Your heart pounds in your chest. The airbag dust still hangs in the air. The sound of crunching metal echoes in your ears. In those first moments after a car accident, confusion and adrenaline can make it difficult to think clearly. Yet what you do in these crucial minutes and hours can significantly impact your health, safety, and any future legal claims.
Missouri roadways experience an alarming number of traffic crashes each year, many of which unfortunately lead to injuries or worse. Having a mental checklist ready before an accident happens can make all the difference when you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.
This article walks you through exactly what actions to take following a car accident in Missouri, helping you protect yourself physically, legally, and financially.
Safety First: Immediate Steps at the Scene
Stop and Assess the Situation
Missouri law requires all drivers involved in an accident to stop immediately. Leaving the scene of an accident may result in criminal charges
Once stopped:
- Take a deep breath and try to remain calm
- Check yourself for injuries before attempting to move
- Check on passengers in your vehicle
- Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers
Move to Safety When Possible
If the accident is minor and vehicles are operational, Missouri law allows moving them to the shoulder or another safe location nearby. This helps prevent secondary collisions and keeps traffic flowing.
If vehicles cannot be moved or there are serious injuries:
- Keep your hazard lights on
- Set up emergency triangles or flares if available
- Stay inside your vehicle with seatbelt fastened if it’s dangerous to exit
Call for Help
Dial 911 immediately if:
- Anyone is injured or complaining of pain
- Vehicles are blocking traffic
- There appears to be significant property damage
- Any driver seems impaired
- Any driver lacks insurance information
Interacting with Law Enforcement
When police arrive:
- Provide factual information about what happened
- Stick to the facts—avoid speculation or admitting fault
- Request the officer’s name and badge number
- Ask how to obtain a copy of the police report
Missouri police reports become available typically within 7-10 business days after filing. These reports are crucial for insurance claims and potential legal action.
If police cannot come to the scene (which sometimes happens for minor accidents), you can file a report yourself at the nearest police station or through the Missouri Department of Revenue within 30 days.
Gathering Evidence at the Scene
Evidence collection is vital for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings. Use your smartphone to document:
Photos and Video
Capture images of:
- All vehicles involved, showing damage from multiple angles
- License plates of all vehicles
- The entire accident scene, including road conditions
- Traffic signals, signs, or road markings
- Weather and visibility conditions
- Your injuries (if visible)
Witness Information
If witnesses stopped:
- Collect names and contact information
- Ask if they would be willing to provide a statement
- Note where they were positioned during the accident
Additional Documentation
- Note the time, date, and exact location of the accident
- Draw a simple diagram showing vehicle positions and directions
- Record road and weather conditions
This evidence can prove invaluable, especially in cases where fault is disputed or injuries develop later.
Exchanging Information with Other Parties
Missouri law requires drivers to exchange specific information following an accident. From all drivers, collect:
- Full name and contact information
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle registration information
- Insurance company name and policy number
- License plate number
- Vehicle make, model, and year
When speaking with other parties:
- Be polite but limit conversation about the accident
- Do not admit fault or apologize
- Do not discuss your injuries or lack thereof
- Do not agree to private settlements without insurance involvement
Seeking Medical Attention
Immediate Medical Care
Even if you feel fine, consider being evaluated by medical professionals. Many serious injuries, particularly those affecting the neck, spine, and brain, may not show immediate symptoms.
If emergency responders arrive:
- Allow them to examine you at the scene
- Follow their recommendations for treatment
- Do not refuse transport if they suggest hospitalization
If emergency services aren’t called:
- Visit an emergency room or urgent care center the same day
- Inform providers that you were in a car accident
- Describe all symptoms, no matter how minor they seem
Follow-up Medical Care
After initial treatment:
- Follow all medical advice and treatment plans
- Attend all recommended follow-up appointments
- Keep detailed records of all medical visits
- Track all expenses related to your injuries
Medical documentation creates a clear connection between the accident and your injuries, which is essential for insurance claims and potential legal action.
Reporting the Accident
Notifying Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after the accident, typically within 24 hours. Missouri insurance policies contain cooperation clauses requiring prompt notification.
When speaking with your insurer:
- Stick to factual information
- Do not speculate about fault
- Report all injuries, even minor ones
- Do not provide recorded statements without considering legal advice
- Do not accept initial settlement offers without reviewing thoroughly
Protecting Your Legal Rights in Missouri
Understanding Missouri’s Statute of Limitations
For car accident claims in Missouri:
- Personal injury claims must be filed within 5 years from the date of the accident
- Property damage claims also have a 5-year deadline
- Wrongful death claims must be filed within 3 years
Despite these timeframes, it’s advisable to begin the claims process immediately while evidence is fresh and witnesses’ memories are clear.
Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their job is to minimize the company’s financial exposure.
When dealing with adjusters:
- Be polite but cautious in all communications
- Provide factual information about the accident
- Do not agree to provide recorded statements without considering legal counsel
- Do not sign any releases or settlement offers without careful review
- Do not accept initial settlement offers without considering future costs
Remember that in Missouri, you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, though your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance Considerations Specific to Missouri
Minimum Insurance Requirements
Missouri requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
Additionally, Missouri requires uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
When the Other Driver is Uninsured
If you’re hit by an uninsured driver:
- Your uninsured motorist coverage will apply to your injuries
- Your collision coverage (if you have it) will cover vehicle damage
- You maintain the right to pursue the at-fault driver personally through legal action
Understanding No-Fault vs. Fault States
Missouri is a “fault” state for car insurance purposes. This means the driver who caused the accident is responsible for resulting damages. This differs from “no-fault” states where each driver’s insurance covers their own damages regardless of fault.
This fault-based system makes proper documentation and evidence collection even more important in Missouri accident cases.
Key Takeaways
After a car accident in Missouri:
- Ensure safety first—check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible
- Call 911 if there are injuries or significant property damage
- Exchange information with all parties involved
- Document everything—take photos, gather witness information
- Seek medical attention even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent
- Report the accident to your insurance company promptly
- File a state accident report if required
- Preserve all evidence and documentation
- Be cautious when dealing with insurance adjusters
- Consider consulting with a personal injury lawyers in Liberty Missouri before accepting settlements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to call the police after every accident in Missouri?
By law, you must report accidents involving injuries, deaths, or property damage exceeding $500. For practical purposes, it’s beneficial to have police documentation for all but the most minor accidents.
How long do I have to report an accident to my insurance company in Missouri?
While Missouri law doesn’t specify a timeframe, most insurance policies require notification “as soon as practicable,” typically interpreted as within 24-72 hours.
Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. Missouri follows “pure comparative fault,” meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially responsible, though your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, your uninsured motorist coverage will apply to your injuries. For vehicle damage, you’ll need collision coverage or may need to pursue legal action against the at-fault driver.
Should I see a doctor if I feel fine after an accident?
Yes. Many serious injuries, particularly those involving soft tissue, neck, or head trauma, may not show symptoms immediately. Medical documentation also creates an important record connecting any injuries to the accident.
What information should I never give to the other driver’s insurance company?
Never provide recorded statements, sign medical releases, or accept settlement offers from the other driver’s insurance company without careful consideration and possibly consulting with an attorney.
How do I obtain a copy of the police report for my accident?
You can request a copy from the responding police department or highway patrol troop. Many departments now offer online request systems. There is typically a small fee for obtaining the report.
Contact Us for Help After a Car Accident
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. From medical bills to vehicle repairs to insurance negotiations, the process can quickly become complicated.
At Noland Law Firm, LLC, we’ve helped countless Missouri residents work through the challenges following car accidents. Our trial Lawyers in Liberty Missouri understand Missouri’s specific laws and requirements and can walk you through every step of the process.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t face the insurance companies alone. We’re here to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a consultation about your car accident case. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and help you determine the best path forward.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—reach out now to ensure your rights are protected from the start.
