CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER
LEXINGTON, KY

The most dangerous collision locations in Lexington, Kentucky

According to the Lexington Police Department’s annual traffic report, there were 1,807 auto vehicle collisions in 2021 that resulted in injuries, versus 1,787 in 2020. If we look at the data, there are some clear standouts of where these car accidents can occur.

The most common types of injuries our Lexington car accident lawyers see after an auto accident

After over 35 years, we’ve helped people with a wide range of injuries. The most common injury cases that we handle are:

• Whiplash, spinal cord or neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Broken bones
• Lacerations, cuts or bruises
• Internal injuries
• Wrongful death (including the death of a loved one)

Move to a safe place away from traffic if you or your passengers are not seriously injured

If you must move a severely injured person to keep them out of harm’s way, do so only when absolutely necessary. Take everyone and everything (including your car, if possible) to the side of the road and call 911 for someone to help you if it is safe. Ensure your hazard lights are activated to alert other drivers that you require assistance. When it’s dark, and visibility is low, flares are also an excellent way to alert other drivers that you’re in trouble.

Contact the police and ask them to come to the scene if anyone is seriously injured

If you leave the scene of an accident when someone is hurt, you could be charged with a hit-and-run. If there are no injuries and you agree with the other parties that a simple exchange of insurance information is all that is required, then be sure to get a photo of their license and insurance card. You should never leave the scene of an accident without sharing your information with the other party. If the other party leaves the scene, call the police immediately.

Collect as much information as you can, such as photos and other documentation

You’ll need as much information as possible for insurance companies and legal purposes. All parties involved will need to provide their names, license plate numbers, car types, and insurance information.

While you’re waiting for assistance, if you can, take notes. You should save any responding police officers’ contact information if needed later. You should also get the contact information of any possible witnesses, and, when possible, take pictures of the scene and any injuries or damage that occurred.

Get treated as soon as possible and have your injuries documented

You need to start your case off right, and the best way to do this is to ensure that your injuries are documented by a medical professional. Your health should always be your number one priority and having this information on record will also help your case. If you wait too long to get evaluated and treated, if you lapse in your treatment schedule, or don’t get treated at all, it will make proving damages very difficult for you.

Obtain a police accident report

If you’ve suffered a personal injury, the police report will serve as a key piece of evidence.

How to get a police report after a car accident in Lexington, KY

• You can obtain a copy of your collision report through the Lexington Police Department of Records online or in person at the police headquarters. Additionally, you can request a copy by mail.

Contact your insurance company, but be careful about what you say

In Kentucky, you only have 10 days to contact your insurance company following a crash. You shouldn’t put this off, but you should also make sure that you are prepared so that you don’t put your personal injury claim in jeopardy. It’s always best to contact an experienced attorney first so that you can understand what to say and what not to say when you speak with the adjuster following a Lexington accident.

Keep records of any medical care you received as a result of the accident

You should keep track of any visits you make to doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, or other health professionals due to your accident. You should copy all related medical expenses and prescription receipts to make sure you have as much information as possible. If the car wreck caused you to miss work, keep that information noted as well.

Contact an experienced Lexington car accident lawyer

Having a collision report, witness statements, medical records, and evidence from the scene strengthen injury cases dramatically, and all of the above information will help your car accident attorney determine how much money you are entitled to.

If you’ve been injured in a car wreck, it is important to understand your legal options. The best way to do this is to speak with a law firm that can help guide you through the process.

We’re here to help. Call us today at 800-800-4600

Car accident victims may be hesitant to contact a lawyer after a wreck. It’s understandable because insurance companies have done a pretty good job convincing people that the adjusters are on their side. Unfortunately, what most people do not realize (until it’s too late) is that the relationship they had with their provider prior to the accident is very different afterward, and when seeking fair compensation for injuries, insurance companies will go to great lengths to protect their bottom line.

The fact is that insurance companies are just like any other business – they want to make money. They know that most people don’t understand Kentucky personal injury laws, and every day they take advantage of this by denying claims or paying out what they know is much less than what a person may be entitled to.

Lexington car accident lawyers, however, do know personal injury law and can determine what a case is worth and fight for that amount to ensure their clients are actually compensated appropriately.

An accident claim can sometimes only be as valuable as the team you have representing you. Ensure you have a highly experienced attorney who specializes in motor vehicle accidents so that you can recover every penny you deserve.

Damages a personal injury lawyer can help you recover

Damages can refer to both the accident victims’ losses and the compensation available in a settlement or judgment in a car accident case. Essentially, they are the losses that you sue for. To recover damages, you must show that the defendant caused the car accident through negligence or recklessness and that you suffered actual losses. An attorney can assist you in proving your case and obtaining the highest possible compensation award for your losses. The types of damages available in Kentucky’s civil courts are the same, regardless of the amount you may receive.

Medical bills: Seek compensation for past and future medical expenses incurred due to your automobile accident injuries. Settlements or judgments may cover surgical procedures, treatments, doctor’s appointments, rehabilitation, therapy, live-in care, disability costs, and other future expenses you may endure.

Lost wages and income-earning capacity: If you were unable to work due to your car accident, you might be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. If you lose your job due to a disability, you can also ask for compensation for lost future earnings.

Property damage: After a severe car accident in Lexington, calculate how much it will cost to repair your damaged vehicle or replace a totaled vehicle. If your car is totaled, you may be able to get the full value it had before the accident.

Punitive damages: Punitive damages compensate victims while also punishing the defendant. Punitive damages in an auto accident case involving criminal activity or gross negligence, such as a DUI or hit-and-run, may be ordered by the judge.

Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages for intangible losses, such as physical pain and emotional suffering, are available to Kentucky car accident survivors. Medical testimony may be required to determine the extent of the damages.

Does the firm have the experience to successfully represent you?

Law is similar to a lot of professions in that the more cases you handle, the more experienced you become and the better your chances of reaching favorable outcomes become. Our firm has successfully represented thousands of car accident victims for over 35 years, recovered over $1 billion for our clients across Kentucky and Tennessee, and has the experience required to take on the most complex of cases. Ensure you hire a firm that has a level of experience that fits your case.

Is the firm local and accessible to you?

After a Lexington accident, hiring a firm that is local can be very beneficial. A local firm can visit the scene of the accident, interview witnesses in person, and have a better understanding of roadways and other elements that may have contributed to the accident.

Does the law firm actually care about you, or are you just another case?

Large national firms can churn out cases, but are they really fighting for every penny their clients deserve? This should be a question you ask yourself when considering who to hire. The duration of a case may vary, so it’s important to understand that the client-attorney relationship is just that – a relationship – and it’s one that requires compassion, understanding, trust and dedication from the car accident lawyers you choose.

When you call and speak with our team

When you call, you can expect to speak with one of our team members, who will work with you to understand the circumstances of your situation. Every case is different, so we’ll want to understand your situation and your physical injuries and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

When we begin to manage your case

After you become a client of the firm, you’ll have a team that’s assigned to your case, and that is dedicated to seeing your case all the way through to the end. Along the way, if you need medical treatment, we have a team that is also dedicated to ensuring that you receive the help that you need. Most cases will settle out of court, but if your case requires litigation, we are prepared to go to trial to fight for you.

We are here for you along the way

At our Lexington office, you will find a team that is dedicated to your well-being, your case, and your recovery.

Call us today at 800-800-4600 to get started

Our Lexington office is conveniently located near you. Contact us today.

Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers

211 E. New Circle Rd, Lexington, KY 40505

800-800-4600

Frequently asked questions

What are Kentucky’s No-Fault Laws?

Kentucky is a “no-fault” state for car accidents. That means that you first turn to your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to obtain compensation for your injuries and lost wages. To file a claim against another driver, you must meet Kentucky’s injury threshold. To step outside the no-fault system, you must establish you suffered one of the following:

• More than $1,000 in medical bills
• A broken bone
• Permanent injury or disfigurement

You can also step outside the no-fault system if your loved one dies from his or her accident-related injuries.

This threshold seems straightforward, but it can be difficult to establish. We will examine your medical bills and records to help prove you have the right to file a claim against the negligent driver.

What are Comparative Negligence Laws?

Kentucky follows a pure comparative negligence law for car accidents. That means you can collect compensation from the other driver even if you were partly at fault for the crash. In fact, even if the wreck was mostly your fault, you can still pursue the other driver for damages as long as they shoulder a portion of the blame. It is important to note that your percentage of fault decreases the damages to which you are entitled.

Consider the following scenario:

• You were involved in an accident when you turned left at North Broadway and West New Circle Road.
• You collided with a vehicle going straight through the intersection.
• An investigation of the collision determined you were 80 percent at fault and the other driver was 20 percent at fault.

If you demanded $10,000 for your injuries, you would be entitled to $2,000 (20 percent of $10,000).

Our attorneys can fight for your rights no matter your share of fault for the accident. We can defend against any accusations of fault and work to get you the most compensation possible in your situation. Call us today to talk through your case.

How much is my car accident case worth?

Every situation is unique, and it’s unlikely that you’ll know how much your claim is worth until you know how much your current and future medical expenses, including medication and rehabilitation, will be, depending on your injuries. Contact Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers in Lexington to discuss your specific claim.

We have successfully obtained over one billion dollars in settlements for our personal injury clients in Kentucky and Tennessee, and we will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible result in your case.

Do I need an attorney to file a personal injury claim after a car accident?

Although it is not required by law to hire an attorney to file a claim for compensation after an accident, it is strongly advised. Insurance companies have a lot of experience and have been doing this for a long time. You need someone familiar with the law and who has experience obtaining the maximum compensation available under the law to fight for you and what you deserve.

What if my injury doesn’t show up for a while?

Even during very low-speed collisions, many injuries can occur. When the adrenaline wears off, people may notice they have a soft tissue injury like whiplash. While some types of whiplash go away, others can last a long time. Soft tissue injuries can take days or weeks to manifest after an accident. Chronic head pain, lower back pain and even a cracked sternum are examples of injuries that don’t always show up right away. Concussions are another type of injury that can have long-term consequences, as can being in a car accident while pregnant. If your injuries don’t show up for days or weeks, you can still contact us for a free consultation and case evaluation. We’ll review your case and talk you through your legal options.

What is the average settlement in Lexington for a car accident with injuries?

“How much is my car accident claim worth?” is one of our attorneys’ most common questions. The answer is that it depends.

Every car accident, especially in Lexington, is unique. Many factors determine the value of your case, whether it’s a 10-car pileup on the interstate or a simple fender bender on Nicholasville Rd. The damages you might be able to recover are determined by the following set of circumstances:

• The seriousness of your or your loved one’s injuries
• Whether or not anyone was fatally injured as a direct result of the accident
• Age and state of health at the time of the accident
• The cause of the collision and who was to blame
• Ability to prove negligence
• Available insurance coverage

At Hughes & Coleman, we work to get you the best possible settlement for your accident. We will consider your current situation, medical bills, and any future expenses you may incur when fighting for you.

What constitutes a good automobile accident settlement offer?

To answer this question, you must first determine the value of your claim. You’ll need to be able to determine how much you should receive in a settlement offer if you know how much the car accident cost you.

Our lawyers go over all the costs, giving you an accurate estimate of what your settlement offer should be. The following are some of the factors that go into these calculations:

• Health care expenses, including hospital bills, doctor appointments, physical therapy, and medication.
• Medical services provided in the home, such as nursing services, the cost of rehabilitation, and property damage, such as car repairs.
• Income loss as well as any future earning potential.
• Permanent disability, scarring, or disfigurement.

Anxiety, stress, depression, and other forms of emotional distress are also considered when determining the value of your auto accident claim; your insurance company will use the same calculations. The insurance company will multiply the total by a predetermined number once the expenses have been added up. Unfortunately, these figures rarely, if ever, yield a reasonable settlement figure. The claims adjuster is seeking ways to minimize your damages to reduce the value of your claim. These are reasons why it’s critical to speak with an experienced Lexington car accident lawyer. We’ll figure out how much your claim is truly worth, and without your permission, we will not accept an offer on your behalf.

Will my case settle or go to trial?

Most cases will settle out of court; however, we prepare for trial from day one. If the insurance companies won’t settle for what you deserve, we will not hesitate to litigate your case in court.

If you cannot settle, your Lexington car accident lawyer is ready to go to trial.

If the settlement offers received from the insurance company do not compensate you fairly, or if we cannot reach a settlement with the insurance company and negotiations fail, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court. We will be able to present a strong case in court using the evidence we gathered. If the court rules in your favor, you will be awarded damages from those responsible.

What kind of damages can I seek in a lawsuit?

Economic Damages: The purpose of these damages is to compensate the victim or the victim’s family for any expenses incurred due to the accident. Medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and any future expenses are all included in these damages.

Non-Economic Damages: These damages are a little more challenging to quantify. The most common is pain and suffering, which is a legal term for any injury you may have sustained due to the accident. This encompasses not only physical but also emotional and mental harm.

Punitive Damages: The court may also award punitive damages in exceptional circumstances. These damages are intended to punish the other people or entities who caused the accident, hoping that they will never act negligently again. Punitive damages are only awarded in Kentucky when the other party’s actions were egregious or deliberate.

How can I tell or prove that the other driver was at fault?

According to Kentucky law, the victim must show that the other driver was negligent and that this negligence caused the victim’s injuries. The court will consider the driver’s actions and compare them to what a reasonably prudent driver would do in the same or similar circumstances to determine negligence.

If you have any other questions, call us any time at 800-800-4600.