offered a too-low settlement, an attorney can help.

The personal injury lawyers with Morrin Law are experts in car accident cases. Whether you were involved in a collision with a semi-truck, motorcycle, commercial motor vehicle, or pedestrian, our attorneys can represent your case. We can guide you through each step of the process, and even contact the insurance adjusters on your behalf.

This guide can help you file a personal injury claim on your own—but if you’re not confident or happy with the results, bring your case to Morrin Law Office. We can review your case during a risk-free evaluation and determine if we can add significant value. 

Contact Morrin Law Office Today

Understanding Kentucky’s insurance laws and the claims process is crucial when filing a personal injury claim after a car accident. It’s essential to keep detailed records of all documents, from accident reports to medical bills, and be aware of when legal help may be necessary. Acting promptly, staying informed, and being cautious in your dealings with insurance adjusters can make a difference in the process of your claim. When in doubt or faced with a denial, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact the attorneys with Morrin Law at (859) 358-0300 to schedule a free consultation today.

Contact the Kentucky Personal Injury Attorneys with Morrin Law

If you’ve been injured at the hands of another person or company’s negligence, you should not be held responsible for any resulting damages. It is already hard enough to go through the physical pain of an injury, on top of the mental anguish that may come with missing work or piling medical bills. If you’ve recently been injured by a semi-truck collision, consider hiring a personal injury attorney with Morrin Law.

Our personal injury attorneys have the knowledge and legal insight to accurately represent your case. We understand the ins and outs of litigation in Kentucky and can take on the bulk of the work by negotiating with insurance companies and the at-fault party on your behalf. If your case requires going to trial, our attorneys will fight to ensure that you receive fair compensation to support your injuries.

Contact the office of Morrin Law Office today at (859) 358-0300 to receive a free case evaluation to go over the details of your Kentucky semi-truck accident. Our firm works on a contingency basis, so we only win when you do!

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Given the sheer size and weight of a commercial truck, it is no surprise that they can cause extensive damage and injuries to those involved in a truck collision. You may be facing long-term injuries that require extensive time and money. This is where a personal injury claim can benefit those who have become victims of a truck accident. If you file a personal injury claim in Kentucky and it is successful, you may be able to receive compensation for any past, present, or future damage caused by the collision.

  • Medical expenses;
  • Lost wages;
  • Pain and suffering;
  • Funeral expenses for wrongful death; or
  • Any other accident-related expenses.

It is important to first consult with a personal injury attorney when filing a claim. An experienced attorney can review your case to help determine your injuries and the impact it has caused on your life.

Get Started on Your Case Today with Morrin Law Firm

At the Law Offices of Morrin Law, we aim to be more than just a legal firm. Our goal is to be your resolute representative and partner throughout your healing journey. Car accidents can be devastating, even resulting in potential wrongful death. If you were injured in a Kentucky car collision and believe you are entitled to compensation due to another person’s negligence, consider hiring one of our experienced personal injury attorneys.

We provide new clients with a risk-free case evaluation when you call us at (859) 358-0300.