How to Handle a Kentucky Car Accident Injury Claim Yourself
By Robert A. Morrin
Kentucky Car Accident Lawyer, Rob Morrin, of the Richmond, KY law firm Morrin Law Office, has written a free guide to handling your own car accident injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Rob loves getting questions about the process and helping anyway he can, even if you don’t need to hire an attorney.
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How to Handle Your Kentucky Car Accident Injury Claim Yourself
Steps to Take
- Document the Accident Scene: Immediately following the accident, gather as much evidence as possible including photos of the vehicles, damage, injuries, road conditions, and any relevant signage.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, get a medical evaluation. Not only is it important for your health, but it also documents the injuries. Keep detailed records of your treatments, diagnoses, and medical bills.
- Notify Your Car Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Most insurance companies include language in their contracts that requires prompt notification of accidents.
- Get Better: In Kentucky, if you are badly hurt by another in a car accident caused by their negligence then you have a duty to seek treatment for any injuries claimed as a result of the accident.
- Calculate Your Damages: Before sending a letter to the car insurance company demanding they pay you fair value for your injuries, you need to actually calculate the full value of your damages.
- Draft Your Demand: In many car accident injury cases it’s appropriate to draft the settlement demand after you reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). The demand letter is one of the most critical components when handling your claim.
- Negotiation and Follow-Up: After sending your demand letter, the insurance company will likely respond by either denying your claim or offering you a very small settlement compared to what they should pay. Be prepared to negotiate.