June 26, 2024 | Car Accidents, Compensation, Personal Injury
A car accident police report is an official document prepared by the responding law enforcement officer. It details the circumstances and consequences of a motor vehicle accident. The report contains comprehensive information such as the names and contact details of the drivers involved, vehicle descriptions, a narrative of events leading to the accident, diagrams of the collision scene, witness statements, weather conditions at the time of the collision, and the expected damages or injuries incurred.
This objective record serves as a crucial piece of evidence in insurance claims and legal proceedings related to the accident. It can help prove who was at fault in the accident, provide insight on the causes of the collision, and determine liability in your insurance claim or a court of law. It also provides a precise timeline and accurate facts, helping to prevent conflicting accounts about the accident.
Understanding the contents and implications of a car accident police report is essential for anyone navigating the aftermath of a car accident comprehensively.
As car accident attorneys in St. Louis, this is a question we get asked a lot. Car accidents are always a scary situation – regardless of how minor or major the damage is – getting into a car accident is always an unsettling event.
Most times a car accident takes place, at least one of the parties hopes to avoid filing a police report with the hopes of avoiding an increase in auto insurance costs.
In some cases, both parties would even want to avoid contacting the police or filing a car accident claim due to the hassle that many believe comes with the process.
The Missouri Department of Revenue states that you are required to file a car accident police report if:
Related: How much will I receive for my car accident settlement?
According to Missouri Code section 516.120, the statute of limitations on filing a car accident claim is five years.
Knowing how long you have to file a car accident claim in Missouri is an essential part of receiving compensation after your accident.
Although the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is 5 years in Missouri, filing as quickly as possible is an extremely important step in the road to receiving fair compensation.
The longer you wait, the more you and the other parties, witnesses, and first responders will forget about the incident. If there is a long delay in filing your police report, the defendant’s insurance company or attorney will also almost certainly argue that if it was a serious enough car accident to file a claim, you would have done so sooner.
With that said, Missouri Law says you are legally allowed to file a claim up to five years after the accident, so do not feel like it is a lost cause if you have waited an extended period of time after the accident took place.
Related: What should I do if my police report is incorrect?
Filing any claim or filling out any type of report with the police or local government always seems like a daunting task, and most people want to avoid putting any financial hardships on another individual, but being educated on how to file a police report is always an essential resource to have for automobile drivers in Missouri.
The process of filing a report is as simple as calling the police after you have been in an accident. When the officer arrives, they will document the scene and prepare the report detailing your car accident.
Here is a more in-depth breakdown of the process:
After ensuring safety and gathering necessary information, your next step is to contact the local authorities to file a police report. In Missouri, it is mandatory to report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. Even if the police are already on the scene, you may need to follow up with the local police department to ensure the report is filed correctly.
When you contact the authorities, be prepared to provide detailed information about the accident, including the time, location, and nature of the incident. The responding officer will typically take statements from both drivers, any witnesses, and document their observations.
Make sure to ask for the report number and the officer’s contact information for future reference. This official documentation is essential for insurance claims and any legal actions that may arise from the accident.
Once you have contacted the local authorities and obtained the necessary information, you may need to complete a formal accident report form. In Missouri, this form is known as the “Motor Vehicle Accident Report” (Form 1140). You can obtain this form from the Missouri Department of Revenue’s website or your local police department.
When filling out the form, provide accurate and detailed information, including the date, time, and location of the accident, and a thorough description of the incident.
Include details about all involved parties, their vehicles, and insurance information. Attach any supporting documents, such as photographs, witness statements, and medical reports. Double-check for accuracy before submitting the form, as errors can delay the processing of your report. Once completed, submit the form to the appropriate authorities within the specified timeframe, usually within 30 days of the accident. Properly completing this report is crucial for resolving insurance claims and any subsequent legal matters.
After completing the Motor Vehicle Accident Report form, the next step is to submit it to the appropriate authorities. In Missouri, you typically send the completed form to the Missouri Department of Revenue. Ensure you submit the form within the required timeframe, usually within 30 days of the accident. Keep a copy of the report and any supporting documents for your records. Submission can often be done by mail or in person, so choose the method that works best for you.
Following submission, it’s important to follow up to confirm that your report has been received and processed. You can contact the Missouri Department of Revenue or your local police department to verify the status of your report. This step ensures that there are no delays in processing your insurance claim or any legal proceedings.
The first and most crucial step after experiencing a car accident is to ensure everyone’s safety. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location, away from traffic, to prevent further collisions. Once you’re in a secure spot, check yourself, your passengers, and the occupants of the other vehicle for injuries. Regardless of the severity of the accident, you must call 911 immediately. This ensures that medical assistance can be dispatched if needed and that law enforcement can arrive to document the scene.
Providing accurate information to the dispatcher will help emergency responders prepare for the situation they will encounter. While waiting for help to arrive, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and stay inside your vehicle if it’s safe to do so. Following these initial steps is vital for maintaining safety and setting the stage for a thorough accident report.
Once everyone is safe and you’ve called 911, the next step is to gather all necessary information from the scene. Start by exchanging details with the other driver, including names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information. Additionally, note the make, model, and license plate number of the involved vehicles. If there are any witnesses, collect their contact information as well, as their statements may be invaluable later. Use your smartphone to take photos of the accident scene, capturing vehicle positions, damages, skid marks, and any relevant road conditions or traffic signs. Documenting the time, date, and location of the accident is also essential. This comprehensive collection of information will not only aid law enforcement in their report but also support your insurance claim and any legal proceedings that may follow.
Thoroughly documenting the accident scene is a critical step that can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Begin by taking comprehensive photographs from multiple angles to capture the overall scene, vehicle damages, and any contributing factors such as road conditions, traffic signals, or debris. Make sure to include close-up shots of any visible injuries and vehicle identification details like license plates and VIN numbers. If possible, create a diagram of the accident scene, noting the positions of the vehicles before and after the collision. Additionally, jot down any relevant details you observe, such as weather conditions, visibility, and the behavior of the other driver. This documentation will serve as crucial evidence when filing your police report and can assist in insurance claims or legal disputes. By meticulously recording these details, you ensure a more accurate and supportive account of the accident.
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