Car accidents are definitely not fun. While big accidents may come with serious injuries, smaller accidents, too, can leave you frustrated. They come with huge financial losses, making the process of filing a claim stressful and overwhelming, especially if you are someone who is confused about what steps to take after an accident.
One thing that makes the process of filing a report or claim after an accident difficult is the law. The law varies from state to state, leaving victims unsure of the next steps they should take. So, if you are involved in a car accident in Missouri, you must know the laws of Missouri.
It is a famous state in the United States with strict laws and regulations. Understanding the law can help you know things like whether you have to get a report from the police after the accident and the time limit for filing a Missouri car accident police report. By understanding these requirements, you can easily protect your legal rights.
Is it Compulsory to File a Police Report After an Accident in Missouri?
While it is not compulsory to file a police report for every car accident in Missouri, the severity of the accident and certain conditions may require you to file a police report for the accident.
What are the Legal Requirements for Reporting a Car Accident in Missouri?
As mentioned above, not every car accident needs to be reported in Missouri; however, here are a few conditions that require a mandatory police report:
- Serious Injury or Death: An accident that has caused serious injuries to the victim or an accident that has resulted in the death of the victim requires a police report to be filed immediately for a proper investigation.
- Damages Costing Over $500: Some accidents come with heavy financial losses. So any accident that results in property damage that exceeds $500 should be reported.
- Uninsured Driver: Crashes that involve an uninsured driver should be reported, even if the damages are minor and there are no serious injuries. Not reporting such situations may bring about huge penalties, fines, and even suspension of the license. It can also complicate the process of filing a claim.
Why Should You File a Police Report?
Even if you are involved in a small accident that does not require you to file a police report, it is always best to have an official record of the incident. Here are a few ways in which filing a police report can be beneficial.
- Official Report of the Accident: Since a police report is an official document, it provides a neutral and third-party account of what had happened during the incident. This can be helpful when filing for a claim and dealing with insurance companies.
- Establishing Liability: One of the biggest factors that affects your claim is liability. Which is why it is important that you establish and prove that you are not at fault. Having a police report can help you prove your point even when there is no other evidence.
- To Support Your Injury Claims: Sometimes, certain injuries, such as concussions, show up only much later after the accident. Without proper evidence, insurance companies may deny that the injury was caused by the accident. So, having a police report will help prove your injuries and get the right claim.
- Requirement of Insurance Companies: Some insurance companies may require you to provide a police report before they process the claim.
What is the Deadline for Filing a Police Report?
When it comes to filing accident reports, timings play a very important role. In Missouri, the timeline of filing a report varies depending on the type of report. If the case is looked upon by the Missouri Highway Police, the report is usually done within 10 days.
If the police don’t attend the scene, you have 30 days to file Form 1140 with the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Conclusion
Even though not all accidents in Missouri need to be reported, it is always in your best interest to have a police report. It can help protect your legal rights and get the right compensation. If you are unsure about your next steps, you can always reach out to a personal injury attorney.
