If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident in Missouri, you might be wondering how long you have to file a police report. Filing a police report is a critical part of documenting the accident, protecting your rights, and ensuring that you have the necessary evidence should you need to pursue a personal injury claim. Understanding Missouri’s specific requirements regarding police reports is essential to safeguarding your interests after a car accident.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the time frame for filing a police report in Missouri, the key laws involved, and why a police report is so important in personal injury cases.
Filing a Police Report After a Car Accident
In Missouri, the law requires that certain car accidents be reported to law enforcement. The requirement is generally based on the severity of the accident and whether injuries or significant property damage were involved. According to Missouri Revised Statutes, Section 303.040, there are specific circumstances where you must file a report with the police after a car crash.
When is a Police Report Required in Missouri?
Under Missouri law, you must file a police report if:
- There are injuries or fatalities: If anyone involved in the accident sustains an injury or dies, a police report must be filed immediately. This helps authorities investigate the cause of the accident and ensures that the right documentation is in place for any insurance or legal claims.
- Property damage exceeds $500: If the accident results in property damage that exceeds $500, a report must be filed. This can include damage to vehicles, infrastructure, or even private property. Missouri law mandates that you report significant property damage to ensure the incident is properly recorded.
- Hit-and-run accidents: If the accident involves a hit-and-run, where one of the parties involved flees the scene without providing their information, a police report must be filed. Missouri takes hit-and-run accidents seriously, and the police will need the report to track down the responsible party.
Filing a police report is crucial in Missouri when an accident involves injuries, significant property damage, or a hit-and-run. Not only does it ensure compliance with state law, but it also provides essential documentation for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Time Frame for Filing a Police Report
In Missouri, there isn’t a specific “deadline” per se for reporting an accident to law enforcement; however, the sooner you report the accident, the better. Section 303.040 of the Missouri Revised Statutes states that accidents meeting the criteria for reporting (injuries, fatalities, or property damage over $500) must be reported to the police immediately.
If the accident meets the legal requirements but no police officer arrives at the scene, the involved parties must file a report with the Missouri Department of Revenue within 30 days. This time frame ensures that the accident is officially documented, which is essential for both legal and insurance purposes.
Why is a Police Report Important?
A police report is an official document that provides crucial details about a car accident. Having a police report after a car crash in Missouri can be important for several reasons, especially when it comes to personal injury claims:
- Documenting the facts: A police report serves as an official record of the accident, documenting the time, location, and circumstances of the crash. It also notes important facts, such as whether any citations were issued and who was at fault, which can be valuable in your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
- Establishing liability: One of the key aspects of any personal injury claim is establishing liability—who is responsible for the accident. The police report can provide impartial evidence to support your case, especially in situations where the other driver is at fault or in the case of a disputed claim.
- Supporting insurance claims: Insurance companies often require a police report to process claims efficiently. The report can help your insurer understand what happened, who was involved, and whether there was any fault. This is especially true in cases of personal injury or substantial property damage.
- Preserving your legal rights: If you sustain injuries in a car accident, it’s essential to have documentation to back up your injury claims. A police report can serve as a critical piece of evidence when pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
If you’re involved in an accident, obtaining a police report can be a crucial step in ensuring a smooth legal and insurance process.
What Happens If You Don’t File a Police Report?
Failing to file a police report when required can have serious consequences. First and foremost, it could negatively impact your ability to prove your case in a personal injury lawsuit. Without a police report, it may be difficult to establish the facts of the accident or determine who was at fault.
Additionally, if the accident meets the legal criteria for reporting but you fail to report it to the authorities, you could face fines or penalties. Not filing a police report in a timely manner could also affect your insurance claim, as insurance companies might view it as a red flag or a reason to deny coverage.
Working with a Personal Injury Lawyer
Dealing with a car accident can be overwhelming, especially with injuries, property damage, or disputed fault. A skilled St. Louis car accident lawyer can protect your rights, assist with filing a police report, handle insurance claims, and pursue compensation. Promptly filing a report is crucial for documenting the accident and establishing fault. If you’ve been in a crash, consult a Missouri personal injury lawyer to navigate the process and secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers Today
For more information, contact the attorneys at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County, and we have offices in St. Louis, Chesterfield, Clayton, and Creve Coeur.
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – St. Louis Office
1010 Market Street, Suite 1605
St. Louis, Missouri
(636) 519-0085
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Chesterfield Office
400 Chesterfield Center Suite 400
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(636) 999-9587
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
11628 Old Ballas Rd, Suite 320
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 557-2869
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Clayton Office
7733 Forsyth Blvd, Suite 1100
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 804-4569
