When must you report an accident in Missouri?

In Missouri, you must report an accident if there is property damage exceeding $500 or if anyone is injured. This requirement is in place to ensure that significant incidents are recorded by law enforcement and appropriate measures can be taken. Reporting a crash helps in investigating the circumstances, determining liability, and documenting any injuries that may have occurred as a result of the accident.

The threshold of $500 for property damage is a specific legal standard that indicates when an accident is deemed serious enough to warrant a formal report to authorities. It helps prioritize cases that may involve significant consequences, both financially and legally.

While injuries are always a critical aspect of accident reporting, focusing solely on injuries without considering the financial implications of property damage does not fully align with Missouri law. Similarly, the presence of a police officer does not solely determine whether an accident must be reported; it is the extent of damage and injuries that are the primary factors. Reporting every minor incident regardless of damage would be impractical and unnecessary, which is why the specific criteria exist.