Drivers involved in car accidents are required to stop at the scene and see to the wellbeing of any victims. Then if no officer responds to the scene, drivers may need to file a report on the accident with the Kentucky State Police.
What Should I Do On the Scene of the Accident?
Kentucky Motor Vehicle Statute 189.580(1) goes over what to do immediately after a collision:
- Drivers shall immediately stop
- Drivers will check on the wellbeing of any victims including their own and their passengers
- Drivers will render reasonable assistance and make arrangements for medical care (call 911)
- Drivers in accidents that don’t involve known injuries or a fatality should move their vehicles out of the way of traffic but remain as close to the scene as possible
- Drivers should provide a car registration number, name and address, and insurance information to anyone who requests it
In a serious accident, most reasonable drivers will contact 911 and get officers on the way. But it’s also the law to notify authorities in certain situations.
That’s according to KRS 189.635(2):
“(2) Any person operating a vehicle on the highways of this state who is involved in an accident resulting in fatal or nonfatal personal injury to any person or damage to the vehicle rendering the vehicle inoperable shall be required to immediately notify a law enforcement officer having jurisdiction. In the event the operator fails to notify or is incapable of notifying a law enforcement officer having jurisdiction, such responsibility shall rest with the owner of the vehicle or any occupant of the vehicle at the time of the accident.”
Hopefully, a police report will be enough to force the car insurance company for the at-fault driver to accept responsibility. But if insurance providers try to shift the blame, having evidence from the scene will be your best defense.
If you are able, here are a few other things you should do at the scene if you are feeling up to it:
- Take Photos. Get photos of the cars involved, the damage, and the street signs and lane markings pertaining to what happened. Also, show any visible injuries and damaged clothing.
- Get witness contact information.
- Scan the area for any surveillance cameras on nearby homes and businesses. Note the address to pass along to your attorney.
What Should I Do After a Kentucky Car Accident?
Once you’ve left the scene, you should make sure you complete a few more important steps.
If no law enforcement officer made it to the scene of your accident and the property damage exceeded $500, you’ll need to submit a Civilian Collision Report. It’s a legal requirement that’s covered in this motor vehicle statute KRS 189.635(4).
You have ten days to submit this report. When you have questions about Civilian Collision Reporting, you can E-mail kspciviliancollision@ky.gov or call (502) 782-9929.
- You should also contact your own insurance provider and tell your agent what happened.
- See your own physician after an accident, even if you’ve already been to the emergency room. You might have injuries pop up that you didn’t notice on the day of the accident. Get everything checked out and documented. Follow your doctor’s orders.
- Keep all receipts and invoices for car repairs and medical care.
What Are My Obligations If I Strike an Empty Car in Kentucky?
If you strike an unattended car, you must stop as soon as possible. You are also responsible for leaving information at the scene so that the owner of the car can contact you.
The Statute 189.580(2) goes over the driver’s duty:
“(2) The operator of any vehicle which collides with or is involved in an accident with any vehicle or other property which is unattended resulting in any damage to such other vehicle or property shall immediately stop as close to the accident scene as possible without obstructing traffic and shall then and there either locate and notify the operator or owner of such vehicle or other property of his or her name, address, and the registration number of the vehicle he or she is driving or shall attach securely in a conspicuous place in or on such vehicle or other property a written notice giving his or her name, address, and the registration number of the vehicle he or she is driving, or shall file a report with the local police department.”
The written notice should include:
- The driver’s name
- The driver’s address
- The car’s registration number
As explained above about the Civilian Collision Report, any damage that appears to exceed $500 dollars must be reported. Drivers would include their contact information on this report so an officer could investigate. Drivers who don’t know the owner of the other vehicle would fill in that slot with UKN (unknown). The same report would be filled out if you discover your vehicle has been struck but the at-fault driver isn’t known.
Contact a Kentucky Car Accident Lawyer After a Serious Accident and Injury
It’s critical that every driver knows what to do after an accident so that the matter can be resolved fairly. It’s important that victims aren’t unfairly burdened with the financial consequences of a crash they didn’t cause.
If you have been seriously injured in a collision caused by a careless driver contact a Kentucky Car Accident Lawyer to schedule a free and confidential consultation. We help victims and their families earn the money they need to fully recover in Lexington, Louisville, and across the entire state.
