Knowing what to do after a car accident in Kentucky is extremely important. The steps you take after a car accident can increase your chance of obtaining a favorable outcome if you need to file a claim with an insurance company or a personal injury claim for negligence.
While car accidents often involve two drivers operating their own vehicles, sometimes an accident involves someone driving a company vehicle. This can make the insurance claims process more complicated.
What is a company vehicle?
A company vehicle is a vehicle owned and operated by a company for business purposes. Company vehicles are typically operated by agents or employees of the company to carry out company tasks, such as transporting materials or business equipment.
The company that owns the vehicle might be responsible for compensating you for medical bills, vehicle damage and other costs. When you are hit by someone driving a company vehicle, here are the steps to take.
Stay calm and check for injuries
If you are injured and need medical assistance, do not move. Wait for emergency assistance to arrive and follow their instructions.
If you walk away from the scene without any obvious injuries, have a medical checkup as soon as you can. You might have sustained injuries that are not immediately apparent, such as a head or traumatic brain injury. Failing to seek medical attention could give an insurance company a reason to deny a claim.
Call the police and report the accident
Obtain a copy of the police report. The police will ask you what happened. You can give them your version of events but be careful not to admit fault.
Exchange information with the driver of the company vehicle. Contact the company itself and report the accident.
Start collecting evidence
Take photos and videos of the accident scene. Talk with any witnesses to the accident.
Some evidence you can collect at the accident scene, while other evidence becomes available in the future, such as medical records. Keep copies of all medical documentation as it becomes available.
Report the accident to your insurance company
Limit your conversation to reporting the accident rather than discussing details about what happened.
In some cases, a representative of the other driver’s insurance company may call you. Avoid speaking with them. Insurance companies ask for details about the accident and sometimes record your statements. They may try to use your words against you.
Pay attention to deadlines
Kentucky law requires you to file an accident report within 10 days if the accident resulted in injury or death or the damages exceed $500.
The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits based on negligence is 2 years. If you don’t file a claim within two years of the date of the accident, you forfeit your right to compensation.
When your accident involves a company vehicle, you may need to spend time researching who exactly to sue. If the driver was not driving the vehicle for a business purpose, you may need to sue them personally. If they were driving it for a business purpose, the company could be the correct party to sue.
