What to Do When the Police Won’t Come to the Scene of a Car Accident?

Obtaining a police report after a car accident is important. It ensures all details from the accident are documented by the responding police officer, who is a neutral third party to the case. The police report serves as supporting evidence for the insurance company if a driver chooses to make a claim after the accident. However, if police are not able to come to the scene of the car accident, it is important to know how to report your accident and preserve the importance an accident report holds. Currently with the ongoing presence of the Coronavirus, or COVID-19, the likelihood of police visiting the scene of a car accident without catastrophic injuries has substantially decreased. Regardless of the reason for the lack of police presence, the car wreck should be reported. 

You may be wondering how you can report an accident without a police report documented by the police? The answer to this question is to prepare in advance with a Civilian Traffic Collision Report accessible and ready for use in your vehicle. 

What is a Civilian Report?

A Civilian Report is an alternative to a police report that can be completed by a civilian that is in a car accident that was not investigated by a police officer. More specifically, the Kentucky State Police states KRS 189.635(4) provides that “any person operating a vehicle on the highways of the state who is involved in an accident resulting in any property damage exceeding five hundred dollars ($500) in which an investigation is not conducted by a law enforcement officer shall file a written report of the accident with the Department of Kentucky State Police within ten (10) days of occurrence of the accident upon forms provided by the department.” The Civilian Report serves an important role for people who do not have police reports that are trying to make claims. 

The necessary components of the civilian report must at least include:

• Names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth and license numbers of all parties involved in the accident
• Vehicle information such as make, model, license plate number, etc. 
• Registration and insurance information
• Approximate repair costs for vehicle damage
• Location of accident
• The current surrounding conditions such as weather, road, traffic, etc. 

How to File a Civilian Report

Due to the unpredictable nature of accidents, we recommend you print out a copy of the civilian report to keep readily accessible in your glove box or console. To print out the Civilian Report you can follow the link attached in this blog or visit the Kentucky State Police website. After the report is completed, it can be mailed to the address on the document:

Kentucky State Police

Records Branch

1250 Louisville Road

Frankfort, KY 40601

Contact Us

We are still open and doing business during this time of uncertainty with the Coronavirus pandemic. Operating the aftermath of a car crash can be a strenuous task. We are here to relieve that stress and let you focus on getting healthy. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, please do not hesitate to call Dixie Law Group at 502-305-4654.

You will receive a 100% free consultation with an attorney.

Dixie Law Group, PSC – A Neighborhood Personal Injury Law Firm