WHAT TO DO AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT

AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION, YOU SHOULD TAKE THE NEXT STEPS IMMEDIATELY:

  • FIRST, MAKE SURE YOU AND YOUR PASSENGERS ARE CONSCIOUS AND NO ONE HAS LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES.

    • If your vehicle is severely damaged, do not exit the vehicle or more the vehicle, turn off the vehicle, turn on your hazard lights, and immediately call 911.

    • If the vehicle is operable, move the vehicle out of traffic to a safe place, turn off the vehicle, turn on your hazard lights, and call police or 911.

    • Again, if you are injured or in immediate pain, do not exit the vehicle or move.

    • If you are able to move without pain after the collision, gather information and take pictures of the vehicles.

INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE GATHERED:

        • Drivers and passengers names and contact information in both vehicles

        • Vehicle descriptions (make, model, year)

        • Driver’s license numbers

        • License plate numbers

        • Insurance information (including company and policy number)

        • Eyewitness information: obtain names and contact information for any persons who witnessed the collision

        • Accident scene location and/or address

        • Police officer’s name and badge number when they come to the scene

        • Take photos of both vehicles and damage to each vehicle

* DO NOT sign any documents or speak with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

Most importantly, seek medical attention. If you are not in severe pain you may decide to avoid going to the local emergency department, but it is still prudent to seek medical attention at IMS. At IMS, we specialize in treating acute injuries and can see you the same day you are involved in a car accident.

And remember, if you are in an auto collision in Kentucky, your auto insurance will pay for the first $10,000.00 of your medical expenses, regardless of fault. This is why some people refer to Kentucky as a no-fault state. Regardless of who was at fault in an auto collision, all parties are entitled to receive medical attention and have those expenses paid by their auto insurance company.

Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician. It is not meant to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, circumstances or adverse effects. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.