Police Reports and Lawsuits After Car Collision in St. Louis

a police report is not necessarily required to file a car accident lawsuit in Missouri. While there are situations where a report is mandatory by law, you can still pursue legal action without one. Here's a breakdown of the legalities:

When a Police Report is Required by Law in Missouri

Missouri law mandates filing a report with the Driver License Bureau if certain criteria are met:

Injuries: If the accident resulted in any injuries to drivers, passengers, cyclists, or pedestrians involved, you must report the accident within 30 days.
Death: In the tragic event of a fatality arising from the accident, a report needs to be filed immediately.
Uninsured Drivers: If an uninsured driver was involved in the accident and there were injuries or property damage exceeding $500, a report must be filed within 30 days.
Property Damage: If the accident resulted in property damage exceeding $500 to parked vehicles with no owner present, a report needs to be filed with the nearest police department without delay.

Importance of a Police Report (Even When Not Required)

While not mandatory in all cases, a police report can be a valuable piece of evidence in a car accident lawsuit. Here's why:

Official Record: The police report serves as an official record of the accident, documenting details like the date, time, location, weather conditions, parties involved, and their statements about how the accident occurred.
Witness Information: The police report might include statements from witnesses who can provide valuable accounts of the accident.
Accident Diagram: Police reports often include a diagram depicting the accident scene, which can visually represent the positions of vehicles and the direction of travel.

Filing a Lawsuit Without a Police Report

Even without a police report, you can still pursue a car accident lawsuit in Missouri. Here's what you can do to strengthen your case:

Gather Evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible, including photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
Witness Statements: Obtain written statements or contact information from any witnesses who observed the accident.
Medical Records: Maintain copies of all medical records documenting your injuries and treatment related to the accident.
Dashcam Footage: If your car or another involved vehicle had a dashcam, see if it captured footage of the accident.

Consulting a Personal Injury Lawyer

An experienced personal injury lawyer can be invaluable in navigating the legal process after a car accident, especially if you don't have a police report. They can:

Investigate the Accident: Your lawyer will conduct an independent investigation to gather evidence and determine fault.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies: They can handle communication and negotiations with insurance companies to obtain fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Represent You in Court: If necessary, your lawyer will represent you in court if a settlement can't be reached outside of court.

Remember, even though a police report isn't mandatory in every situation, it's still a good idea to call the police after a car accident, especially if there are injuries. They can create an official record of the event and potentially gather valuable witness information. If you're considering a lawsuit, consulting with a personal injury lawyer is crucial to understand your options and explore the best course of action.