Knowing how to get a car accident police report can help you with your claim. Anyone involved in a vehicle accident in Kentucky, should be sure to contact the police immediately to file an accident report called the Kentucky Uniform Police Traffic Collision Report. This report is of major importance if there were injuries and property damage from the accident, and it can be important even if it appears that no one was injured.
If injuries were so severe that you were unable to file a report, the police officer who responded to the crash will have filed an accident report, which you will need to get a copy of as soon as you are able to. This report is vital if you are filing an insurance claim to pay for your losses from the accident, and also if your case winds up going to court.
If you or a loved one was injured or someone has died in a vehicle accident in Kentucky that was caused by someone else’s negligence or fault, you may be entitled to compensation for losses that include your medical bills, lost income from being unable to work, and your non-monetary damages such as pain and suffering. At this difficult time, when you are trying to recover from your injuries, the car accident lawyers at the Billy Johnson Law Firm can help you handle all the legal hurdles involved, from getting the police report to determining fault in a car accident, to negotiating with insurance companies, to taking your case to trial if necessary.
We offer a free consultation to discuss the details of your case and show you how we can help. There are no fees to you until we win a settlement, so call us today at 606-437-4488.
How to Obtain a Police Report
Because a police report always gets filed when the police visit the scene of an accident, if you want access to it, it’s helpful to know how to obtain a police report. According to Kentucky law, KRS 189.635(4), “Any person operating a vehicle on the highways of the state who is involved in an accident resulting in any property damage exceeding five hundred dollars ($500) in which an investigation is not conducted by a law enforcement officer shall file a written report of the accident with the Department of Kentucky State Police within ten (10) days of occurrence of the accident upon forms provided by the department.”
So, you have 10 days to file a report if the police were not involved. If the accident was investigated by a police officer, the officer will file the report, and the easiest way to get a police report after an accident is to apply online. For the state of Kentucky, there is a company providing a website to handle requests for car accident reports at www.buycrash.com. The company handles other states as well, so you must select “Kentucky” from the dropdown box on the site and then select “Find Document.” The fee for each accident report, usually $10, can be paid by credit card. Once you pay, you will be able to print a copy of your Kentucky accident report.
You may also file to get a copy of your police report in writing via U.S. Mail. Written requests need to be addressed to the Kentucky State Police post that worked the accident and should include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a $5.00 check or money order payable to Kentucky State Treasurer. Your request should include your name, the date of the collision, and the county or city the collision occurred in.
To get your car accident police report, mail your request to:
Kentucky State Police Headquarters
ATTN: Open Records
919 Versailles Rd.
Frankfort, KY 40601
If a police officer has filed the report, you should allow 10 days for the report to be completed by the officer and made available in the system. Also allow three business days for a mail-in request to be processed.
You can submit any questions you have at kspciviliancollision@ky.gov or 502-782-9929.
Knowing How to Get a Police Report After an Accident Can Help Your Case
The police accident report can help your case because it will contain vital information you and your attorney need to pursue your case, whether through insurance or a lawsuit. Information on the report should include:- The names of all parties involved in the accident
- The time and date of the accident
- The location of the accident
- The property damage caused by the accident
- The available driver automobile insurance information
- Any citations that were issued.
- Economic or monetary damages, such as property damage, medical and rehabilitation bills, and lost wages and future earnings from being unable to work
- Non-economic damages – for damages which are difficult to put a dollar value on, such as pain and suffering.
Our Attorneys Can Help Obtain Your Car Accident Police Report
Be aware that insurance companies are out for their own profit and will try to get you to settle quickly for the lowest possible amount. At the Johnson Law Firm our attorneys are aware of their tactics and can help with your car accident claim by:- Investigating your case and gathering evidence such as police reports, medical records, and videos from traffic cameras
- Interviewing witnesses and first responders
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Taking your case to court if necessary and arguing in front of a judge and jury.
When you work with Billy Johnson, you are represented by an attorney who is both a Super Lawyer and a Million Dollar Advocate. Billy Johnson has represented vehicle accident victims throughout Kentucky, as well as in other states. He can help determine responsibility, establish your claim, and earn you financial compensation. In that effort, our team will help obtain your car accident police report. We will use every tool at our disposal to get you the compensation you deserve.
We offer a free consultation to discuss the circumstances of your accident and explore all available legal options, so call us today at 606-437-4488.