Car accidents can be overwhelming, and one of the first questions drivers often have is, “Do I have to report a car accident to the police in Missouri?“ The answer depends on several factors, such as whether anyone is injured or if there is significant property damage. Understanding when and why you should report an accident is crucial to ensuring that you comply with the law and protect your rights.
Filing a police report after a car accident in Missouri offers key benefits, including documenting the incident, providing evidence for insurance claims, and helping resolve disputes that may arise. In this article, our experienced Missouri auto accident attorneys break down when you are legally required to file a police report, why it’s important, and the potential consequences of failing to do so.
When Am I Required to Report An Accident to the Missouri Police?
In Missouri, certain car accidents must be reported to the police within 30 days. These circumstances include:
- A fatality resulting from the accident
- Injuries sustained by any party involved in the accident
- When a driver damages a parked vehicle and the owner is not present
- Property damage totaling $500 or more
- If the other driver is uninsured
Typically, the police will respond to accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or when the incident disrupts traffic flow. However, in cases of minor accidents with no injuries or minimal damage, law enforcement may not attend the scene if they are needed elsewhere. In these situations, it’s important to exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver. Additionally, drivers should document the scene by taking photos of the damaged vehicles and collecting contact information from any witnesses.
If the police are unable to respond to the scene, you may still be able to report the accident by visiting your local police station. While Missouri law allows up to 30 days to report an accident, it’s highly recommended to file a report as soon as possible to ensure the incident is properly documented. For more guidance on when and how to report, visit the Missouri Department of Revenue for additional information on auto claims and reporting requirements.
Why Should I Report My Car Accident to the Missouri Police?
Reporting your car accident to the police is an important step for several reasons, even if you’re not legally required to do so. Here are the key benefits of filing a report after an accident in Missouri:
- Legal Protection and Documentation: A police report serves as an official record of the accident, documenting key details such as the time, location, and circumstances of the incident. This can be invaluable in cases where there’s a dispute about who was at fault or when you need to present proof of the accident to your insurance company. Having a police report helps ensure that the facts are recorded in a neutral, official manner.
- Insurance Claims Support: Many insurance companies require a police report when filing a claim. Reporting the accident to the police can help facilitate your claim process, especially if your insurance policy stipulates that police involvement is necessary for coverage. Failing to file a police report could lead to complications in your claim and even result in a claim denial. Reporting the accident promptly also helps ensure that your insurance company has all the necessary information to process your claim.
- Evidence for Personal Injury Claims: If you or someone else is injured in the accident, the police report can serve as crucial evidence when seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It will document the injuries sustained, the cause of the accident, and any other relevant information that may be important in supporting your personal injury claim.
- Accountability and Protection Against Future Issues: Reporting the accident can help ensure that all parties involved are held accountable for their actions. If the other driver is at fault and flees the scene, a police report can help identify them and provide a record of their responsibility. This can also protect you in the event that the other driver later denies involvement or attempts to place the blame on you.
- Insurance Policy Requirements: Depending on your specific insurance policy, you may be required to report the accident to the police, even if it was a minor incident. Some policies mandate police involvement for certain types of accidents, and failure to comply with this requirement could impact your ability to file a successful claim. It’s important to review your policy’s terms and follow any reporting requirements to avoid complications with your insurer.
Additionally, regardless of who is at fault, your insurance policy may require you to report the accident to them within a certain timeframe. Failing to do so could result in a claim denial, especially if your policy includes provisions that require a police report for certain types of accidents. Reporting the accident to both the police and your insurance company as soon as possible increases the likelihood of a smooth claims process and can help protect your rights.
By following the necessary steps and ensuring your accident is properly reported, you can set yourself up for a stronger claim and increase the chances of a favorable outcome.
What if The Accident Was Minor, Do I Still Need to Report It?
Even in the case of a minor fender bender, it’s always a good idea to report the accident to the police and your insurance provider. While Missouri law may not always require you to file an official police report for accidents with no serious injuries or significant property damage, it’s still important to document the incident. Not reporting could lead to problems down the road.
For example, while you might think the damages are minor—such as a small dent or scratch—your car could have sustained internal damage that isn’t immediately apparent. By not reporting the accident, you risk finding yourself in a situation where repairs end up costing more than expected, or you might find yourself unable to afford the repairs.
Furthermore, if you decide to settle the matter privately without involving the police, you or the other driver could later file a claim with the insurance company. However, if you fail to report the accident in a timely manner, your insurance claim might be questioned, which could impact the amount of damages you can claim. To avoid complications and ensure you’re protected, always consider reporting minor accidents promptly.
Examples of Minor Car Accidents
Minor accidents typically involve slight damage to your vehicle, but you are still able to drive away from the scene without major issues. Here are some examples of minor car accidents that might not seem like a big deal but should still be reported:
- Fender Benders: Low-speed collisions that cause little more than a dent or scratch.
- Broken Headlights/Taillights: A cracked or busted light may seem trivial but still warrants documentation.
- Minor Scratches or Dents: A small dent in the side of the vehicle that doesn’t affect its ability to operate.
- Cracked Windshields: A small crack in your windshield that can still be repaired without much cost.
- Flat Tires: A tire puncture or blowout that doesn’t involve significant vehicle damage.
Even though the damages might seem minimal, it’s possible that you could develop injuries over time, such as whiplash or soft tissue injuries, which may not be immediately apparent. By consulting an attorney and reporting the accident, you ensure that your rights are protected, and that you can pursue compensation for any unforeseen issues that may arise after the accident.
In short, no matter how minor the accident may seem, reporting it to both your insurance company and the police ensures that you’re properly covered and protected moving forward.
What Are The Penalties For Not Reporting a Car Accident in Missouri?
Failing to report a car accident in Missouri can have serious consequences. If you don’t follow the legal requirements for reporting an accident, you could face penalties that range from fines to more severe legal consequences, depending on the circumstances. Here’s what you need to know:
- Fines: Missouri law mandates that certain accidents must be reported, especially if there are injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage. If you fail to report such accidents, you could face fines as a penalty for not complying with the law.
- License Suspension: In Missouri, if you fail to report an accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage, the Missouri Department of Revenue may suspend your driver’s license. This could leave you unable to legally drive until the issue is resolved, which can severely disrupt your daily life.
- Insurance Issues: Not reporting an accident can complicate the claims process with your insurance provider. Most insurance policies require an official accident report to process claims, and failing to report it could lead to delays or even denial of coverage. This could leave you paying for damages and medical expenses out of pocket.
- Legal Liability: If it is later discovered that you didn’t report an accident, you could be held liable for the damages and injuries resulting from it. This could lead to costly lawsuits, an increase in your insurance premiums, and significant financial burdens due to court judgments.
- Criminal Charges: In severe cases, such as accidents involving serious injuries or fatalities, failing to report the incident could result in criminal charges, including hit-and-run accusations. These charges carry serious penalties, including imprisonment, and can have long-lasting effects on your record.
To avoid these consequences, always report an accident to the police and your insurance provider promptly. Taking these steps can help protect your rights and ensure that you meet all legal and insurance requirements.
How Do I File a Police Report After a Car Accident in Missouri?
Filing a police report after a car accident in Missouri is an essential part of the process, especially for insurance claims and potential legal actions. Here’s how to navigate the process step by step:
Step 1: Call the Police
The first thing you should do after a car accident is contact the authorities. If the accident involves injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage, you are legally required to report it to the police. Dial 911 to inform the dispatcher of the incident. They will send law enforcement officers to the scene.
Step 2: Provide Detailed Information
Once the police arrive, provide them with all necessary information. This includes your driver’s license, registration, insurance details, and a clear description of the accident. Be honest and precise when giving your account of what happened. Officers will also take statements from any other parties involved, as well as witnesses if available.
Step 3: Obtain a Copy of the Report
After the investigation, the police will file a formal report. Make sure to request a copy of this report, as it will be vital for your insurance claim and any potential legal action. This report serves as official documentation of the incident, which you may need later to support your case.
Filing the Accident Report Form
In addition to calling the police, Missouri drivers are required to file a “Motor Vehicle Accident Report” (Form 1140) if the accident results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. This form can be accessed online through the Missouri Department of Revenue or directly from your local police department.
Provide accurate details on the form, such as the time, location, and description of the accident, along with all involved parties’ information. Double-check for accuracy to avoid delays in processing.
Step 4: Submit the Report
Once the form is complete, you need to submit it to the appropriate authorities. Typically, this is the Missouri Department of Revenue. You have 30 days from the date of the accident to submit the report. Keep a copy for your own records, and ensure that you submit the report on time to avoid potential complications with your insurance or any legal proceedings.
Step 5: Follow Up
After submission, it’s crucial to follow up with the Missouri Department of Revenue or your local police department to ensure your report has been processed. Monitoring the status helps avoid delays in insurance claims or legal actions, keeping the process as smooth as possible.
By reporting the accident in a timely and accurate manner, you are helping protect your rights and ensuring that you have the necessary documentation for your insurance and legal needs. If you have any questions or need assistance navigating the process, don’t hesitate to contact Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers.
Contact Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, having an experienced car accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference. At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. We will evaluate the strength of your claim and guide you through the complexities of the insurance claim process.
Our team will immediately begin gathering evidence, reviewing the police report for any errors, and interviewing witnesses to understand the full scope of the accident. By collaborating with expert investigators and medical professionals, we work tirelessly to build a strong case and establish the other driver’s liability.
Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery. Contact Beck & Beck Car Accident Lawyers today to schedule a consultation and get the expert legal support you need. We’re here to fight for your rights every step of the way.
Some of the locations our car accident lawyers serve include St. Louis, Florissant, Kirksville, Springfield, Kansas City, and more.
