Reporting a Columbia, MO car accident to the police is crucial to protecting your rights. State law requires drivers to notify the police if an accident causes injury, death, or significant property damage. Police accident reports not only document the details of a crash but also provide valuable evidence for insurance claims or potential lawsuits.
Understanding your reporting obligations could help you avoid penalties and strengthen your case if you decide to pursue compensation. Consult a dedicated car accident attorney from AW Smith Law today to understand your rights.
According to state law, you must report a car accident in Columbia, MO, to law enforcement if it results in an injury, fatality, or property damage exceeding $500. The law requires drivers to immediately stop and notify the nearest police department, sheriff’s office, or the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Additionally, if the accident involves an uninsured driver, a parked vehicle, or a driver who leaves the scene, reporting is a requirement. Failure to report can lead to fines, license suspension, or other legal consequences.
A police accident report is an official document prepared by responding officers that records key details about the car crash in Columbia, MO. It typically includes the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as weather and road conditions. The report also identifies all involved parties, including drivers, passengers, and witnesses, along with their contact and insurance information. It also notes vehicle descriptions, license plate numbers, and observed damages.
Officers often include diagrams of the crash scene, statements from those involved, and their own narrative or conclusions about how the accident might have occurred. The report may also list any citations or violations.
In Missouri, obtaining a car accident report typically depends on whether the state highway patrol or Columbia’s police department handled the crash. If the highway patrol responded, you can request a copy online through their official website or by mail using their request form. For accidents investigated by city or county police, you must contact that department directly. Many departments offer in-person, mail, or online request options. A small fee usually applies, and you may need to provide details such as the accident date, location, and driver names. Reports are generally available within seven to 10 days after a crash.
Notifying Columbia, MO law enforcement after a car crash ensures a record of the accident and the responding officer’s presence exists. The officer’s conclusions may have some influence when determining liability for the crash. For example, whether or not an officer concluded that another driver was negligent in the circumstances surrounding an accident could be persuasive information.
However, because the officer did not personally witness the accident, police reports are not admissible as evidence in court if you file a lawsuit. Rather, police reports describe the officer’s findings after arriving at and investigating an accident scene. Accordingly, police reports are hearsay and inadmissible without further documentation. Even an officer’s testimony may not be persuasive because they did not see the accident itself.
Reporting a Columbia, MO car accident to the police is just one of the many immediate steps you should take after being involved in a wreck. While you focus on your recovery, a lawyer from AW Smith Law could manage the legal process on your behalf. Contact a car accident attorney today to schedule a free initial consultation and discuss your case.
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