Lexington Traffic Accident Reports

No one ever wants to be in a car accident, but even if you're the most cautious driver on the road, accidents can happen. And when they do, it's important to know what to do—both immediately following the accident and in the days and weeks that follow.

Stop and check to see if you or anyone else has been injured. If there are injuries or suspected injuries, call 911 immediately. Do not try to move anyone unless they are in immediate danger of further injury, as doing so could result in more serious harm. Once emergency personnel have arrived, follow their instructions.

Move your vehicle out of traffic, if possible. If your vehicle is causing a traffic obstruction, turn on your hazard lights and get out of the road, if possible. If you can't move your vehicle, make sure you exit your vehicle and are out of harm’s way. Wait somewhere safe until help arrives if you aren’t too injured to do so.

Call the police. Even if the accident appears to be minor, it's always a good idea to call the police so that there is an official record of what happened. The police will also be able to direct traffic around the accident scene and help ensure everyone's safety.

Exchange information with the other driver. Get the other driver's name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. You should also take pictures of the other driver's license and insurance card as well as their vehicle (including the license plate) if you have a camera or camera phone with you. It's also a good idea to write down anything you remember about the accident while it's still fresh in your mind.

Take pictures of the accident scene and any damage to your vehicle. Again, if you have a camera or camera phone with you, take pictures of anything you think might be important—the position of both vehicles, skid marks on the road, debris from the accident, etc. These pictures can be helpful later when speaking with your insurance company or an attorney about what happened.

Call your insurance company. As soon as possible after the accident, call your insurance company and let them know what happened. Be sure not to admit fault or discuss who was at fault with anyone at the scene of the accident or with the other driver—that determination can only be made by law enforcement or an impartial third party once all the facts have been gathered and considered.

Get medical attention even if you feel okay. It's not uncommon for people involved in accidents to feel fine immediately afterward only to start feeling pain hours or even days later as the adrenaline wears off and they begin to process what happened. If you start feeling pain after an accident, see a doctor right away so that they can document your injuries and begin treatment as necessary. You'll need this documentation later if you decide to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries from those responsible for causing the accident.

You will need the following information to obtain a copy of your report:

• The date, time, and location of the accident
• The name and badge number of the officer who responded to the accident
• The case or incident number

To get a copy of your report, you have three options:

1. Visit the police department in person
2. Submit a written request by mail or fax
3. Make an online request

Visit the Police Department in Person

This is the quickest way to get your hands on a physical copy of your traffic accident report. Be sure to call ahead and find out what hours the Records Unit is open to the public. When you arrive, ask for the Records Unit and tell the officer that you need a copy of your accident report. They will likely ask for some form of identification, so be sure to bring your driver’s license or another form of ID with you. The officer may also collect a small fee for providing you with a copy of your report.

Submit a Written Request by Mail or Fax   

If you are unable to visit the police department in person, you can submit a written request for a copy of your traffic accident report by mail or fax. To do so, simply send a letter or fax to the Records Unit of the police department that responded to your accident and include the following information:

• Your name, address, and telephone number
• The date, time, and location of the accident
• The name and badge number of the officer who responded to the accident (if known)   
• The case or incident number (if known)   

Once your written request has been received, someone from the Records Unit will contact you regarding payment for the report and provide instructions on how you can receive it.    

Online Requests    

You can also make an online request for a copy of your traffic accident. You will need to input the state, jurisdiction, your first and last name, the date of the incident, the location of the incident, and the report number.

Once you have obtained a copy of your traffic accident report from law enforcement, be sure to keep it in a safe place as it will likely be important evidence if you decide to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit stemming from the crash.    

A traffic accident report can be an invaluable tool in the event that you are ever in an accident. Here's why:

• A traffic accident report will create a record of the accident that can be used as evidence if you need to file an insurance claim or take legal action.
• The report can help you remember facts about the accident that you may forget later on.
• A traffic accident report can help law enforcement officials investigate the accident and determine who was at fault.
• It can help resolve any disputed facts about the accident.

Overall, a traffic accident report is an important document to have if you are ever involved in a car accident. If you are able, always try to obtain a copy of the report from law enforcement officials at the scene of the accident.

It's so important for drivers to know how they can help reduce the number of accidents on the roads. Here are a few tips:

Pay Attention to the Road: This may seem like common sense, but you'd be surprised how many accidents are caused by drivers who are simply not paying attention to what they're doing. Whether you're distracted by your phone, your passengers, or something else, it's important to keep your eyes on the road at all times. Otherwise, you could easily find yourself involved in an accident.

Obey the Speed Limit: Speeding is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents, so it's important to obey the posted speed limit at all times. Even if you're in a hurry, it's not worth risking an accident. Plus, there's a good chance you'll get pulled over if you're speeding, which could end up costing you more time in the long run.

Watch for Pedestrians: Pedestrian accidents are far too common, so it's important to always be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially when driving through busy areas. Remember, pedestrians always have the right of way, so make sure to yield to them whenever possible.

By following these simple tips, you can help reduce the number of traffic accidents in Lexington. And if you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can.

So, if you've been in a traffic accident and are wondering whether you need a lawyer, the answer is maybe. If the circumstances surrounding your accident are complex or if the other driver is denying responsibility, then it's worth at least talking to an attorney to see what they think. The attorneys at Morgan & Morgan can evaluate your case and help you determine what your next steps should be. We can help you obtain Lexington traffic accident reports and gather other evidence to give you the best chance of success. With more than 2 decades of experience, we know what it takes to get you what you deserve. Contact Morgan & Morgan today to schedule a free consultation.