Can You Report a Car Accident After 24 Hours in Missouri?

Missouri law does not use a strict 24-hour car accident reporting rule for every crash. Many drivers can still report a collision after a day has passed if they follow Missouri’s car accident reporting laws and file the state form within 30 days.

Drivers who worry about a late accident report in Missouri can protect their rights by hiring a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

A car accident attorney from Sumner Law Group, LLC, can help you understand whether a failure to report an accident in Missouri creates license risks or insurance problems. We can also let you know how a Missouri State Highway Patrol accident report could support your claim.

What Are Missouri’s Car Accident Reporting Requirements?

State car accident reporting laws require a written report when a Missouri crash involves injury or death, more than $500 in property damage, and at least one uninsured motorist. You must file the Department of Revenue’s Form 1140 within 30 days to report an accident in which someone involved did not have auto insurance coverage.

Police agencies that respond to car accident scenes record information that becomes part of the Missouri State Highway Patrol accident report and a statewide crash database. The document does not erase your duty to report a crash involving an uninsured motorist under Revised Statutes of Missouri Section 303.040. Our Missouri car accident attorneys can help you confirm which forms may still need to be filed.

Also, keep in mind that insurance companies typically require notification of a car accident within 48 to 72 hours. Our attorneys are ready to handle all communications with the insurance company for you.

What Happens If You Don’t Report an Accident Within 24 Hours?

Problems can arise when a required report never reaches the state. Failing to report an accident in Missouri can lead to notices from the Driver License Bureau, possible suspensions of your driver’s license or plates, and disputes over payment for injuries or repairs.

Drivers in Missouri who still need to file a late accident report should act quickly. Even when you are reporting minor accidents, clear paperwork shows that you are cooperating with the process, which a St. Louis car accident attorney can later use to support your claim. Remember to request written confirmation that the report was received so you can present it to insurers or a hearing officer later.

Are There Exceptions to the 24-Hour Accident Reporting Rule?

If you were in surgery, heavily medicated, or otherwise unable to write, the law allows a report to be filed once you recover, even if the first day has passed. At Sumner Law Group, LLC, a Missouri car accident attorney can review your documents, identify any gaps, and suggest corrections to prevent a late filing from becoming grounds for a denied claim.

When to Contact a Missouri Car Accident Lawyer for Help

Questions about deadlines usually show up once an insurance adjuster starts pushing back. Rather than waiting for a dispute, drivers should get legal help as soon as possible after a crash.

When you reach out to Sumner Law Group, LLC, our team will review your accident timeline and help you prepare honest, accurate reports. Our support can make it easier to protect your driving record, keep insurance coverage in place, and pursue fair compensation under Missouri law, even when an accident was not reported right away. 

You can contact our team for a free case evaluation by calling us now or using our online form.