The immediate aftermath of a vehicle accident can be a confusing experience. This time frame can be particularly stressful if there are significant injuries or property damage involved. However, there is certain information that should be exchanged at the scene of the incident between those involved. Here, we want to examine what you should and should not give other parties when you exchange information after an accident.
At the scene of a vehicle accident, there will often be a sense of urgency and confusion. This can lead to many important steps that need to occur at the scene falling through the cracks. One of the most important aspects of a vehicle accident is the exchange of information between the parties involved. Sometimes, this exchange is facilitated with the assistance of law enforcement, particularly if there is any hostility at the scene of the incident.
Some of the information that drivers should give and obtain when at the scene of the accident include the following:
If you exchange all the information just mentioned above, you will most likely have met your obligations. However, there may be additional types of information that you want to gather, if not particularly exchange, with others at the scene of the incident. We strongly encourage individuals to obtain contact information for any eyewitnesses at the incident scene. This can include other drivers or passengers who stop at the scene, bystanders nearby, or others involved in the actual crash.
Individuals are required to report vehicle accidents in the state of Kentucky within 10 days of the incident if it seems that property damage will exceed $500 or if the incident results in an injury or death to any person involved. Usually, reporting the incident occurs when individuals dial 911 so that police can come to the scene. Law enforcement officials typically conduct a preliminary investigation and fill out an accident report.
If law enforcement officials do not come to the scene, but the property damage or injury/fatality threshold has been met, the individual involved will be responsible for filling out an accident report on their own and ensuring it gets to the Kentucky State Police.
The information exchanged at the scene of an accident will typically occur without assistance from an attorney. Usually, there is not enough time to contact a personal injury attorney and get them to the scene to help out with situations like this. We do encourage you to contact an attorney soon after your vehicle accident so that you will have an advocate helping you recover the compensation you need. In the event you are not able to obtain all the information necessary at the scene of the incident, your attorney can work with law enforcement officials, insurance carriers, and others involved to help get the information needed.
Your Louisville car accident lawyer can help you recover the compensation you are entitled to if the accident was caused by the actions of another driver. This can include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage expenses, and pain and suffering damages.