A car wreck can leave you rattled. In the first few minutes, people miss details that end up mattering later. This guide is meant to be practical. It covers what to do at the scene, what to document, how to protect your health, and how to avoid common insurance problems.
If you are in immediate danger or someone is badly hurt, call 911 right now.
The Quick Checklist
- Get to a safe place and call 911
- Check for injuries and accept EMS if needed
- Take photos and video of everything
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Get witness names and phone numbers
- Get medical care the same day if you can
- Notify your insurance and ask about PIP
- Get the police report number or incident number
- Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer
- Keep all receipts and records in one place
Below is the longer version with the details most people wish they had known.
1) Safety first and call 911
If your car can be moved and it is safe to do so, pull off the roadway. Turn on your hazard lights. If you cannot move the car, stay buckled until it is safe to get out.
Call 911 even if the wreck looks minor. People often feel fine for an hour and then the pain hits later.
If you think you have a neck, back, or head injury, try not to twist around. Let EMS check you.
2) Get checked out medically, even if you "feel okay"
Some injuries do not show up right away. Whiplash, concussions, and soft-tissue injuries are common examples.
A good rule is this: if you have pain, dizziness, nausea, headaches, confusion, or symptoms that are getting worse, get evaluated the same day. That can be the ER, urgent care, or your doctor.
Waiting can cause two problems. First, it can make your injury worse. Second, it gives the insurance company room to argue the injury must not be related.
3) Take photos and video before the scene changes
Your phone may end up being the best witness you have. Make sure to get:
- Wide shots of the scene from multiple angles
- Close-ups of damage on every vehicle
- License plates
- Any skid marks, debris, or fluid on the roadway
- Traffic signs and signals
- The weather and lighting conditions
- Visible injuries
Tip: Take a slow, steady video walking around the scene. It captures context that a few photos can miss.
4) Exchange information, but do not discuss fault
You need to exchange basic information:
- Name and phone number
- Address
- Insurance company and policy number
- Vehicle owner information if the driver is not the owner
Keep the conversation short and polite. Do not apologize. Do not argue. Do not guess about speed or say you "didn't see" something. Those statements can be used against you later.
If you need a simple line that keeps things calm, use this: "Let's exchange information and let the police and insurance handle the rest."
5) Witnesses matter more than people think
Witnesses tend to disappear quickly. If anyone stopped to help or saw what happened, ask for:
- Name
- Phone number
- A quick note about what they saw (even a text message can help)
6) Ask how to get the police report
If an officer responds, ask for the report number or incident number and the name of the agency that responded. If no officer comes to the scene, ask dispatch what steps you should take next.
Police reports often take time to finalize. Do not panic if it is not immediately available.
Why the report matters: it usually contains the parties' information, insurance details, witness names, and the basic narrative.
7) Notify your insurance and ask about Kentucky PIP
Kentucky is a no-fault state for many crashes. In many situations, your own policy provides PIP coverage that may help with medical bills and sometimes lost wages, up to policy limits.
When you call your insurer, keep it basic:
- Date and location
- Vehicles involved
- Whether police and EMS responded
- Where the car was towed (if applicable)
Be cautious with the other driver's insurance company
The other driver's insurer may call quickly and ask for a recorded statement. You are not required to do that on the spot. If you are still trying to get medical care or you are not thinking clearly, it is fine to slow it down.
A safe response is: "I am not ready to give a recorded statement. Please send your questions in writing."
8) Start a simple crash folder and keep it organized
This is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. Make sure to keep:
- Photos and video
- Police report number and a copy once available
- Tow bill and repair estimates
- Medical visit summaries and prescriptions
- Mileage and out-of-pocket costs for appointments
- Missed work dates and pay information
- A short daily symptom log
Insurance companies rely heavily on documentation. If it is not written down, it often gets treated like it did not happen.
9) Be careful with social media for a while
Even harmless posts can be taken out of context. Insurance companies may look for pictures or posts that they can claim show you are not hurt.
It is usually best to avoid posting about:
- The crash
- Your injuries
- Physical activities
- Travel or events
Also consider tightening privacy settings and asking friends not to tag you.
10) Watch for common insurance pressure tactics
Not every claim turns into a fight, but these come up often:
- A quick settlement offer before you know what treatment you will need
- Suggestions that you do not need follow-up care
- Requests for broad medical authorizations
- Attempts to pin the injury on a "prior condition"
- Recorded statements that turn into "inconsistencies"
If the adjuster is pushing you to wrap it up fast, that is usually a sign to slow down.
11) Know that deadlines can matter
Kentucky has deadlines for certain claims and lawsuits. The right deadline depends on the facts, the type of claim, and insurance issues.
If you are treating, missing work, or dealing with an insurer that is not being reasonable, it is smart to get advice sooner rather than later.
When it is worth calling a lawyer
Not every wreck needs a lawyer, but a quick call can help if:
- You went to the ER or you are still treating
- You missed work or might miss work
- Fault is disputed
- Multiple vehicles were involved
- The insurer is pressuring you to settle quickly
- You are getting inconsistent answers about medical bills or PIP
Talk to a Bell County car accident lawyer
If you were hurt in a crash in Middlesboro or anywhere in Kentucky, we can review what happened and explain your options, including how Kentucky PIP may apply.
For a free consultation and case evaluation, call us at 606-248-4668
FAQ
How do I get a crash report in Kentucky?
You usually need the report number or incident number and the agency that responded. If you do not have the number, you may still be able to request it using the driver's name, date, and location. Reports can take several days to be finalized.
Should I talk to the other driver's insurance adjuster?
You can confirm basic facts, but you do not have to give a recorded statement right away. If you are injured, it is often better to wait until you have had medical evaluation and you are thinking clearly.
What does Kentucky PIP cover?
PIP is coverage under your own auto policy that may help pay medical bills and sometimes lost wages, up to your policy limits. Coverage details vary by policy.
What if I did not go to the doctor the same day?
If you have symptoms, get evaluated as soon as you can. Delays can become a point of dispute, so medical documentation and consistent follow-up matter.
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
You may have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage under your own policy, and you may still have PIP benefits. The right approach depends on the policy and facts.
How long do I have to file a claim in Kentucky?
Time limits depend on the type of claim and the facts. If you are injured or the insurer is delaying, get case-specific advice quickly so you do not run into a deadline.