How to Obtain an Accident Report

Finder Law Serves Clients Across Jefferson City, Columbia, and Central Missouri

Kara McNabb • April 26, 2024

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you will need to get a copy of the accident report. The insurance company will need this for any property or personal injury claim, so you should request this as soon as possible. The report will contain pertinent information that will assist your attorney in the claims process. Often, it will list statements from eyewitnesses, determine the at-fault party, describe the damage sustained to the vehicles, & other valuable information from the accident scene. Obtaining a copy of the report is a pretty simple process & is something your attorney will do at the start of your case if you haven’t already requested it.


How To Obtain a Report

In Missouri, you will need to contact the office of the responding officers. This could be the highway patrol, sheriff, or local police department. You will simply call their office & give them the information needed to find the report. There is usually a small fee for them to send you the report, so you will need to pay that as well. Usually, they will require that you mail a check along with a letter requesting the report. This should include party names, license plate numbers (if you have them), date of the accident, etc. The person you speak with can let you know the specific information they will need to be included in the letter. Once they receive it, they will mail you a copy of the report. Again, if you hire an attorney, they can take care of this step for you.


Elements of an Accident Report

This is the first legal document for any case involving a car accident. When law enforcement arrives at the scene, they will record all relevant information about the crash. They can assist in any further investigation needed & they have experience determining the cause & at-fault party of the accident. If you were injured, this is especially helpful since you may be unable to speak with eyewitnesses or gather information. Car accident reports typically include:


  • Date & time of the accident
  • Location of the accident
  • Road & weather conditions (if applicable)
  • Identifying & contact information for all parties involved
  • Eyewitness testimony
  • Testimonies of all parties involved
  • Accident details, including point of collision
  • Diagram of vehicle placement during the accident
  • Description of damages to vehicles or other surrounding property


The officers may also give their opinion regarding the cause of the accident & who they determine to be at fault. Even if an officer believes you are at fault, that doesn’t mean you cannot move forward with a case. An attorney may be able to discover new evidence & do their own investigation, as well as show that the statement of the officer is an opinion, not evidence.



How the Report is Used in a Claim

The insurance companies will require an accident report as part of their investigation. This will help them understand what happened, so without this document, it’s difficult to determine who is at fault. The adjustor may also take photos of the accident, vehicles, etc. as part of the claims process.


An accident attorney will also use this information as part of your case as well. If the report states the other party is at fault, this can help in the negotiation process with the insurance company. They can also call law enforcement officers as witnesses if your case goes to trial so they can provide testimony of what they saw. Usually, insurance companies rely heavily on what is stated in the police report since they weren’t there, so if the report is favorable to your side, they may be more willing to offer a fair settlement.



Why You Need the Report As Soon As Possible

The faster you receive the report, the faster your attorney can get started on the claims process. This is usually the first source of information an attorney will review when evaluating your case. The longer you wait to receive the report, the harder it may be to obtain other evidence. For example, if there are security cameras in the area or eyewitness to the accident, the sooner you can get information from them the better. Security camera footage may be destroyed or taped over & memories can fade. Therefore, the quicker your attorney can determine who they may need to speak with to gather more information, the better your case may turn out.


Insurance Negotiations

Most of the time, car accident claims will be settled outside court. The better your evidence & the more experienced your attorney is, the more likely you are to receive a fair settlement offer. One of the most valuable pieces of evidence is the accident report.


Do You Need to Hire an Attorney

If you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s always best to consult with an attorney about your claim. They have valuable information & experience about how the process works & how to best negotiate with insurance adjustors. Without an attorney involved, insurance companies will take advantage of emotional pressure & other tactics to get you to settle for less than what is fair. Letting an attorney handle this process is usually best & almost always pays for itself.


Daniel Finder of Finder Law, LLC has over 10 years of experience in personal injury law & can help ensure your claim is settled fairly.


Call today for a free consultation

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, please contact our office directly.

Options for Missouri Business Owners to Collect Unpaid Debts

By Alyssa Finder • February 18, 2026
Running a business in Missouri often involves extending credit to customers, clients, or other businesses. While most customers pay their bills on time, unpaid debts can create significant cash flow issues and affect the overall health of your business. Fortunately, Missouri law provides several avenues for business owners to pursue collection of unpaid debts.  Understanding your options and the proper legal procedures can help you recover the money you are owed efficiently and effectively.

Cooper County Car Crash

By Alyssa Finder • February 13, 2026
A two-vehicle crash occurred on Wednesday evening on I-70 in Cooper County. At 5:48 pm, a Sedalia man driving a 2012 Nissan Frontier went off the roadway on Westbound I-70 in Cooper County to avoid the driver of a 2021 Westenstar 4700. The Nissan then went off the right side of the roadway and overturned. The driver of the 2021 Westenstar 4700 was taken to University Hospital by ambulance with minor injuries. Highway crashes are often especially dangerous because of higher speeds, heavier traffic, and limited reaction time, which can turn even a brief mistake into a serious collision. Victims frequently suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal and neck injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries that may require extensive medical treatment and time away from work. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a highway crash, contact Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC to discuss your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve. All facts of the incident are based on preliminary reporting done by The Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Montgomery County Car Crash

By Alyssa Finder • February 13, 2026
A staff member suffered minor injuries when a Montgomery County school bus was hit by a car Wednesday morning. The Montgomery County R-2 bus was hit at about 7:30 a.m. on Highway 19 near Route WW just north of New Florence, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report. A Hyundai Elantra driven by a 35-year-old Wellsville woman hit the bus after crossing the center line, the patrol reported. The Hyundai driver was taken by ambulance to Lake St. Louis Hospital with moderate injuries. The injured school employee, 63, of High Hill, was taken to the Hermann Area District Hospital with minor injuries. The one student on the bus was not hurt, said Superintendent Brian White. When a vehicle crosses the center line on a highway, the resulting crash is often violent due to high speeds and the risk of a head-on impact. These collisions frequently cause traumatic brain injuries, neck and spinal injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, and severe soft-tissue injuries that can have lasting effects. In the most serious cases, victims are left facing long-term medical care, lost income, and permanent disabilities. If you or a loved one has been injured in a center-line crash, contact Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC to discuss your legal options and protect your right to full compensation. All facts of the incident are based on preliminary reporting done by The Missouri State Highway Patrol and KMIZ.

Navigating Custody Disagreements After a Modification in Missouri

By Alyssa Finder • February 11, 2026
Custody arrangements in Missouri are designed to be flexible to reflect the best interests of the child. Even after a court has modified a parenting plan, disagreements between parents can still arise. Issues such as extracurricular activity costs, changes in school or school districts, and other daily parenting decisions can create tension and confusion.  Understanding how to navigate custody disagreements after a modification can help parents protect their rights and maintain stability for their children.

Cole County Pedestrian Injury

By Alyssa Finder • February 11, 2026
A vehicle hit a pedestrian on a Cole County road Friday morning, closing it for an hour. Sgt. Kyle Green with the Missouri State Highway Patrol said troopers were investigating the pedestrian crash on Route Y near Helias Road just after 9 a.m. Green said the pedestrian was hurt, but he did not know the severity of those injuries. An ABC 17 News photographer on scene saw law enforcement and Cole County EMS. A photographer said first responders opened the road back up just after 10 a.m. A Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report says a 39-year-old Gravois Mills man was seriously injured in the crash and was brought to University Hospital by ambulance. The report says a 21-year-old Jefferson City man drove a 2008 Chevrolet Impala and failed to yield to a stationary vehicles stopped in the roadway. The man drove the Chevrolet across the center of the roadway and hit the pedestrian, the report says. An MSHP spokesman told ABC 17 News that the pedestrian was hit after they stepped off a trash truck. The Chevrolet had extensive damage and the driver had no reported injuries. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. Without the protection of a car’s frame, even a low-speed impact can cause devastating injuries such as fractures, internal trauma, or permanent disability. Medical costs, lost income, and long-term recovery can quickly become overwhelming. If you or someone you love has been hit by a car, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone— contact Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC for skilled personal injury representation and compassionate guidance every step of the way. All facts of the incident are based on preliminary reporting done by The Missouri State Highway Patrol and KMIZ.

Montgomery County Single Car Crash

By Alyssa Finder • February 11, 2026
Two men were seriously injured Wednesday afternoon in a pickup truck crash on Missouri Route 19 in Montgomery County. A 60-year-old Owensville man was severely injured Wednesday afternoon in a single- vehicle accident on Missouri Route 19 in Montgomery County. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) crash report, the incident happened around 4:09 p.m. when a southbound 2015 Toyota Tundra pickup truck ran off the roadway near Loutre Bend Road, careened down an embankment, and crashed into multiple trees. A passenger, identified as a 60-year-old Owensville man, was ejected and severely injured. He was transported to University Hospital for treatment. The 28-year-old St. Clair man driving was brought to Mercy Hospital. Car crashes can cause devastating injuries. A momentary distraction can lead to serious consequences such as broken bones, spinal damage, or traumatic brain injuries—often leaving victims with lasting pain and financial strain. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC to discuss your rights and explore your options for recovery. All facts of the incident are based on preliminary reporting done by The Missouri State Highway Patrol and The Legal Advocate.

Understanding Contempt of Court in Missouri: What It Means and Consequences

By Alyssa Finder • February 4, 2026
Being held in contempt of court in Missouri is a serious legal matter that can have significant consequences. Contempt occurs when an individual disobeys a court order, disrupts court proceedings, or otherwise fails to comply with the authority of the court. Understanding the types of contempt, reasons someone may be held in contempt, and the potential consequences is essential for anyone involved in legal proceedings.

Breach of Contract Cases in Missouri: What You Need to Know

By Alyssa Finder • January 28, 2026
Contracts are a fundamental part of everyday life and business in Missouri. From employment agreements and real estate transactions to service contracts and business partnerships, contracts help define each party’s rights and obligations. When one party fails to live up to their end of the bargain, a breach of contract may occur —often leading to financial loss, disputes, and potential litigation. If you believe a contract has been breached, understanding Missouri contract law and your legal options is an important first step.

Morgan County Car Crash

By Alyssa Finder • January 28, 2026
A rear-end accident along MO-52 left two men injured on Wednesday afternoon near Quarry Ln, prompting a response from area emergency services. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. when a 2023 Ford Transit van, driven westbound by a 33-year-old man from Eldon, struck the rear of a 2001 Dodge Dakota that was stopped in the westbound lane. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles, with the Dakota sustaining total damage. Both came to rest on the roadway facing westbound. The driver of the Dodge, a 72-year-old man from Versailles, was not wearing a seatbelt and sustained moderate injuries. He was transported by Mid-Mo Ambulance to Lake Regional Hospital for further treatment. The Ford driver initially refused care but was later listed with moderate injuries and taken to the same facility. Garbers Towing removed both vehicles from the scene as troopers with Troop F completed their investigation. The cause of the crash remains under review. Rear-end crashes may seem minor at first, but they often cause serious and lasting injuries. Victims commonly suffer whiplash, neck and back injuries, herniated discs, concussions, spinal injuries, and soft-tissue damage that can worsen over time. The sudden force of being struck from behind can also lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and missed time from work, even when vehicle damage appears minimal. If you or a loved one was injured in a rear-end collision, call Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC to discuss your options and get experienced personal injury representation. All facts of the incident are based on preliminary reporting done by The Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Audrain County Car Crash

By Alyssa Finder • January 27, 2026
Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers are investigating a crash that left one person dead involving two tractor trailers and one SUV, according to MSHP Troop F Sgt. Kyle Green. The crash happened between Centralia and Mexico on Missouri 22, near Audrain Road 215, according to an MSHP post. As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, the Missouri Department of Transportation planned to keep the highway closed for at least four more hours, according to Little Dixie Fire Protection District Chief Jason Henry. Emergency crews were first dispatched on reports of a semitruck on fire a few hours earlier that morning, Henry said. They were then paged again, but this time on reports of a second semitruck being rolled over and an SUV involved in the crash, according to the fire chief. Henry told KOMU 8 it appeared the SUV driver was ejected from the vehicle, adding the scene remains active. KOMU 8 was on the scene and saw one of the trucks involved was an Ameren vehicle. When a car is hit by a semi-truck, the sheer size and weight of the truck often lead to catastrophic injuries. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, crushed or broken bones, internal organ injuries, severe burns, and permanent disabilities, even in crashes that happen at relatively low speeds. These collisions frequently result in long recovery periods, overwhelming medical bills, and time away from work, while trucking companies and insurers move quickly to protect themselves. If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash involving a semi, call Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC to protect your rights and pursue the personal injury compensation you deserve. All facts of the incident are based on preliminary reporting done by The Missouri State Highway Patrol and KOMU.