June 29, 2022 | Car Accident
All drivers should know what to do after a car accident, including their responsibilities related to car accident reports. Below are FAQs about car accident reports in Kentucky that answer many of the questions about car accident reports that drivers ask when they contact our law firm about a traffic accident.
Do I Need to File a Car Accident Report in Kentucky?
After a car accident, you must notify law enforcement officers if a car accident results in property damage, personal injury, or death, according to KRS §189.635. Calling 911 is the quickest and easiest way to report a car accident and request medical assistance.
Police officers do not always investigate minor car crashes. If the property damages are less than $500 and no one reports injuries, the police officer might not investigate and submit an accident report. In that case, you must file a Civilian Traffic Collision Report with the Kentucky State Police.
Should I Admit Fault for a Car Accident?
No, it is not wise to admit fault for a car accident before speaking with a car accident lawyer. You should not lie to the police officers. However, you can answer the officer’s questions without saying the accident was your fault or you think you might have contributed to the cause of the crash.
The driver who is responsible for causing the car accident could be liable for economic damages and non-economic damages. If you share fault for the cause of the crash, your compensation could be reduced under Kentucky’s contributory fault laws.
Therefore, it is also not a good idea to talk to an insurance adjuster before seeking legal advice. The statements you make to the claims adjuster could be intentionally misinterpreted to allege that you contributed to the cause of the crash.
For example, the insurance adjuster gets you to talk about your day. Then, they ask what you did that morning before the accident. If you state that you were running late or something happened that upset you, the adjuster might allege you were distracted when the accident occurred, thereby contributing to the cause of the car wreck.
What Information Does a Car Accident Report Include?
The car accident report contains information that your car accident lawyers use when filing insurance claims and investigating the cause of the collision. Information in a car accident report includes:
- The date, time, and location of the car accident
- The names and contact information for each driver
- The road and weather conditions at the time of the car accident
- Whether one or both drivers contributed to the cause of the accident
- Traffic citations issued to a driver
- The names and contact information for eyewitnesses
- Whether anyone sustained injuries because of the car accident
Car accident reports may contain additional information. For example, the police officer might note statements made by drivers or eyewitnesses. In addition, the officer could include a diagram of the car accident scene.
The police officer’s conclusions are not a decision of liability. You need a personal injury lawyer to gather evidence proving causation, fault, and liability for a car accident claim.
Does the Car Accident Report State My Injuries?
Car accident reports may state that a party was injured. However, the crash report typically does not contain information about specific injuries.
It is crucial that you seek medical treatment for injuries as soon as possible after a car accident. Delaying medical treatment could result in allegations of failure to mitigate damages. It could also make proving the car crash caused your injuries more difficult.
Avoid saying you are “fine” or “okay” after the car accident. Do not state you are not injured. If you do not believe you need emergency medical treatment, it is better to say you are unsure of your injuries and intend to seek medical care from your doctor.
How Can I Get a Copy of My Kentucky Car Accident Report?
If the Lexington Police Department investigates your car accident, you can request a copy of the car accident report from the police department. You may visit the police department or request a copy by mail. If you send the request by mail, you must include the $5 fee for the report and a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
You can also get a copy of your car accident report online. You must have the report date, case number, and last name of the vehicle owner or driver. The fee is $10, and the agency is the Lexington Police Department.
If Kentucky State Police officers investigated the crash, you could request a copy of the car accident report from their office by mail or in person. You can also access car accident reports online.
When you hire our Lexington personal injury lawyers to handle a car accident case, we obtain a copy of the police report on your behalf.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Lexington Today To Get More Information
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, please call Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.
Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC
325 W Main St #210, Lexington, KY 40507
(859) 550-2900