McCoy & Hiestand: Home of the Lady Litigator
- Home
- Louisville Car Accident Attorney
- Should I Call the Police After a Car Accident in Kentucky?
When To Call the Police After a Kentucky Car Accident
Imagine you’re heading down Shelbyville Road or driving along 3rd Street downtown and stopped at a light when someone “bumps” into your car. If it is just a “tap,” you might both just accept what happened and go about your day.
If it’s a more serious accident, more people need to get involved, starting with the police.
It is also recommended that, once the police get involved, an experienced Louisville car accident attorney should as well. Even if it is clear at the scene who is at fault for the accident, things can quickly get complicated when insurance claims are needed to pay for medical bills and repairs to your car.
Should you call the police after a car accident? The following are some helpful FAQs to address the topic. This information is important for every driver in your household to be aware of.
Am I legally required to call the police after a car accident in Louisville, Kentucky?
Yes. Under Kentucky law, KRS 189.635, you must report an accident if it involves an injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. When law enforcement arrives at the scene, they must prepare an official crash report. That report can become the foundation of your future car accident insurance claim.
What if I don’t think I’m injured and can drive my car away from the scene?
The hope is that any car accident you get involved in will be a minor one. The reality is that you might not know the extent of your injuries or the damage to the car until you’ve been checked out by a doctor and a mechanic has gone over your ride. It is better to err on the side of caution and call the police to get the report.
Do I have to move my car off the road?
Yes. Under KRS 189.580, if you are involved in an accident and your car can be moved, you must move it off the road. However, before you do, it is critical to take as many photos and videos of the accident scene and point of impact as possible. These will also serve you well in support of your insurance claim.
Work With Sheila and Chad Today.
What happens if the police do not come to the accident scene?
There might be instances where police won’t respond to your accident, especially if you’re not calling for an ambulance. In those situations, you are obliged to file your own accident report within 10 days of the crash. You can file this report with the Kentucky State Police or the Louisville Metro PD. This requirement only applies when damage to either car exceeds $500.
Why is it important to call the police even for minor accidents?
Even in seemingly minor crashes on roads like I-64, I-65, I-71, or the Watterson Expressway (I-264), a police report provides critical documentation. That report will include the contact information of the drivers involved in the accident, any witnesses, and the responding officer’s initial findings of who might be at fault. It will also include any citations issued at the scene. That can help establish who is at fault and protect your version of the accident for the eventual insurance claim.
Can I get into trouble if I don’t report an accident in Kentucky?
Yes. Failing to report a qualifying accident can lead to fines, consequences for your driver’s license, or complications with your insurance claim. Kentucky law expects prompt reporting when injuries or significant property damage are involved. Don’t put yourself at risk.
How a Police Report Supports Your Personal Injury Case
A police report is all about the observable facts of the accident. The responding officer will make those observations and include any relevant statements in their report. In Kentucky personal injury claims, this documentation can strengthen your case. It will also go a long way to boost your negotiations with insurance companies.
Because Kentucky applies the pure comparative negligence principle to car accident fault, both parties can be partially at fault and still be allowed to pursue compensation. You can count on the other driver’s insurance company trying to shift some of the blame for the accident onto you. If they are successful, they will be able to reduce the payout amount.
That is why you need to speak with the skilled attorneys at McCoy & Hiestand, PLC.
We can provide information about your options for seeking a remedy after an accident. Those options can include support with the initial investigation and creation of a demand letter. That letter spells out the details of the accident, including that crucial police report.
It will also list the damages you are seeking. We can help with those calculations.
If the insurance agency attempts to delay or offer an unfair settlement, we may suggest filing a civil complaint. If that happens, it has to occur before the two-year statute of limitations runs out.
Yes, this is a lot to take in. That is why we recommend scheduling a free consultation to discuss what happened and how to move forward.
Free Consultation
Get the financial compensation you need after a serious Louisville car accident.
Fill out the form below to request a consultation
