Navigating Auto Accident Law in Murray, Kentucky 

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Murray, Kentucky, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. Auto accident law is a subset of personal injury law that deals with injuries and damages resulting from car crashes. In Murray and throughout Kentucky, if you’re injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, vehicle damage, lost wages, and other related expenses. At Saladino & Schaaf, PLLC, your Murray KY auto accident attorneys, we are here to help you pick up the pieces of your life after you’ve been hurt and get you the compensation you deserve.

What to Do If You’ve Been in a Car Accident 

After you’ve been in a car accident, there are some important steps to take. Check for injuries and move your vehicle to a safe area. Call 911 to report the accident and get medical assistance. Take photos of the accident scene, all the vehicles involved, and any damage and injuries you notice. Get contact information from the other drivers involved and witnesses who might have seen the accident. 

Even if you feel ok at the time of the accident, you should still get checked out by a doctor, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can still be quite severe. People often feel regret when an accident occurs, even if they aren’t at fault. Resist the urge to apologize or accept or admit fault at the scene, as this may be used against you if your case ends up going to trial.  This also applies to insurance companies; report the accident to your insurer and stick to the facts of the incident. If you have any questions about this consult with the Murray KY auto accident attorneys at Saladino & Schaaf.

Kentucky’s No-Fault Insurance System & Comparative Negligence

Kentucky operates under a “choice no-fault” insurance system. This means that by default, your insurance company pays for your medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. You can also “opt-out” of the no-fault system when choosing your auto insurance policy, allowing you to sue the at-fault driver for damages. Look at your policy and see what kind of insurance coverage you have. Even if you have a no-fault policy, you can still sue if your medical expenses are over $1,000 or if you’ve suffered severe, disfiguring, or permanent injuries.

Kentucky also follows a comparative negligence standard, which means each driver is held responsible for their percentage of fault for the accident, and that percentage reduces the amount of recovery. Understanding these nuances is important, so if you want to learn more about no-fault vs comparative negligence law in Kentucky, we discuss it in the blog post “Kentucky Car Accident Laws: Understanding No-Fault State, No-Fault Insurance, and Your Right to Sue.”

Types of Compensation Available in Auto Accident Cases

If you’ve been in an auto accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation.  Medical expenses cover reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your injuries, from ER visits, hospital stays, surgery and follow-up care, medications, and physical therapy, to future medical expenses for ongoing treatment. 

You may also be entitled to receive lost wages, which is compensation for time off work due to your injuries, bonuses or commissions you missed out on, vacation and sick days used while recovering from the accident, and future lost wages if you’re unable to return to your previous job due to the long-term impacts of any injuries from the accident. 

Pain and suffering are the compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. Factors that can affect pain and suffering damages include the severity of your injuries, the length of your recovery, whether you have permanent injuries or scarring, and the impact on your daily life if your injuries prevent you from enjoying your usual activities, hobbies, or lifestyle. Your spouse may also have a claim for loss of consortium, which is the loss of companionship and support, as a result of your injuries. 

In addition, you may be entitled to the costs of repairing (or replacing) any damage to your vehicle and property damaged in the accident. 

In extreme negligence or intentional misconduct cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior.  The specific damages you can claim will depend on the details of your case, the evidence and documentation of the incident, and complete medical treatment records.   

You Don’t Have to Go It Alone

Call Saladino & Schaaf, your Murray KY auto accident attorneys for legal help. With our experience and resources, we will investigate your accident and build a case to ensure the best possible outcome for you. We’ll help you understand your rights and explore your options. We’re here to help get you the compensation you deserve. Your first consultation is always free. Call 270-444-0406 (Paducah) or (270) 753-1529 (Murray). Contact us today.