After a car accident, the last thing you want to worry about is paperwork or legal deadlines. But whether your injuries are obvious or take a few days to show up, the clock starts ticking as soon as the crash happens. In Missouri, knowing when and how to report your injury can make a major difference in your ability to recover compensation.
From law enforcement reports to insurance claims and legal filings, there are key timelines every driver should understand. Miss one, and you could end up paying out of pocket for someone else’s mistake. Here’s what you need to know about reporting injuries after a car accident in Missouri.
Report the Accident To Law Enforcement Immediately
If the crash involves injuries, a fatality, or property damage over $500, you must report it to the police as soon as possible. This usually happens at the scene. But if you didn’t call law enforcement right away, Missouri law gives you up to 30 days to file a report with the Department of Revenue using Form 1140 (Missouri Motor Vehicle Accident Report).
If you were seriously injured and couldn’t report it immediately, your attorney can assist with it later. However, it’s best not to wait. A police report is valuable evidence in almost any injury claim.
Report the Injury To Your Insurance Right Away
Missouri uses a fault-based insurance system. That means the at-fault driver and their insurance company are responsible for paying damages. However, even if you weren’t at fault, your own insurance provider should still be notified of the crash.
Most auto policies require you to report accidents promptly, usually within 24 to 72 hours. If you wait too long, your insurer may deny coverage.
What About the Injury Itself?
You should see a doctor as soon as possible, even if the symptoms seem minor. Injuries like whiplash or soft tissue damage often don’t show up right away. Prompt treatment helps in two ways. First, it protects your health. Second, it creates a record that connects your injury to the crash. If you wait too long to get medical help, the insurance company may argue that your injury isn’t related to the accident at all.
Missouri’s Statute of Limitations: 5 Years
Under Missouri law, you have five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. That’s more time than many other states offer, but it’s not a reason to wait.
Evidence can disappear. Witnesses move away. Memories fade. Acting sooner gives you a stronger case.
Keep in mind that if the accident caused a fatality, the deadline to file a wrongful death lawsuit is only three years.
What Happens if You Miss a Deadline?
Failing to report the accident to the police may result in penalties and lost evidence. Missing your insurance deadlines can lead to denied claims. And if you miss the statute of limitations, you may lose the right to file a lawsuit altogether, no matter how serious the injury. That’s why it’s so important to understand your rights and timelines from the start.
Talk to Wegmann Law Firm Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Missouri, you don’t have time to waste. Between deadlines, paperwork, and insurance company tactics, it’s easy to make a mistake that hurts your claim.
At Wegmann Law Firm, we help accident victims protect their rights and pursue full compensation. We can guide you through the process, deal with the insurance companies, and give you the support you need to move forward.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case in more detail.
