Best Car Accident Lawyers in Bowling Green

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Bowling Green, Kentucky?

  The Bowling Green Police Department can be reached at (270) 393-4244.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Bowling Green, Kentucky?

  To obtain a copy of an accident report in Bowling Green, you can visit the police department at 911 Kentucky Street, from Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

  You can also mail a request to the Bowling Green Police Department at

  911 Kentucky Street Bowling Green, KY 42101

  Please be informed that it costs $3 and would take 5 to 8 business days to be released.

• What should you do if you receive a settlement offer for a car accident in Bowling Green?

  The first thing to do is to not accept it. Insurance adjusters reach out to claimants in the hopes that they would be willing to settle for whatever amount they have to offer, which is mostly much lower than what the claimants should be receiving. The next best step to take is to consult with an attorney in Bowling Green and let them know if the amount being offered covers all the damages you're suffering from.

• Apart from medical care, what other damages could you file for in a car accident claim in Bowling Green?

  You may quickly reach the limit of your policy, depending on how extensive your injuries are. Still, you and your attorney can pursue additional restitution in Bowling Green for many other damages such as the replacement of personal property apart from the vehicle itself, lost wages and benefits, any out-of-pocket expenses in relation to the accident, and various psychological illnesses that came about because of trauma.

• Is it alright to move a vehicle after a car accident in Bowling Green?

  The most sensible thing to do right after an accident in Bowling Green is to avoid causing further harm. Once you're done taking pictures of where your vehicles originally halted after the collision, then you're free to move it out of the way to keep traffic from building up and causing more accidents to happen. This also allows for the swift arrival of emergency services.

• Do all car accidents that happen in Bowling Green have to be reported?

  It becomes mandatory to report a car crash in Bowling Green when any of the following is true:

  • A person was killed
  • A person was injured
  • A damage of more than $1,000 to vehicle or property

  A report must be made within 5 days of the crash, unless the people involved are so severely injured that they are incapable of doing so.

• Is it important to see a doctor after a car accident in Bowling Green?

  It is essential to have a doctor in Bowling Green check you for any injuries that have not yet shown themselves. Some back, neck, or spine problems do not cause any problems until a few days or a week later. Not only are you going to get medical attention for the pain, but a hospital visit is going to leave a paper trail that is useful to back your car accident claim.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.