Ryan Bradley | September 19, 2025 | Car Accident \ Missouri Law
Key Takeaways:
- The right evidence can make or break your case. Document vehicle damage and the accident scene before anything gets moved or cleaned up.
- Witness statements are vital evidence. Get names and phone numbers immediately because people leave, and crucial testimony supporting your claim may disappear forever.
- Documentation protects against fault disputes. Solid evidence can help to minimize your assigned fault percentage and maximize your compensation.
You’ve just been T-boned at the intersection of Lindell and Kingshighway in St. Louis. Your hands are shaking while dialing 911. The other driver keeps yelling, “You came out of nowhere,” but you know they ran a red light. A bystander saw the whole thing, and she’s already walking away.
You’re in shock and don’t know what to do next.
The steps you take in the crucial first minutes after a Missouri car accident can determine whether you’ll receive fair compensation or spend months fighting with insurance companies. Should you take photos? What about getting witness information?
Missing key Missouri car accident evidence now could cost you thousands later or even sink your insurance claim, but most people have never been taught what evidence to collect after a car accident.
Why Evidence Matters in Missouri Car Accident Cases
Evidence collection is vital for Missouri accident victims. The state follows a “pure comparative negligence” system (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.765), which allows you to recover compensation even if you are partially to blame for the crash. However, your compensation is reduced by your degree of fault. For example, if you’re found 30% responsible for an accident, your compensation also drops by 30%
Insurance companies will look for ways to save money and shift blame to you. They may argue you were driving distracted or violating traffic rules. Without solid Missouri car accident evidence supporting your version of events, you’re vulnerable to insurance companies trying to cheat you out of your claim.
At Bradley Law, we’ve seen cases where clients initially had weak claims until our investigation uncovered evidence missed by other attorneys. We recovered the largest motorcycle accident settlement in Missouri history, $14.25 million, after seven other attorneys told the client they could only recover $250,000 in insurance coverage. Our team uncovered additional, previously overlooked, liable parties and recovered full and fair compensation for our client.
Essential Evidence to Gather at the Scene
While the crash scene contains some of the most important evidence to collect after a car accident, gathering photographs and witness information can be tricky, especially if you’re injured and in shock.
Photos and Videos
Your smartphone camera is your most valuable tool after an accident. Take pictures of everything before vehicles get moved or towed away. Take wide shots showing the overall accident scene, including traffic signals, stop signs, and road conditions that might have contributed to the crash.
Capture close-up images of all vehicle damage from multiple angles. Include photos of all involved vehicles’ license plates, and if possible, other drivers’ insurance cards and driver’s licenses.
Document the exact accident location with photos showing street signs and landmarks. These details help accident reconstruction experts and attorneys understand traffic patterns and potential hazards that contributed to your crash.
Witness Information
Independent witness statements can be essential for your compensation claim, especially if fault is disputed. Approach anyone who saw the crash and ask for their contact information.
In busy areas like downtown St. Louis or Kansas City, look for pedestrians and employees from nearby businesses who might have seen what happened.
Police Reports
Missouri law under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 303.040 requires reporting car accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $500. But even if police respond to your accident scene, you may still need to file an additional report with the Missouri Department of Revenue.
When officers arrive, provide a factual account of what happened without speculating about fault or apologizing. Request the investigating officer’s name, badge number, and report number.
Copies of the police report typically become available 7-10 days after the accident. In Missouri, you can request police reports here:
- St. Louis: Request reports through the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s online records portal at 1915 Olive Street or by visiting in person for accidents you were involved in.
- Kansas City: Residents can obtain reports by calling the Kansas City Missouri Police Department at 816-234-5111 or visiting the Criminal Records Section at 1125 Locust Street between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Speak With An Attorney About Your Case
Evidence to Collect After Leaving the Scene
Don’t let your guard down after leaving the accident scene. Some of the most important documentation for your case develops in the days and weeks following your crash.
Medical Records
Keep detailed records of all medical and rehabilitation treatment related to your accident, such as:
- Emergency room visits
- Follow-up appointments with your doctor
- Physical therapy sessions
- Specialist consultations.
Retain receipts for prescription medications and transportation costs to medical appointments.
Missouri’s comparative negligence system means insurance companies will scrutinize your medical treatment, looking for evidence that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident. Consistent medical documentation starting on the day of the crash means they won’t have ammunition to minimize your injury claim.
Vehicle Damage Estimates
Don’t rely on the insurance company’s preferred repair facility. Consider getting multiple repair estimates from shops in the St. Louis or Kansas City area. If your vehicle is declared a total loss, research its pre-accident value using the Kelley Blue Book. Beware of an insurer lowballing vehicle valuations. Independent appraisals can help you negotiate fair compensation for your car damage.
Don’t forget to document any personal property damaged in the accident, such as phones, laptops, clothing, or child car seats. These items are recoverable damages, too.
Insurance Communications
Keep detailed records of all communications with insurance companies, including your own insurer and the other driver’s company. Write down the date, time, and content of all phone conversations, and save emails and letters.
Remember that you’re not required to provide recorded statements to opposing insurers, even if they pressure you. Consider consulting a Missouri car accident attorney before agreeing to any recorded statements.
How Missouri Laws Affect Evidence Collection
Understanding Missouri’s car accident laws helps you prioritize the most important documentation for your claim. Here are some key legal factors that impact Missouri car accident evidence collection:
- Highest duty of care standards. Under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 304.012, Missouri requires drivers to exercise the highest degree of care when operating vehicles. This means collecting evidence of road conditions and traffic patterns can be essential for establishing liability.
- Five-year statute of limitations. The Missouri Statute of Limitations, Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120, gives you five years to file a car accident lawsuit. But don’t let too much time pass before preserving proof of your claim, since evidence may disappear after just a few weeks.
- Pure comparative fault system. Even minor contributory factors can affect your compensation. Evidence that shows you were following traffic laws and exercising reasonable care can minimize your fault percentage and maximize your compensation.
Mistakes to Avoid When Gathering Evidence
Accident victims who don’t know what evidence to collect after a car accident inadvertently hurt their cases by making mistakes. And some of those mistakes can jeopardize or even sink your compensation claim. Here’s what not to do:
- Never apologize or admit fault at the accident scene, even if you think you might have contributed to the crash.
- Don’t delay medical treatment, hoping your injuries will improve on their own; you’ll need medical reports to prove your claim.
- Avoid posting about your accident on social media platforms, as insurance companies monitor social media accounts when fishing for information to minimize your injuries.
- Don’t accept quick settlement offers without understanding the full extent of your injuries and damages.
How Bradley Law Helps Protect Evidence and Build Your Case
At Bradley Law, we understand that you may not have been able to collect all the evidence you need at the crash scene and in the days following the accident. Our investigation team steps in to gather crucial evidence that you missed or can’t access on your own. Here’s what we can do:
- Accident scene investigation. We can photograph accident locations, measure skid marks, and document road conditions that may have been present at the time of your crash.
- Surveillance footage recovery. Our team contacts nearby businesses, traffic agencies, and municipalities to obtain video evidence before it gets deleted.
- Expert witness coordination. We work with accident reconstruction specialists and other industry experts who analyze evidence to strengthen your case.
- Medical documentation support. We help clients navigate complex medical systems to ensure all treatment is properly documented for maximum compensation.
- Insurance company management. We can handle all communications with insurance adjusters, protecting you from manipulative tactics designed to minimize your claim value.
Our local knowledge of Missouri, including St. Louis and Kansas City, means we know which intersections have traffic cameras and how to work with local police departments to preserve evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri Car Accident Evidence
What if I didn’t take photos at the accident scene?
Don’t panic. Bradley Law’s investigation team can often recover evidence that victims couldn’t collect initially. We may be able to obtain surveillance footage, witness statements, and physical evidence weeks after accidents occurred.
Can I get traffic camera footage from my accident?
Possibly, but you must act quickly. The different agencies maintaining traffic cameras may have varying deletion policies. Some delete footage after just a month, while others may keep it for longer. Contact an attorney immediately to begin the preservation process.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?
It’s usually best not to accept the initial offer, or at least to get legal advice before doing so. Initial settlement offers almost never reflect the true value of a claim. Insurance companies hope you’ll accept quick payment without understanding the damages available in a lawsuit. A Missouri car accident attorney can protect your rights and determine whether an offer is fair or too low.
Speak With Our Missouri Car Accident Attorneys Today
Knowing what Missouri car accident evidence to collect can be tricky, and evidence disappears fast while you’re dealing with injuries and paperwork. Bradley Law’s investigation team can step in immediately to preserve evidence and build the strongest possible case for your claim.
Time is critical for evidence preservation, so don’t wait to protect your legal rights. Contact Bradley Law today for a free, no-obligation case review to determine your next best steps.