Hurt In A Car Wreck? Count On Effective And Aggressive Legal Advocacy.
Have you been injured in a car wreck? Do the phone calls between you and the insurance companies feel like a feud between the Hatfields and McCoys? If so, you need a Hatfield on your side!
I’m Rhonda Hatfield-Jeffers, a Kentucky attorney based in Somerset. As a Hatfield, I understand the importance of justice and family. As an accident lawyer with more than 20 years of experience, I know how to harness that fighting spirit to help my clients seek justice and maximum compensation. I am a proud member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a group recognizing skilled trial lawyers who have helped clients recover at least $2 million in compensation. I am often able to leverage my track record and reputation to secure high-value settlements on behalf of my clients, but I will not hesitate to take your case to trial if insurers are unwilling to pay what you deserve.
As a client of The Law Office of Rhonda Hatfield-Jeffers, PLLC, you can count on personalized attention and full-service representation. After taking the time to hear your story and assessing your legal options, my staff and I will handle all the legal aspects of your case, leaving you free to focus on your physical recovery and take care of those you love.
Personal Injury Support After Any Car Accident Scenario
I assist clients who have been injured in nearly any type of motor vehicle accident, including:
- Crashes caused by drunk or distracted drivers
- Accidents stemming from speeding and aggressive driving
- Collisions between a passenger car and a large commercial truck
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Crashes resulting in serious injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists
- Motorcycle accidents
- Crashes involving recreational vehicles, such as boats and ATVs
A car wreck can have a long-lasting impact. The seriousness of many injuries is evident immediately: broken bones, bruises, severe traumatic brain injuries and spinal injuries leading to full or partial paralysis. Some injuries are harder to discern, such as a back or neck injury that could lead to chronic pain and affect your ability to work and do the things you enjoy. Before you settle with an insurance company, talk to an experienced attorney who can protect your rights.
Whether you were injured in a minor collision or have suffered life-changing injuries, I will help you assess your legal options, and I will work with you to obtain justice by seeking the maximum compensation available in your case.
Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Car Wrecks
Below, I have answered some of the most common questions I am asked by prospective clients. I am happy to answer any additional questions that you may have during a free consultation.
What information is important following a car accident?
The actions you take immediately following a car accident may be critical for protecting your health and your legal options. Here are important steps to take, if possible:
- Always call 911 and report the crash. Also request medical care if needed for yourself or anyone involved in the crash.
- How you can obtain a copy of the crash report.
- Contact and insurance information from all drivers and names and contact information for everyone involved in the car accident.
- Names and contact information for all witnesses to the accident.
- Pictures of the accident scene including license plates and vehicle damage.
- Where your vehicle is being towed.
- Pictures of your injuries.
You should report the accident to your insurance company. Do not speculate about fault or accept blame.
Finally, you should contact a lawyer to discuss your legal options. I may be necessary to take legal action.
What damages can I recover after a car accident in Kentucky?
“Damages” is a term that refers to money owed for harm suffered. Depending on the details of your accident and the legal steps you take afterward, you could potentially be entitled to damages/compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages due to your injuries
- Reduced or destroyed earning capacity due to permanent injury or death
- Pain and suffering, including scarring and disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, (past and future)
- Loss of consortium for injury or death to a spouse, parent or child
Kentucky law also allows victims to seek punitive damages in cases where the at-fault party’s actions were either malicious or grossly negligent. As the name implies, these damages are meant to punish the defendant for especially unacceptable behavior.
Rhonda Hatfield-Jeffers can assist you in directing and coordinating payment of your medical bills following a car accident. It can often be overwhelming when your medical bills start piling up following a motor vehicle collision. My staff and I can assist you in making sure that the companies and individuals responsible for paying for your accident related medical bills do so in a timely manner.
What if the other driver in an accident does not have insurance?
If the person who was at fault for the car accident does not have insurance coverage, and experienced attorney can assist you in locating applicable insurance coverage that will compensate you for your damages related to the car wreck. You likely will have uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy of auto insurance that will be applicable when the at fault driver is an uninsured motorist. Rhonda Hatfield-Jeffers can locate and advise you on what insurance coverages are available to you. The specific options available will depend on the details of your case.
If the at fault driver does not have sufficient liability insurance to compensate you for your damages, you may have a claim for Underinsured Motorist benefits.
Kentucky law requires minimum limits of $25,000.00 per person and $50,000.00 per accident for bodily injury coverage on all motor vehicles operated on Kentucky Highways. In many instances $25,000.00 is not sufficient coverage to compensate you for your injuries and resulting damages. There may be multiple people injured in a car wreck and often $50,000.00 in per accident coverage is insufficient to compensate everyone injured in the car wreck for their damages. When this situation occurs, you may be entitled to underinsured motorist coverage. An experienced attorney such as Rhonda Hatfield-Jeffers can assist you in identifying underinsured motorist coverage available to you and obtaining compensation for you in excess of the applicable at fault liability limits. The specific options available will depend on the details of your case.
How can a personal injury attorney help after a car accident?
Healing from your injuries and taking care of yourself and your loved ones is a full-time job. You should not also have to spend each day arguing with insurance adjusters who want to deny your claim or settle for as little as possible. An experienced injury lawyer can serve as your representative and liaison, taking care of negotiations and disputes so that you do not have to.
Additionally, if your case requires more than negotiation, having an attorney on your side is essential. I will do what it takes to maximize your compensation, including bringing your case to trial, if necessary. Through it all, I will handle the difficult legal work so that you can focus on what matters most: your health and your family.
Reach Out Today To Request A Free Initial Consultation
To learn more about your options and how I can help throughout your case, the first step is to meet with me for a free initial consultation. To schedule an appointment, call The Law Office of Rhonda Hatfield-Jeffers, PLLC, at 606-404-4529 or contact me online. I serve clients in Somerset and throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky.