The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet ranked Jefferson County as the county with the most traffic fatalities from 2012 through 2014. It also ranked high in overall safety concerns on the highway. The potential for being in an accident is higher when driving in Jefferson County.  

Do you know what to do when you are in an accident? You need to remember to stay calm and take care of yourself and any passengers first. Call the police and make a report. Additionally, do not make these mistakes following an accident: 

• Forgetting to keep track of expenses, medical bills, lost wages and out-of-pocket purchases: Having this information helps you maximize a settlement.
• Giving a statement to the insurance company without speaking to an attorney: Insurance companies are not your friend. They are in business to pay out the least amount possible.
• Not getting medical treatment or stopping treatment too early: After an accident, adrenaline can mask injuries. Do not talk about the lack of injuries at the scene. Let a doctor make that assessment.
• Not reporting the accident: You will want to report the accident to your insurance company and to the police.
• Apologizing for the accident: An apology could be mistaken for admitting that you were at fault. Do not take blame from the get-go, as this could be detrimental to your claim.  
• Not getting witness information: Even if you cannot get the witnesses to the accident to stick around for the police, at least get their contact information. 

A traffic accident can leave serious injuries that could be life-changing. It is important to protect yourself after an accident by not making mistakes which could decrease your claim. If you have been seriously injured in a motor vehicle crash, talking to an attorney before you talk to your insurance company can help you stay focused on your health instead of stressing out over the claims process.