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.

May 20, 2026
Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of car accidents on Missouri roads. These crashes often result in severe injuries, extensive property damage, and, tragically, fatalities. If you or a loved one has been involved in a head-on crash, understanding your legal rights is critical. This guide explains how head-on collisions happen, who may be at fault under Missouri law, and what steps you should take to protect your claim.
By Alyssa Finder May 20, 2026
Facing a “no license” or “failure to register” ticket in Missouri can be frustrating—especially when you actually are licensed or registered, but didn’t have the proof in the vehicle. Here’s how to protect yourself and your driving record. Understanding These Missouri Charges Missouri law requires you both to have a valid driver’s license and to comply with registration and plate requirements for your vehicle. Common situations include: You have a valid driver’s license, but it was not physically on you when stopped. The car is properly titled and registered, but the paperwork or plate information was missing, outdated, or not in the vehicle. Courts and prosecutors often treat “no license on person” or technical registration issues less harshly than truly driving unlicensed or failing to register at all, especially if you can quickly show proof that you were actually in compliance. What to Do After You Get the Ticket If you receive a citation but you actually had a valid license or registration at the time: Locate your proof immediately Find your valid Missouri driver’s license or renewal record. Find your current registration, title, or renewal documents showing the vehicle was properly registered. Fix any lingering issues fast If something really was expired or late, get it renewed or corrected before your court date. Keep receipts and confirmations, and bring copies with you. Bring proof to court (or to your attorney) Many Missouri courts will dismiss or reduce “no license on person” or minor registration charges if you can show that: You had a valid license at the time of the stop, or The vehicle is now properly registered and compliant. Do not just plead guilty online Even if a charge looks minor, paying it online may create a record or points that could have been avoided if the ticket had been dismissed or amended. Possible Outcomes When You Show Proof When you can prove you were actually licensed or properly registered, common outcomes in Missouri courts may include: Dismissal of the charge upon showing proof of a valid license or corrected registration. Reduction to a lesser or non-moving violation, which can help avoid points and insurance increases. Payment of court costs only, even if the citation itself is dismissed. Exact results depend on the specific court, judge, and prosecutor, as well as your prior record, but having a lawyer present your documentation often improves your chances. Why It Still Makes Sense to Talk to an Attorney Even a “technical” ticket can have consequences if handled the wrong way. A Missouri traffic attorney can: Review your ticket, driving record, and registration history for problems or defenses. Contact the prosecutor to show proof of compliance and negotiate dismissal or reduction. Help you avoid unnecessary points, fines, or a record that could affect insurance and employment. For repeat issues—or if there’s any question about whether your license or registration were actually valid—legal help is especially important because penalties can escalate to higher-level misdemeanors. Call Finder Law, LLC for Help With Missouri License and Registration Tickets If you’ve been cited in Missouri for failure to register or driving without a license when your real issue was that the paperwork or license wasn’t in the vehicle, you may have more options than you think. Finder Law, LLC can help you gather the right proof, communicate with the court, and work toward dismissal or reduction of the charges. Call Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC today to discuss your ticket, your documentation, and the best way to protect your record and your driving privileges.
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A wreck at Eastbound I-70 at the 96.2 mile marker occurred in Cooper County the morning of May 13, 2026. A 2017 Freightliner Cascadia, driven by a 35-year-old man from Independence, ran off the left side of the roadway. The driver overcorrected and hit a 2024 Freightliner Cascadia, driven by a 42-year-old Garden City man and ran off the right side of the road. The 2017 Cascadia then crossed the road and overturned. The Independence man was transported to University Hospital by ambulance with moderate injuries. Collisions involving two semi-trucks can result in some of the most dangerous and catastrophic accidents on the road. When one commercial truck crashes into another, the force of the impact can lead to multi-vehicle pileups, overturned trailers, spilled cargo, fires, and severe roadway hazards for everyone nearby. These accidents are often caused by driver fatigue, speeding, distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, poor weather conditions, or violations of federal trucking safety regulations. Because semi-truck crashes frequently involve multiple trucking companies, insurance carriers, and complex liability issues, investigating these accidents requires experienced legal representation. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving two semi-trucks, contact Daniel Finder at Finder Law LLC today. An experienced personal injury attorney can help investigate the crash, determine who is responsible, and fight for the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. All facts are based on preliminary reports from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
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Two vehicles were totaled in a Morgan County car crash on May 11, 2026 on MO 5 at MO 135. A 2026 Toyota Camry, driven by a 54-year-old man from Texas, was slowing to make a left hand turn when a 2024 Dodge Durango, driven by a 26-year-old Versailles man struck the Toyota in the rear. The driver of the Toyota was taken by ambulance to Lake Regional Hospital with moderate injuries. Rear-end collisions can also happen when drivers are distracted, fatigued, or fail to pay attention to changing traffic conditions. A momentary glance at a phone, GPS device, or even a conversation inside the vehicle can prevent a driver from noticing that traffic ahead has slowed or stopped. These crashes often occur at stoplights, in heavy traffic, or during sudden slowdowns on highways, and they can leave victims with painful injuries that require extensive medical treatment and recovery time. Injuries from rear-end accidents may not always appear immediately, making it important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a crash. If you were injured in a rear-end collision caused by another driver’s negligence, contact Daniel Finder at Finder Law LLC today. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. All facts are based on preliminary reports from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
May 13, 2026
A crash occurred in Camden County on May 11, 2026 on MO 7 at MO 5. A 68-year-old woman from Camdenton, driving a 2002 Oldsmobile Alero, was following a 2014 Volkswagen Passat, driven by a 69-year-old female from Oklahoma, too closely when the Oldsmobile struck the rear of the Volkswagen. The driver from Oklahoma was taken by ambulance to Lake Regional Hospital with minor injuries. Rear-end collisions are often caused by drivers who follow too closely and fail to leave enough distance to stop safely. Tailgating reduces reaction time and greatly increases the likelihood of a crash when traffic suddenly slows or stops. Even at lower speeds, a rear-end accident can result in serious injuries such as whiplash, neck and back injuries, concussions, and long-term chronic pain. In many cases, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle may be held responsible for the damages caused by the collision. If you have been injured in a rear-end accident caused by a careless or distracted driver, you should not have to deal with the financial and physical consequences alone. Contact Daniel Finder at Finder Law LLC today to discuss your case and learn how an experienced personal injury attorney can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. All facts are based on preliminary reports from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
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Two vehicles were totaled in a Callaway County crash on May 9, 2026 on Old US 40 at Route M. The crash occurred when a 74-year-old Fulton man driving a 2025 Honda CRV pulled out in front of a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by a 69-year-old man from New Haven. The driver of the Honda was taken by ambulance to University Hospital with minor injuries. When another driver suddenly pulls out in front of you, there is often little or no time to react. These accidents commonly occur at intersections, parking lot exits, side streets, or when a driver fails to yield the right of way. Even a careful driver traveling at a safe speed may be unable to avoid a collision when another vehicle unexpectedly enters their path. The impact can cause serious injuries, including whiplash, back injuries, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries, leaving victims facing medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain. If you were injured because another driver pulled out in front of you, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.  Contact Daniel Finder at Finder Law LLC today to discuss your case and learn how an experienced personal injury attorney can help protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. All facts are based on preliminary reports from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
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A multi-vehicle crash occurred in Osage County on May 7, 2026. A 1993 Ford F-150, driven by a 30-year-old man from Meta, crossed the center line and struck a 2020 GMC Sierra, driven by a 66-year-old St. Elizabeth man. The GMC then hit a 2025 Cadillac XT4 driven by a 44-year-old man from Freeburg when it was rotating in the roadway. The Cadillac ultimately struck a farm fence. The drivers of the Ford and GMC were both transported by private vehicle to Capital Regional Hospital with minor injuries. The GMC was totaled in the crash, but the other vehicles had minor to moderate damage. Multi-vehicle crashes are often chaotic and devastating, leaving victims with serious injuries, extensive property damage, and uncertainty about who is responsible. Pileups involving several drivers can make insurance claims and liability disputes especially complicated, while injured victims are left facing medical treatment, lost wages, and emotional trauma. If you were injured in a multi-vehicle accident caused by negligent or reckless driving, you should not have to navigate the legal process alone. Contact Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC today for experienced personal injury representation and dedicated legal support focused on helping you pursue the compensation and justice you deserve. All facts are based on preliminary reports from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
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A Camdenton man was seriously injured in a crash in Morgan County on May 4, 2026. A 21-year-old man from Barnett, driving a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, rear-ended the 22-year-old Camdenton man, driving a 2018 Honda Accord, when he was stopped behind a vehicle waiting to make a left turn. The Camdenton man was transported by ambulance to Lake Regional Hospital. Both vehicles were totaled. A rear-end crash can leave victims dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, lost income, and emotional stress long after the accident happens. Even collisions that seem minor at first can cause serious neck, back, and spinal injuries that disrupt daily life and require ongoing treatment. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a rear-end accident caused by another driver’s negligence, it’s important to protect your rights and seek experienced legal guidance. Contact Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC today for trusted personal injury representation and a dedicated advocate who will fight to help you recover the compensation you deserve. All facts are based on preliminary reports from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.