You can report minor accidents by contacting the Kansas City Police Department Report Desk online, in person, or by phone. To report serious accidents involving injuries or extensive damage to vehicles, you should call 911 immediately.
It is important to report your accident. Car crash reports provide official documentation and accurate records for law enforcement, courts, and all involved parties. In legal issues, they help determine fault, support insurance claims, and protect your rights.
If you have been injured in a car crash that wasn’t your fault, a Kansas City car accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you need to move forward.
When Should You Call 911 After a Car Accident in Kansas City?
You should report a car accident by calling 911 immediately if it involves injuries, death, suspected impairment, or significant property damage. Even in minor crashes, contacting emergency services ensures that police can respond and document the scene properly.
If vehicles are blocking traffic or are unsafe to move, calling 911 helps prevent further hazards. Emergency responders also provide medical aid and create an official report that supports insurance and legal processes.
Dialing 911 also ensures a coordinated response between law enforcement and emergency medical teams, which is especially important when the crash affects public safety or traffic flow.
How to Report Non-Emergency Car Accidents in Kansas City
To report a car accident in Kansas City that is not an emergency, you have several options through the Kansas City Police Department:
- Use the KCPD Online Reporting System if the crash occurred within city limits, no one was injured, vehicles are driveable, and there are no drugs, firearms, or known suspects involved.
- If the crash doesn’t meet these criteria, call the KCPD non–emergency number. A dispatcher will advise you on the next steps, which may include filing at a station.
- Visit a KCPD patrol division station in person during business hours. Bring identification, proof of insurance, and incident details.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in Missouri?
Missouri law requires drivers to report an accident within 30 days if the crash involves injury, death, uninsured motorists, or property damage exceeding $500. This rule applies when no police officer files a report at the scene.
Drivers must complete and submit Form 1140 to the Missouri Department of Revenue. Failing to report within the deadline can result in license suspension and complications with insurance claims.
Timely reporting also preserves evidence and protects your legal rights. While 30 days is the maximum, it’s best to file as soon as possible to ensure accurate records and prompt claim processing.
Do You Have to File an Accident Report if Police Arrive on the Scene?
If a police officer responds to your car accident in Missouri and completes a formal report, you do not need to file an additional report yourself. The officer’s documentation fulfills the legal reporting requirement.
However, if no officer responds or creates a report, the responsibility falls on you to report the crash. Always confirm at the scene whether the officer will file an official report. You can request a copy later for your records.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Kansas City?
Following the right steps after a crash can preserve your legal rights and make sure you get the medical treatment you need. Some things to consider include:
- Prioritize Safety: If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and check on the well-being of all passengers.
- Call 911: Even if the accident seems minor, calling 911 ensures emergency responders are dispatched. Police will document the incident, and medical help will arrive if anyone is injured.
- Exchange Information: Gather details from all drivers involved. You may also wish to get contact information from witnesses who saw the accident.
- Document the Scene: Use your phone to photograph the damage to all vehicles, the road conditions, traffic signs, weather, skid marks, and any injuries.
- Don’t Admit Fault: Even a simple apology can be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt. Remain calm, stick to the facts, and let the police and insurance companies determine who is at fault.
- Seek Medical Attention: Some injuries may not be obvious right away. It’s smart to get checked by a doctor after any crash. The medical records can be important for insurance or legal claims.
- File a Police Report: In Missouri, you’re legally required to file a report within 30 days if injuries occurred, damages exceed $500, or an uninsured driver is involved.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible.
- Keep Records: Keep all documentation related to the accident: medical bills, repair estimates, police reports, insurance communications, and receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses.
Get Legal Advice After a Car Accident
If you need to report a car accident in Kansas City and you suffered injuries, you experienced significant vehicle damage, or liability is disputed, speaking to a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights.
Our team at Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers has over 45 years of combined experience standing up for the rights of injured accident victims. We have recovered over $1 billion for injured accident victims. Call today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help.
