If You Have an Accident

Your auto insurance company isn't the only entity you need to notify when you're involved in a vehicle accident; you also need to contact the Kentucky State Police (KSP).

First Steps After an Accident

The first thing you should do when you're involved in an automobile accident is make sure all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians involved are OK.

It's wise to call an ambulance even if no one appears visibly injured. (At the very least, head to the emergency room afterward to get yourself checked out―personal injuries such as whiplash might not rear their ugly heads until later.) It's good to have some sort of medical report on file for all insurance companies involved.

Next, move all involved vehicles out of the flow of traffic, if possible. Turn on your hazard lights and place cones or emergency flares where passers-by can see them. (These warnings are especially important if you can't move the vehicles.)

If the accident results in injuries, death, or at least $500 damage to vehicles and/or property, you'll need to give the Kentucky State Police a call so a trooper can come by. He or she will investigate the accident and file a report. You can find a list of KSP Posts by region and county online; however, you may want to have this information compiled and stored in your car before you even face an accident.

Filing an Accident Report

If a trooper is not called to the scene for some reason, it becomes your responsibility to file the report within 10 days of the accident if property damage exceeds $500, or if anyone was injured or killed in the accident.

The KSP provides an accident report online that you can download and print out. While it's not necessary to keep one handy in your glove box, you should make sure to record all crucial information so you can fill it in later. Not only will you need this information for your report, but you'll also need it for your car insurance company.

Necessary Information for the Report

You will need to record this information as it pertains to you and the other involved party:

• Contact information, including the name, address, and telephone number of all people involved (this includes passengers).

• Driver's license number and birth date of all drivers involved.

• Make, model, and year of the vehicles involved.

• Registration and license plate number for all involved vehicles, as well as the state in which the vehicle is registered.

• Vehicle damage and estimated repair costs.

• Contact information for the automobile insurance company for each driver.

• Any property damage not part of the vehicle.

The KSP accident report also asks for very detailed information regarding the location of the accident, the type of weather and road conditions at the time, and traffic control (stop signs, traffic lights, etc.).

Mail the report to:

• Kentucky State Police

• 1250 Louisville Road

• Frankfort, KY 40601

Legal Action

Unfortunately, not all vehicle accidents can be resolved peacefully and you may find you need legal representation.