What to do after a rear-end collision in Bowling Green, KY
March 28, 2023
Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents, often resulting from tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden stops in traffic. Being involved in a car accident can be a jarring and stressful experience. It is essential that you are aware of the necessary actions to ensure your safety, protect your legal rights, and help you navigate the aftermath of the accident.
America’s roadways are getting busier and busier. Bowling Green, Kentucky is no exception; the city’s densely populated roads and highways see their share of accidents. In the following detailed guide, we will take you through the most important steps to take if you are injured in a rear-end collision that wasn’t your fault with another vehicle. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge you need to confidently navigate this challenging situation and make informed decisions at every step of the process. This includes evaluating any injuries you may have sustained as well as deciding if you should hire an attorney to represent you.
Evaluate the risks to your health and safety
As soon as possible after the car accident, you and any passengers should examine yourselves for injuries. If anyone is hurt, dial 911 immediately and seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Even if you don’t feel hurt, it’s important to keep in mind that some car accident injuries, like whiplash, might not manifest themselves right away. For this reason, if you are involved in an accident, you should get medical help as soon as possible to avoid further complications.
Contact the Bowling Green Police Department
Even if the injuries seem relatively minor, it is imperative that you report the accident to the authorities. An official accident report will be completed by the officer who responded to the scene of the collision. This report can be of great assistance when dealing with insurance companies and potential legal issues. In addition, under Kentucky law, motorists who are involved in an accident that results in an injury, death, or property damage that exceeds $500 are required to file an accident report within ten days of the incident. The collision report will ask you to identify the type of accident, such as a rear-end collision, if you were sideswiped, or if you were involved in another type of wreck, for example, if you were T-boned in Bowling Green. You should note that this was a rear-end crash in the report and supply any further details you may have.
The non-emergency phone number for the Bowling Green Police Department in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is (270) 393-4000. Remember to dial 911 for emergencies.
Communicate with the other driver to exchange information
Don’t leave the accident scene until you’ve exchanged information with the other driver involved, including your name, address, and other contact information.
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- The make, model, and year of the vehicle
- Name of the insurance provider, and the policy number
It is essential to keep a level head and refrain from apologizing to the other driver or discussing the specifics of the accident with them. If you were a victim of a hit-and-run accident in Bowling Green, you should contact a personal injury lawyer that can help you navigate your insurance and potentially find the driver that hit you.
Additional reading: Is Kentucky a No-Fault state?
Gather information at the scene of the accident
Take pictures of the accident scene, making sure to capture the damage done to both vehicles, the position of the vehicles, the conditions of the road, and any pertinent traffic signs or signals. In addition, jot down some notes about the collision, including the time, date, and weather conditions, as well as any observations you made prior to, during, or after the incident. Your insurance claim or any possible legal action will have a stronger foundation with these documents to support it.
Use your smartphone or a camera to take photos of:
- The positions of all vehicles involved
- Vehicle damage, including close-ups and wide shots
- Skid marks, debris, or other roadway evidence
- Traffic signals or signs near the accident scene
- Weather conditions and road visibility
Locate and have a conversation with witnesses
Collect the names, addresses, and other contact information of any witnesses to the accident, as well as statements from those witnesses about what they saw. In the event that there is a disagreement concerning liability, witness accounts can serve as important pieces of evidence.
Seek legal advice
Rear-end collisions frequently involve questions regarding liability, and choosing the best injury attorney for you will be an important decision. A consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in Bowling Green, Kentucky, can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of car accident claims or pursuing legal action, if either of those options becomes necessary. Hughes & Coleman has decades of experience handling exactly this type of case and our legal team can provide you with a free consultation today – call 800-800-4600 or submit an online consultation form.
Maintain records, and carefully monitor your expenses
Keep a file that contains all of the documentation that pertains to the accident, including medical records, receipts for expenses incurred as a result of the collision (such as car repairs, rental car bills, and medical bills), and correspondence with insurance companies or attorneys. This information will be essential in proving your case and ensuring that you are compensated fairly in accordance with your loss.
Get a lawyer and get it done. Contact Hughes & Coleman today.
Being involved in a rear-end collision in Bowling Green, Kentucky, can be an overwhelming experience; however, if you follow the steps outlined in this guide, you may be able to effectively manage the situation. Putting your own safety and health first, taking pictures of the accident scene, and consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer who has vast experience in personal injury law are just a few of the essential steps that should be taken after an accident. You can protect your rights, successfully navigate the process of filing an insurance claim, and obtain the compensation that is rightfully yours. Remember that even though accidents can sometimes not be avoided, being prepared for them, and knowing how to respond appropriately, can make a difference in your ability to recover and be compensated for any damages you experience.
If you or a loved one have been injured due to the negligence of another individual, call 800-800-4600. Get Hughes & Coleman and get it done.
