If you were involved in a vehicle collision in Missouri, one of the most important documents created after the incident is the crash report. Prepared by law enforcement officers who respond to the scene, this report often serves as a critical piece of evidence in personal injury claims. However, many people are unaware of what the report includes, what might be left out, and why it is essential to review it carefully.
At The Gogel Law Firm, our St. Louis personal injury attorney encourages every crash victim to request a copy of their report as soon as possible. A single inaccuracy could affect how fault is determined and ultimately impact your ability to recover full compensation.
What Information Is Included in a Missouri Crash Report?
Missouri crash reports are created by the police officer who investigates the scene of the collision. These reports are submitted to the Missouri State Highway Patrol and contain a range of details that can be used in both insurance negotiations and legal proceedings.
Common elements found in a Missouri crash report include:
- Names and contact information for drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
- Time, date, and location of the crash.
- A diagram of the scene.
- Descriptions of vehicle damage and injuries.
- Weather and road conditions.
- Statements from drivers and witnesses.
- The officer’s narrative summary.
- Any citations or violations issued.
Although police officers are trained to be objective, the report often includes interpretations and assumptions that can influence how fault is assigned. These judgments, whether accurate or not, can shape how insurance companies and opposing attorneys view your case.
What Is Often Missing from the Report?
Although detailed, crash reports are not always comprehensive. Officers may arrive after the crash has been cleared, which limits their ability to understand what happened fully.
Some reports may omit essential facts, such as:
- Dash cam or surveillance footage.
- Full medical descriptions of injuries.
- Cell phone or distracted driving evidence.
- Additional witnesses who came forward later.
- Vehicle black box data.
In some cases, the narrative may contain errors or misstatements, such as listing the wrong vehicle as at fault or providing an incorrect account of driver behavior. These gaps or inaccuracies can significantly impact your claim if left uncorrected.
How to Review and Correct a Crash Report
Once your report is available, request a copy through the Missouri State Highway Patrol or the local police department that responded to your crash. Read through every section carefully and compare it to your recollection of the event.
If you find errors, you may be able to request an amendment. Although officers are not required to change a report, providing clear evidence, such as photographs, medical records, or statements from witnesses, can support your correction request. An experienced personal injury attorney can also help present this information effectively and work to limit the impact of any inaccurate statements.
Contact Our St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer for Help With Your Case
At The Gogel Law Firm, we understand how much is at stake in the details. If you were hurt in a crash and believe your Missouri crash report contains mistakes or incomplete information, contact our St. Louis personal injury attorney at (314) 370-8173 or online.
We will help you review the report, identify any issues, and take immediate steps to protect your legal rights.
