After you're in a car accident in Louisville, you're likely just to want to get the care you need and to go home. Unfortunately, depending on the kinds of injuries you've suffered, your entire life may have just changed right before your eyes. When a crash happens, it's important to follow a set of rules to make sure you cover all the important steps and set yourself up for the easiest legal and physical recovery possible.
The first thing to do after a crash is to check the damage. If you are hurt or others are hurt, call 911 to seek assistance. Looking at the damage caused by the crash is secondary to your health and the health of others.
In the case that you're hurt but suffered only minor injuries, you may be able to communicate with the other driver. Don't take responsibility for the accident, apologize or offer any kind of explanations. It is up to the police to determine who was at fault for the crash, and anything you say could make it harder for you to collect compensation later if you incriminate yourself.
Next, if you can, get information from the driver. Collect his or her name, insurance information, and license plate identification. If you are unable to get this information now, try to get the names of witnesses and others who may be able to update you later.
Once the emergency team arrives, go to the hospital. Even if you feel fine, it's in your best interests to start a paper trail showing your injuries. With those documents, your attorney can begin negotiating for a fair settlement.
Source: FindLaw, "What to do After a Car Accident in Louisville," accessed Sep. 06, 2017