Get Your Kentucky Car Accident Report

Injured in a Kentucky car accident? You don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. One of the first steps after a collision is obtaining a copy of the official crash report (also called an accident or police report). This document is crucial for insurance claims and any legal action, as it records the key facts and findings from the investigating officer. If you were injured in a crash, through no fault of your own, Saladino & Schaaf, PLLC can help. Call us 24/7 at (270) 444-0406. We have offices in Paducah and Murray and proudly serve communities throughout Western Kentucky and Southern Illinois.

What Is a Kentucky Crash Report?

A Kentucky crash report is the official record of a car accident, documented by the police. Law enforcement officers use the Kentucky Uniform Police Traffic Collision Report (KSP Form 74) to record all relevant details of a crash. If an accident results in injury, death, or significant property damage (typically $500 or more), Kentucky law requires that a police report be filed. Even for smaller accidents, having an officer investigate and file a report is highly recommended.

This report is essential evidence for insurance and legal claims. It offers an objective account of the accident that insurance companies and attorneys use to determine fault and assess compensation. In short, the crash report is the authoritative record of what happened and plays a major role in supporting your claim after a Kentucky car accident.

How to Get a Copy of Your Kentucky Accident Report

The easiest way to get a copy of your accident report is to go to BuyCrash.com. You probably received a slip of paper from the police officer that contains information you’ll need to obtain your report on the BuyCrash.com website. Enter the information provided on the paper on the website.

Sometimes the information you’re given is not correct and you may have difficulty obtaining the report through the BuyCrash.com website. If you were injured in a crash, through no fault of your own, Saladino & Schaaf can assist you with getting a copy of the report. Call us 24/7 at (270) 444-0406.

Take the Next Step: Get Your Free Case Review

Your accident report is an important starting point for getting your life back on track after a crash. Don’t delay in obtaining it. If you or a family member were hurt in a car accident in Paducah, Murray or surrounding communities, call Saladino & Schaaf. We can help you obtain your report if you are having trouble getting it. Once you have it, you’ll have the facts of your accident in hand, and our legal team can answer any questions you have about what to do next. Call (270) 444-0406 or fill out our quick online form and we’ll get in touch immediately.

Additional Information About the Crash Report

What Information Does a Crash Report Include?

Accident reports are very detailed. They capture who, when, where, and how the crash happened. Here’s the kind of information you can expect to see in a Kentucky police crash report:

• Date, Time & Location: The report notes when and where the accident occurred (exact date and time, street or highway, city/town, intersection or mile marker). It also usually records the posted speed limit in the area and whether the crash was a hit-and-run or involved multiple vehicles.
• Driver & Vehicle Information: For each vehicle involved, the report lists the driver’s name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information. Vehicle details like make, model, year, registration (license plate) number, and even the area of each vehicle that was damaged are included. If a commercial truck is involved, there will be additional fields for the trucking company and cargo details.
• Passengers and Witnesses: Names and contact information of any passengers in the vehicles, as well as any witnesses who saw the crash, are typically recorded. This ensures all parties and observers are documented for follow-up.
• Accident Details: The officer will categorize the type of collision (for example, rear-end, head-on, side-swipe) and note the manner of impact. The report documents road and weather conditions (e.g. rainy, clear, daylight or dark) and the presence of any traffic control devices like stop signs or traffic lights. It will also indicate the road surface condition (wet, dry, icy, etc.) and the type of road (two-lane, highway, intersection, etc.).
• Narrative and Diagram: Most Kentucky collision reports include a written narrative by the officer and often a hand-drawn diagram. The narrative is the officer’s description of how the crash happened, based on the evidence and statements at the scene. Here the officer may comment on the cause of the crash – for example, noting if a driver was believed to be intoxicated, speeding, distracted, or if one of the drivers admitted fault. The diagram provides a visual of the crash scene, showing the position of vehicles, their path of travel, impact points, skid marks, and the location of traffic signs or signals. Together, the narrative and diagram help reconstruct the accident for later readers.
• Vehicle Damage & Property Damage: The report should describe the damage to each vehicle and the severity of the damage. If any other property was damaged (for instance, a fence, guardrail, or building), that will be noted too, including the property owner’s information.
• Citations or Charges: If the police issued any tickets or citations as a result of the crash (for example, citing a driver for DUI, speeding, or running a red light), the report will include that information. It may note charges like DUI or reckless driving, which can be very important in establishing fault.
• Additional Notes: Police reports often contain codes for various contributing factors and conditions. They may indicate factors like “driver inattention” or “failure to yield” as contributing causes. They also record the responding officer’s name, badge number, and the police department or post that handled the investigation.

All of this data is packed into the accident report form. It’s a comprehensive snapshot of the incident from the investigating officer’s perspective.

Why Is Your Accident Report Important?

Obtaining a copy of your accident report promptly is vital for several reasons:

• Insurance Claims: Insurance companies almost always request the police report before processing an accident claim. The report helps adjusters determine fault and clarify the events, making claims less likely to be delayed or disputed. Without this official documentation, your version of events may be questioned, but a clear report showing the other driver’s fault can speed up your claim and help secure fair compensation.
• Legal Evidence for Injury Claims: If you pursue a personal injury lawsuit or settlement, the accident report is a central piece of evidence. It usually includes the officer’s observations about fault, vehicle damage, and crash severity, supporting your claim and linking your injuries directly to the accident. If your case goes to court, the report will also help the officer recall the specifics and provide consistent testimony, further strengthening your case.
• Personal Documentation & Peace of Mind: Having the official report supports your memory of the incident and lets you verify the facts as recorded. Mistakes sometimes appear in accident reports (incorrect vehicle info or an inaccurate summary of events) which could impact your claim. Reviewing the report lets you spot errors and request corrections, ensuring the facts support your case.
• Meeting Legal Requirements: Kentucky law requires that accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage be officially reported. Not having an accident report when required can result in penalties, and it also creates hurdles for filing insurance or legal claims. The report proves you fulfilled your legal obligation and gives you the official record you may need later.

Bottom line: Your accident report is the cornerstone of any post-accident process – serving as vital proof for insurance, legal, and personal purposes. With this objective document, you protect your rights and have crucial evidence to back up your account of the crash.

Why Choose Saladino & Schaaf?

When you’ve been through a car accident, you need more than just a piece of paper – you need a team on your side that you can trust. Here’s why hundreds of clients in Western Kentucky have turned to Saladino & Schaaf, PLLC after their accidents:

• Experience and Proven Results: Our firm has over 85 years of combined experience in personal injury law. Since 1984, we’ve focused exclusively on helping accident victims put their lives back together. In that time, we’ve helped thousands of clients recover millions of dollars in compensation. This track record means we know how to handle insurance companies and win cases for our clients.
• Focused on Personal Injury: Accident and injury law is what we do. From car and motorcycle wrecks to semi-truck crashes and wrongful death cases, our practice is dedicated to injury victims. We are fully committed to getting justice and compensation for people hurt by negligence. Our deep knowledge of Kentucky accident law translates into better outcomes for you.
• Personal Attention & Compassion: We pride ourselves on treating clients like family. You’ll work directly with our attorneys and caring staff. We know that dealing with an accident and injuries is stressful, so we aim to lighten that burden. Clients frequently mention how accessible and responsive we are – we’re available 24/7 to take your call, and you’ll be kept informed at every step. 
• No Fee Unless We Win: Hiring Saladino & Schaaf is risk-free. You pay no upfront fees and no legal fees at all unless we win or settle your case in your favor. This is called a contingency fee – it means our payment is contingent on getting you compensation. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. We even offer free initial consultations, so it costs nothing to speak with us about your accident and get advice.
• Local Western Kentucky Advocates: With offices in Paducah and Murray, we are local to the Western Kentucky region. Our attorneys live and work here, and we’re familiar with the local communities, courts, and insurance landscape. When you choose us, you get a team that understands your local area and genuinely cares about our Kentucky neighbors. We’re not a far-away firm; we’re right here when you need us.

When you combine our experience, focus, personal service, and results-driven approach, you get the representation you deserve. Saladino & Schaaf has the resources of a large firm but the personal touch of a small hometown office.

“Very easy to work with and always very responsive and available, all hours. Great law firm. Highly recommend.” – 5-Star Google Review.

Serving Western Kentucky & Southern Illinois Communities

We proudly serve clients across Western Kentucky and Southern Illinois. No matter what county or town your accident happened in, chances are we can help. Some of the main communities we serve include:

Don’t see your town on the list? Don’t worry – we likely still cover it! These are just some of the areas where we’ve helped clients. Contact us to see how we can assist you.

Saladino & Schaaf is based in Paducah and Murray, but our attorneys help accident victims throughout Western Kentucky. We also handle cases in Southern Illinois. Wherever you need us, we’re ready to fight for you. Call us at (270) 444-0406.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kentucky Accident Reports

Q: How long does it take for an accident report to be available?
 A: Typically, it takes a few business days up to two weeks for an accident report to be ready. The investigating officer has to file it and have it processed. Many reports in Kentucky are available within one week of the accident, but more complex collisions or busy departments could take a bit longer (10 days or more). The Kentucky State Police say to allow at least 7 business days.

Q: Who is allowed to get a copy of the accident report?
 A: Accident reports are not public record in Kentucky; they’re restricted to involved parties and certain authorized people. You can obtain the report if you were directly involved in the crash (as a driver, passenger, or property owner who suffered damage). The insurance companies for those parties can get it, and so can lawyers who are representing someone involved. Additionally, parents or legal guardians can get a report if a minor child was involved. The general public and unrelated third parties cannot access your accident report due to privacy laws.