If you’ve been in a car accident in Missouri, securing a copy of the official police accident report is one of the most important steps you can take. This document contains essential details about the crash, including the date, time, location, individuals involved, statements from witnesses, and the responding officer’s assessment. Whether you’re filing an insurance claim, pursuing legal action, or trying to establish liability, having access to this report can significantly impact your ability to seek fair compensation.
At Wallentine Injury Law, LLC we know how overwhelming the aftermath of a crash can be. That’s why we’re here to help accident victims understand the importance of this report, how to obtain it, and what the information means.
What is Included in a Missouri Police Accident Report?
A Missouri Motor Vehicle Accident Report includes information about the people involved, the vehicles involved, the crash location, and the circumstances of the accident. The report is an official document that’s prepared by the responding law enforcement officer.
What’s included:
- People involved: Names, contact details, and statements from drivers and witnesses.
- Vehicles involved: Descriptions of the vehicles, including make, model, registration number, and condition.
- Crash location: The address of the crash, including road conditions, traffic signals, and skid marks.
- Crash circumstances: A narrative of the events leading to the accident, including weather conditions, time of day, and lighting.
- Crash diagram: A diagram of the collision scene, showing the point of impact and the positions of the vehicles.
- Expected damages: An estimate of the injuries or damages incurred.
When law enforcement arrives to take control of the situation and write the police report, do your best to be calm and polite while giving your side of the story. The officer will take statements from everyone involved and gather objective data to fill out the crash report.
The Importance of Reading a Missouri Reportable Crash Report Properly
Interpreting a Missouri Motor Vehicle Accident Report can be complex, as it includes specialized terminology, coded details, and law enforcement notations. However, breaking the report down into its main sections can make it easier to understand.
By identifying key details—such as accident descriptions, involved parties, contributing factors, and the officer’s findings—you can gain insight into how fault is determined. Understanding this information is essential for insurance claims, legal matters, and ensuring your rights are protected after a crash.
Here are steps to help you read a Missouri crash report:
- Locate the Case Number
The Department of Revenue (DOR) case number is in the top right-hand corner of a Missouri crash report. The box has the words “DOR Use Only” at the top to prevent anyone but the DOR from assigning the incident number.
- Identify the Basic Information
Look for basic details about the crash, including the date, time, and location. This information is found near the top of the report.
- Review the Vehicle and Driver Information
Identify details about the vehicles involved in the crash, including make, model, year, color, and license plate numbers. The report’s second section lists driver information, including names, addresses, and license numbers.
- Understand Law Enforcement’s Notes
As the officer was not a witness, the traffic crash report cannot determine fault on its own.
Rather, the insurance adjusters at the involved insurance companies will analyze the data presented as part of their case file.
Some of the information noted includes:
- Diagrams showing the point of impact and the positions of the vehicles involved.
- Road conditions.
- Weather conditions.
- Lighting/time of day.
- Sobriety of drivers.
- Pertinent traffic signals/signs.
- Skid marks.
How to Obtain a Missouri Crash Report
In Missouri, motor vehicle accident reports are usually accessible online once they have been processed, which generally takes up to ten business days. These reports are officially recorded by the law enforcement agency that responded to the accident, whether it’s a local police department, a county sheriff’s office, or the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
For example:
- Jefferson City Police Department Crash Reports
- Cole County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reports
- Missouri State Highway Patrol Crash Reports
Keep in mind that the process, fees, and availability of accident reports can differ depending on the law enforcement agency handling the case. While many reports are accessible online, the specific retrieval method may vary. To ensure you have the most current and accurate details, it’s best to contact the agency that responded to your accident directly.
Do You Really Need a Missouri Car Accident Attorney If You Have the Crash Report? Absolutely. Here’s Why.
After a car accident in Missouri, obtaining a copy of the official crash report is an important step—but it’s just the beginning. While the report contains crucial details such as the location, parties involved, and the officer’s observations, it doesn’t always paint the full picture. Simply being able to read the report doesn’t mean you’ll fully understand how it may be interpreted—or misinterpreted—by insurance companies looking to protect their bottom line.
Insurance adjusters don’t just read crash reports; they analyze them for ways to minimize or deny claims. Small details, such as unclear fault determinations or missing witness statements, can be used to downplay your injuries or shift responsibility. Without legal guidance, you may not realize how certain language in the report can impact your ability to recover fair compensation.
At Wallentine Injury Law, LLC we go beyond the crash report. Our attorneys dig deeper, gathering additional evidence like traffic camera footage, accident reconstruction analysis, and expert testimony to build the strongest case possible. We also challenge inaccuracies in the report, ensuring that your side of the story is heard and backed by solid proof.
Handling a car accident claim involves more than just reading a report—it requires a strategic legal approach to counter insurance tactics and secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With our experienced Missouri car accident attorneys by your side, you won’t have to navigate this process alone.
Call (816)-934-6333 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.
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