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What to Do After a Car Accident in Missouri
Being involved in a vehicular collision can significantly impact your life. You may have legal responsibilities, whether it results in a severe injury or merely a short inconvenience. In most cases, you must report the accident to the local authorities.
There are several reports to make when a car accident occurs, depending on the accident’s severity and where it occurred. If you fail to report such accidents, there might be repercussions, especially when you were involved in the accident and not just an observer.
If you’re in such a situation, immediately contact a car accident attorney in Missouri to seek clarity on the next steps and legal advice regarding your potential case. The law firm of Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien, P.C. may be able to help you through the process.
How Do I Report a Car Accident in Missouri?
The first thing you want to do after a car accident is to ensure that everyone involved in the crash is safe and unharmed. The next step is to write down the license plate number of the other vehicle, take photos of any damage and collect the other driver’s insurance information. The accident scene should also be marked with warning triangles, your hazard lights should be on, and emergency services should be called if necessary.
In addition, you also need to report the accident to the necessary officials. While a car accident lawyer can offer directions on when and where to report the crash, the following section provides insights on reporting such incidents in Missouri.
Emergency Services
If you or anyone involved in the accident has been severely injured, you’ll need to call emergency services on 911. The emergency operator can provide valuable information, such as what to do next or where to go for medical attention.
In contrast, if the accident is a minor one or no one is seriously injured, contact your local law enforcement helpline for non-emergencies. If you’re in Springfield, St. Louis, Joplin, or Carthage, you can find information on non-emergency law enforcement helplines here.
The Driver License Bureau
You also need to report car accidents to the Driver License Bureau in the following cases:
- If the auto crash occurred less than a year ago
- If an uninsured driver was involved
- If anyone was injured or killed
- If there was damage to property that cost more than $500.
In such cases, you’ll need to fill out an accident report form and mail it to the Bureau within 30 days of the accident. If you need help preparing your report or have other questions about the issue, an auto accident lawyer may be of assistance.
The Police or Local Law Enforcement
If you were involved in a car accident, it is essential to report the incident to the police as soon as possible. The police will secure the site, investigate the accident and obtain information about the vehicles involved, the individuals involved, witness statements, and contact information of the parties.
If possible, note the badge number of the police officer at the scene. This information could be relevant when you’re following up on the case. Following the investigation, ensure you obtain a police report on the accident. This could be relevant if you intend to seek compensation for any damage or injury to your person or your property.
Sometimes, different counties in Missouri have different procedures for reporting car accidents. For instance, in Springfield, if you’re involved in a minor car crash, you are required to file a citizen crash report with the police department. The report should be filed when there are no personal injuries from the accident and could be made in person or at the Springfield Police Department front desk.
In Joplin, on the other hand, you are required to contact the Records and Technical Services arm of the Joplin Police Department to report an accident.
If you need further information on the procedure in St. Louis, Carthage, or other counties in Missouri, a St. Louis car accident attorney might be able to answer your questions.
The Insurance Company
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you also need to contact your car insurance company and provide them as much information as possible about the incident, including the vehicles involved, so that they can assess liability and coverage.
Expenses the insurance company may cover include but are not limited to the following expenses:
- Lost wages from injuries
- Medical bills
- Property damage from a fender bender or minor accident
Do You Have to File a Car Accident Report?
You may not have to file a report if there is no damage done by either vehicle. You also might not have to file a report if there are no injuries or fatalities. However, if you are in an accident where someone else is at fault and they leave the scene, you need to file an accident report with your local police department.
If you are unsure whether you need to file a police report after your accident, reach out to a local legal team.
What Are the Consequences of Failing to Report a Car Accident?
You should report an accident if you’ve been involved in one. You can be charged with a misdemeanor if you fail to do so. An auto accident lawyer can further explain your rights and responsibilities and help you weigh your options.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Car Accident?
The process of reporting a car accident in Missouri varies with each county. Missouri accident attorneys can help you identify the correct procedure depending on your county.
If you have suffered damage to your property or bodily harm from an accident, your lawyer can also help you seek compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. The compensation would help you offset the accident’s medical expenses and lost earnings.
Many insurance companies try to undercut compensation claimants by minimizing their complaints or even blaming them for the accident. Your lawyer can help you counter their antics and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
At Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien P.C., we have spent years successfully providing solutions for our clients and helping them resolve their car accident and personal injury cases. With our knowledge and experience, we can do the same for you.
We have offices in St. Louis, Joplin, Springfield, and Carthage and are ready to answer any questions you might have about your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney.
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