How to obtain police crash and accident records in Kentucky

Short answer: Yes. In Kentucky you can usually get a copy of the basic crash report from the law enforcement agency that responded. More detailed investigative records or internal reports may be partly or fully withheld under Kentucky’s public‑records law. If you need the full file for an insurance claim or court case, there are practical steps to request the records and options if the agency refuses.

Detailed Answer

This section explains what crash records are available in Kentucky, who can request them, where to ask, how long it usually takes, possible fees, and what to do if the agency denies access.

What a typical crash report contains

• Basic collision data: date, time, location, vehicles involved, visible damage, injuries reported, and probably a diagram.
• Parties and witnesses: names, addresses, driver license numbers (sometimes redacted), and contact info for witnesses (sometimes limited).
• Officer information: responding agency, officer(s) on scene, and often a brief narrative of observed facts.

Who holds the report

The law enforcement agency that investigated the crash holds the report. For city crashes, contact the local police department. For county roads, contact the sheriff’s office. For state highway incidents handled by the Kentucky State Police, contact the Kentucky State Police Records/Crash Unit (contact info and procedures are available from the Kentucky State Police).

Many agencies provide crash reports directly to involved parties, their insurers, attorneys, and sometimes to the public as a public record.

Legal framework

Crash reports and other law enforcement records in Kentucky are governed by the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS Chapter 61). That law makes most public agency records available on request but also lists exceptions for law enforcement investigatory records and other sensitive items. If an agency cites an exemption, it must identify the legal basis for withholding or redacting information.

See Kentucky’s official statutes and search tools here: Kentucky Revised Statutes (search).

How to get the basic crash report (step‑by‑step)

1. Identify the responding agency. The crash report is with the police or sheriff department that came to the scene (or Kentucky State Police if they responded). If you’re unsure, check the county where the crash happened and contact local law enforcement.
2. Ask for the report number or incident number. This speeds retrieval.
3. Request the report. Many agencies accept phone requests, email, an in‑person visit, or an online portal. If the Kentucky State Police handled the crash, check their Records/Crash Unit page for instructions and forms: Kentucky State Police — Records.
4. Provide identification and your relationship to the crash. Involved parties and insurers usually get access quickly. A third party may need a signed release from an involved party or to show a legitimate interest.
5. Pay any fee. Agencies may charge a small copying or processing fee (varies by agency and format — electronic or paper).
6. Receive the report. Expect to get the basic crash report. It may include a short narrative. More detailed investigative materials may be withheld or redacted.

When a more detailed accident/investigative report is needed

Insurance companies, drivers, or attorneys sometimes want officer narratives, witness statements, photographs, or other investigative materials beyond the standard crash form.

• Some agencies will release supplemental reports, witness statements, and photos on request. Others will release them only to involved parties, insurers, or attorneys with a signed authorization.
• Certain law enforcement records may be exempt from disclosure while an investigation is active or to protect privacy, witnesses, or tactics. Kentucky’s open‑records law includes exemptions for law‑enforcement investigatory files. If the agency withholds records, it should identify the legal basis for doing so.
• If you need materials that are withheld, options include (a) asking the agency for a written denial stating the exemption relied upon, (b) asking for a redacted copy if only limited details are withheld, (c) obtaining a signed release from an involved party, or (d) seeking the materials through formal discovery after you file a lawsuit.

What to do if you are denied

1. Request a written denial that cites the law or exemption the agency used.
2. Ask whether a redacted copy can be produced instead.
3. Consider filing an administrative appeal or a petition in court to compel production. Consult a lawyer if you plan to challenge a denial — they can advise on the best route (public‑records litigation vs. discovery in a pending insurance or civil case).

Using the report in an insurance claim or lawsuit

Insurers commonly use the crash report as evidence for fault and damages. Keep a copy for your claim and provide it to your insurer or attorney. If you’re preparing a lawsuit, your attorney can often obtain additional investigative materials through discovery and subpoenas if the agency legitimately withholds them under the open‑records law.

Helpful Hints

• Gather basic details before calling: date/time, exact location, and vehicle plate numbers. These details speed up the search.
• Ask for the incident/crash report number at the scene or as soon as possible. Police often give this number on any citation or paperwork at the scene.
• Check the responding agency’s website first. Many Kentucky agencies publish instructions, online request forms, and fees.
• If the Kentucky State Police responded, start with their Records/Crash Unit: https://kentuckystatepolice.org/records/.
• If you need witness statements or photos that are withheld, get the involved parties to sign an authorization. That often unlocks more material without court action.
• Keep copies of all requests, emails, and any written denials. Written records help if you must challenge a refusal later.
• If the agency cites an exemption under Kentucky’s Open Records Act, you can read the statutory provisions and consider legal help. Start at the Kentucky statutes portal: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/.
• If you are working with an attorney, they can usually obtain the needed records faster and handle any legal objections by the agency.

Important: This article provides general information about obtaining crash and accident records in Kentucky. It is not legal advice. Laws and agency procedures change. For guidance tailored to your situation, consider contacting a licensed Kentucky attorney or the records unit of the responding law enforcement agency.