In our state, there were 108,713 reported road collisions in 2022, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Since these crashes don’t occur every day, you might not know what to do if you have been involved in an accident.
While you might know to call the police or medical personnel to assist with the accident, you can also take a few steps to collect valuable information for the insurance claim or legal case you’re likely to file in the aftermath of your collision.
At Thomas Law Offices, we understand the importance of collecting information after an accident to file a claim and comply with legal requirements. Let’s look at the specific information to exchange after a car accident in Kentucky.
What Are the First Steps to Take After an Auto Collision?
When it comes to accidents, you want to make sure that no one is hurt. If anyone is injured, you will want to get them medical attention so they can receive proper care.
In most cases, law enforcement officials will arrive at the scene of the accident to collect information and create a police report. However, there may be instances where you will need to take the initiative to gather this information yourself.
If you don’t get names, phone numbers, or other information, you will not be able to file a claim or even initiate a lawsuit. Remember, you need to have that on hand before you contact your insurer or car accident lawyer.
Get the Other Driver’s Contact Information
If you have been involved in an accident in Kentucky, Ky. Rev. Stat. § 189.580 requires the drivers to exchange information:
“The operator or person having or assuming the authority of the operator, or ownership of the vehicle, shall give the occupant of the vehicle, or person struck, if requested, the registration number of the vehicle, if any, and also the names and addresses of the owner, the occupants, and operator. The total names need not exceed five (5) in number.”
Hopefully, the driver will be cooperative and willing to share their information. Make sure to ask for their:
- Name
- Phone number or email addresses
- Vehicle registration number
You will want to gather as much information as possible. If you can, ask if you could take a picture of their driver’s license. With that, you will have written and photographic notes of their information.
However, keep in mind that some people become defensive, especially if they caused an accident. You do not want to start an agreement or get into any type of altercation. If the police respond to the scene and the person is still not cooperating, let the officer know. The responding officer should have that information after collecting it for their report.
Collect Auto Insurance Policy Details
Along with their personal information, you will need their insurance details as well. Remember, when you initial the process for the claim, your insurer will want the other party’s policy numbers and the company insuring the driver.
While you may be debating whether to file a claim or not, it doesn’t hurt to have their information on hand. You could develop injuries after the accident or find out your vehicle needs extensive repairs. Without the information, you might be unable to collect compensation from the other driver.
Keep in mind that the driver might not be the owner of the vehicle. Sometimes, a friend or family member may allow someone to borrow their vehicle. In these situations, you will need their information, too. All this information can help you expedite the claims process and help if you ever plan to file a personal injury lawsuit against them.
Make Note of the Vehicle Details
Additionally, you may want to note down a few facts about the vehicle, such as the make, model, and color. Take a look and see if there are any distinguishing marks, like tinted windows, decals, or a spoiler bar, that can separate it from other models on the road.
When it comes time to making a claim, you will want to be as detailed as possible. The more you can describe the vehicle and the incident, the better for your claim. Unfortunately, some drivers try to say they were not involved in the accident and that a similar vehicle to theirs caused the accident. With specific information about their on hand, you and your legal team can quickly dispel those claims.
Talk to Eyewitnesses
After you have collected all of the above, you will want to see if anyone was a witness to the accident. Once again, you will want to get their full name and contact information. You may also want to ask them to describe what they heard and saw and whether they were a pedestrian, another driver, or just bystanders. When you have independent witnesses at the scene, they can help to collaborate on the sequence of events and their story. In some cases, they can make or break a legal case, especially if there is not enough evidence.
Once you have all the information, you can file an insurance claim with your provider. However, if you want to pursue your legal options, make sure to contact an experienced car accident attorney who can consult you on the next steps to take for your case.
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