If you have been in a car accident in Kentucky, it is essential to obtain a copy of your police accident report, as these reports can help you with your claim and provide evidence and documentation should you wind up in an insurance or legal dispute. This report, called the Kentucky Uniform Police Traffic Collision Report, is especially important if there were injuries and property damage from the accident, and it can be important even if it appears that no one was injured.
According to Kentucky law, KRS 189.635(4), the police must be called to the scene of a car accident if there was:
- A reportable injury
- A death
- Property damage worth at least $500.
The responding officer will write up and submit a police report.
If an investigation is not conducted by a law enforcement officer, you have the responsibility of filing a written report of the accident with the Department of Kentucky State Police within ten (10) days of occurrence of the accident using forms provided by the department. However, these days, even a fender bender can result in repair costs of over $500; and many injuries, especially soft tissue damage, do not show up right away. This is why it is a good idea to call the police and get a report even for accidents that might seem “minor” to you. Once the accident is investigated by a police officer, the officer will file the report, but it is still your responsibility to get it.
If you have a car accident attorney handling your case, your attorney will obtain a copy for you.
What is a Police Accident Report?
A police accident report is a document created by law enforcement officers who have responded to a call after a vehicle accident. These accident reports record information about the accident and are considered an official record of relevant events. The officer will write down
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 evidence of improper driving
- Any citations that were issued.
In addition, Kentucky accident reports also list the apparent contributing factors to the accident, such as bad weather, road, or lighting conditions, as well as noting driver distractions or inattention. All these factors will play a role in your case, because they help determine negligence, which is a major factor involved in negotiating the amount of a settlement.
Why Police Accident Reports are Important
It is a sad fact that after a car accident, many insurance companies will attempt to deny claims, get you to settle for less than your case is worth, or try to put the blame for the accident on you. Kentucky has a pure comparative negligence law system: if both parties in an accident are partially responsible for causing the crash, the liability will be distributed between the parties according to the percentage each is found to be at fault. In Kentucky, if you did something to contribute to the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation, but it is reduced by the percentage you are found to be at fault.
If the other party disputes or denies liability for the accident, tries to blame you, or if there are conflicting reports about fault, the police report can help clarify what happened. In situations where it is unclear which driver is at fault, an insurance company is much more likely to deny a claim when no police report exists.
Accident reports provide a record of the accident as well as information that may be used as evidence when you are trying get compensation for the damages you received. The police accident report is important because it:
Provides Documentation. The accident report provides an objective account of what happened by a neutral responding police officer This documentation is especially important if there are disputes during the personal injury claim process. The report may also note factors that may have contributed to the accident, such as road conditions, weather, and traffic lights that weren’t operating.
Establishes liability. The accident report includes details, such as witness statements, citations for laws that were violated, and diagrams showing the positions of vehicles, which can help establish how the accident occurred and who was liable.
Corroborates injuries: If you sought immediate medical attention or mentioned your injuries to the responding officer, this can help establish a connection between the accident and your injuries.
Supports your case: A police report can strengthen your case, by helping insurance adjusters evaluate the accident, assess the extent of damages, and determine fault.
A Police Report Can Help You Get Fair Compensation
Kentucky accident reports list the apparent contributing factors to the accident, such as bad weather, road, or lighting conditions, and also driver distractions or inattention. All these factors will play a role in your case, because they help determine negligence, which is a major factor involved in negotiating the amount of a settlement. If another party is found to be negligent and at fault for causing your car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for both your:
- 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.
How to Get a Kentucky Police Report
To get a copy of the police report in Kentucky, you can request one 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 the U.S. Postal Service. 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 in which the collision occurred.
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 you have an attorney working for you, your attorney will take care of getting the police report so you won’t have to do anything.
Get Help from Our Car Accident Attorneys
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. The skilled and experienced Kentucky car accident attorneys from the Johnson Law Firm are aware of their tactics and can not only get your police report, but fight for fair and optimum compensation 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 do everything possible 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.
GET HELP NOW 606-437-4488
Attorney Billy Johnson
William “Billy” Johnson grew up in the Dorton area of Pike County, Kentucky, and early on decided to stay in the beautiful Appalachian mountains. Like many others in Eastern Kentucky, Billy’s dad worked as a coal miner, a hard job but one that taught his son how to meet challenges head on and persevere. Attorney Billy Johnson has years of experience helping injured clients with claims such as car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, wrongful deaths, work injuries, and more. [ Attorney Bio ]
