If you’ve been in a car accident in Missouri, getting an official crash report is often an important first step, especially if you’re thinking about filing a car accident claim in St. Louis. Whether your accident was covered by local police, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, or a county sheriff’s office, understanding where to get the report and what you’ll need for the request makes the process much less confusing.
Who Creates the Accident Report?
Not every crash in Missouri is handled or documented by the same agency. The type of law enforcement department that responds often depends on where the accident happened.
- Local police departments: Most crashes inside city limits will be handled by city police.
- Missouri State Highway Patrol: Accidents on state highways or in areas between cities are often managed by the Highway Patrol.
- County sheriff’s departments: Accidents in unincorporated county areas may be assigned to the county sheriff.
If you’re not sure which agency handled your report, check any paperwork you were given at the scene, look for the responding patrol car’s markings, or ask your insurance adjuster.
How To Get a Missouri Accident Report
Almost all law enforcement agencies now provide options for requesting accident reports online, but you can also obtain reports by mail or, sometimes, in person.
Information You May Need To Request the Report
When requesting your report, make sure to have the following information:
- The date of your accident
- The place or address where the crash occurred
- Driver names involved
- Police report or incident number (often on paperwork exchanged at the scene)
- Basic vehicle information (make, model, license plate)
Having accurate information is the best way to get the report without trouble.
Obtaining a Missouri State Highway Patrol Crash Report
If your accident was handled by the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), you can go to their website. The MSHP allows online purchasing of reports once they’re processed.
Minor accidents may take several days to show up online while more complex accidents take longer to review and file. Check the incident receipt from the trooper for instructions.
Getting a Crash Report From a Local Police Department
If your accident occurred within city limits and was handled by a municipal police department or the county police, you can usually request your accident report through several methods:
Many St. Louis-area departments offer requests via online portals for a modest fee.
Some agencies require requests in person or will accept written/mailed requests. Fees can vary between $5 and $15, depending on the department.
Always check your specific department’s procedures and bring a government-issued photo ID to pick up your report in person.
Our St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Get Your Report
If you’re having trouble locating your Missouri accident report because you’re not sure which agency to contact or the process is just overwhelming, a lawyer can deal with these details for you. Legal professionals know exactly where to look and understand the procedures for obtaining accident reports and related records.
If you have questions or aren’t getting results from police or online request systems, don’t hesitate to reach out. Meyerkord & Kurth can help you request your accident report and help you build a strong legal claim to obtain the compensation you need to deal with your injuries. Call us today to schedule your free case evaluation.