Whether you travel extensively for work or take the same route every day, there’s always the chance of ending up in an accident. Even if you’re a safe, responsible driver, there’s no way to predict what actions a negligent driver will take. If you find yourself the victim of a crash, our Elizabethtown car accident lawyers can provide you with the legal guidance and representation you need to successfully seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
Common Auto Accidents in Elizabethtown
Part of building a successful personal injury claim involves understanding what type of crash you were in. There are a number of ways a collision can occur. Determining the type can lead to figuring out why the incident happened in the first place.
At Thomas Law Offices, we have extensive experience investigating accident scenes and related evidence to determine the type of accident our client was in. Some of the most common types we see include:
- Rear-End Collisions. Rear-end accidents are often the result of distracted driving. No matter what type of roadway a person is on, if they’re not looking at the road, their hands are off the wheel, or their mind isn’t focused on the task at hand, they could miss a vehicle stopping or slowing down in front of them. These often take place at intersections with stoplights. All those involved are at risk for whiplash, especially if the following driver is driving fast.
- Side-Impact Crashes. Also common at intersections, side-impact crashes, or “T-bone” accidents, can seriously injure those who are on the side of impact. Speeding through traffic lights or ignoring stop signs can result in this type of accident.
- Head-On Accidents. Often the deadliest accident type, head-on collisions typically happen when a driver is distracted or intoxicated. Fatigue can also result in a driver veering into the wrong lane and striking a vehicle head-on.
- Vehicle Rollovers. Larger passenger vehicles and tractor-trailers are more likely to rollover because of their higher center of gravity. Taking a turn too fast or hitting a patch of black ice can easily result in an accident that flips the vehicle.
- Multi-Vehicle Pileup. When an accident occurs in heavy traffic, especially on highways and interstates, it’s possible for more than one or two vehicles to get involved. This is especially true when commercial trucks are involved. When multiple vehicles crash, it can be harder to determine who’s at fault.
- Sideswipe Wrecks. When cars travel on multilane roads, there’s a chance for a sideswipe accident. Often the result of improper merging or lane changes, or blind spots, sideswipe collisions can result in serious injuries if either driver loses control and swerves off the road.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Care After a Crash
Car accident injuries vary significantly and often depend on the type of crash, how fast the vehicles were traveling, and the health status of the occupants prior to the crash. Even if you feel okay after a wreck, seeking medical attention is crucial for multiple reasons.
For one, not all injuries are automatically symptomatic. You could have injuries, like whiplash, that can take time to develop. If you neglect to seek treatment immediately after the wreck, your injuries could worsen, and your recovery will be longer.
There’s also the matter of your car accident claim. If you choose to file a claim, the insurance company is going to want to see proof of injury. If you didn’t go to the doctor, you won’t have the documents to prove the accident caused you harm. If you went to the doctor weeks later, the adjuster could make the claim that you were injured after the accident.
How Car Accident Investigations Work in Kentucky
If a crash resulting in injuries occurs on a Kentucky roadway, it’s possible three separate investigations could be conducted. Law enforcement officials generally conduct the first investigation, as they’re first to arrive at the scene. They’ll collect contact information from both drivers, ask for statements, take photographs of the scene, and seek out witnesses. The information they record will be put in an official police report, which can be utilized by your attorney.
If you file a claim with the insurance company, the adjuster assigned to the case will conduct their own investigation. In addition to the police report, they’ll want medical records, physician statements, and details from you regarding what happened. When you speak with the adjuster, it’s best to have your lawyer present, as they may ask leading questions in an attempt to lower your settlement offer.
The third investigation is conducted by your car accident lawyer. We’ll gather the same documents and records as the insurance adjuster, but we can take evidence collection a step further. If it will help your case, we can hire an accident reconstructionist to draw conclusions about your crash. They’ll employ the laws of physics and engineering to determine the cause and contributing factors. In cases where determining liability is a challenge, this is particularly useful.
A Law Office You Can Trust
If you’re overwhelmed after a car accident, seeking guidance from a reputable Elizabethtown car accident lawyer can ease your concerns and put you on the path to receiving the compensation you need to get your life back in order.
When you work with Thomas Law Offices, we’ll handle the difficult aspects of your claim for you, like the paperwork and conversation with insurance companies. That way, you can focus on your recovery. Working with us also maximizes your chances of receiving full and fair compensation, as we’ll make sure nothing jeopardizes your chances of receiving monetary recovery.
The car accident claim process can take time, and it’s important to remember that your claim is subject to the state’s statute of limitations. To avoid losing out on the opportunity for compensation, schedule a free case evaluation with us today. We’ll begin by discussing the details of your accident and determining if there’s groundwork for a strong claim.
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