After a car accident, you likely have a million things running through your mind. You may be stressing over the damage to your vehicle, and you could be wondering how you will pay your medical bills if you are injured. Getting a copy of your crash report is probably the last thing on your mind.
Most accidents in Missouri must be reported to either your local police or the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Additionally, the crash report can serve as valuable evidence if any dispute arises later because you can use that report to prove fault, injuries, or other details about your accident. Dive into the details below to learn everything you need to know about Missouri State Highway Patrol accident reports.
Crash Reporting Basics in Missouri
If you are involved in a car accident in Missouri, you must report it to the police if any of the following three criteria are met:
- There is property damage exceeding $500
- Any drivers or passengers suffer bodily injuries or death
- The crash involved an uninsured motorist
Most of the time, the police will show up and create a crash report for you, and this satisfies the accident reporting requirement. If the police are not called, you will need to report the accident on your own, and failure to do so in a timely manner could result in legal trouble.
How Do I Get a Copy of an MSHP Crash Report?
There are several ways you can request a copy of your accident report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, including the following ways:
- Online, using the Motor Vehicle Accident Report Form 1140
- Contacting your insurance company
- Through the Driver License Bureau or any license office
An experienced car accident attorney can also help you obtain an accident report and gather other crucial evidence.
Why Would I Need a Crash Report From the Missouri State Highway Patrol?
You need the crash report from your accident because it contains important details from the police’s investigation of your crash. This report serves as one of the most crucial pieces of evidence in proving who is responsible for the accident.
Not only will your own insurance company likely need a copy of this report, but your personal injury attorney will also want a copy. Your attorney can use the report to gain a better understanding of how your crash occurred and to help prove that the other driver’s negligence caused your damages.
Some common types of damages resulting from car accidents include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earnings capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
Without a copy of the police report, it can be more difficult to prove who was at fault in the accident and the full extent of your damages. Even minor injuries can leave you with thousands of dollars in medical bills and vehicle repairs. Having a copy of the crash report can help you hold the other driver accountable for paying for your damages.
Report the Accident and Consult a Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer
Whether you have been involved in a car accident, truck accident, or some other type of wreck, you need to report the accident and get a copy of your crash report as soon as possible. It will be extremely valuable in proving your case and recovering compensation from the at-fault party.
After reporting the accident, it is crucial to get immediate medical attention and contact a personal injury lawyer to get the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.
For more information, contact the Kansas City, MO personal injury law firm of Dickerson Oxton to schedule a free initial consultation.
We serve in Jackson County and its surrounding areas across Missouri:
Dickerson Oxton – Kansas City Office
1100 Main St #2550, Kansas City, MO 64105
(816) 268 1960
Hours: Monday to Friday,
from 9 am – 5 pm