How can I get a copy of the official crash report?
Preliminary crash report information on this web site is posted automatically and
remains online for 29 days. To obtain an official crash
report copy, or for information about a specific crash, you must contact your local
Highway Patrol troop headquarters or the Patrol's Traffic Division at (573) 526-6113. Please allow at least ten
working days from the date of the crash before requesting the official
report.
What is the source of the crash report information?
The "online crash reports" come directly from the Patrol's nine
troop headquarter radio rooms. When an officer investigates a motor
vehicle crash that involves an injury or a death, the officer makes a
radio report to the respective troop headquarters where the crash
occurred. The radio operator types the radio report into the Patrol's
computer system and then sends it to all other troop headquarters and
General Headquarters. By using a special code, the radio operator can
transmit the online crash report where it is automatically posted.
How soon after the crash are the reports online?
The radio report is filed by
the investigating officer as soon as feasible – which could be within
the hour after the crash occurred, or it could be up to a day or more
later. As soon as the radio
operator transmits the message, it is posted. In regard to fatality crashes,
the next of kin of the fatality
victim(s) must be notified before
personal information is released.
Does the patrol investigate non-injury crashes?
The Missouri State Highway
Patrol investigates thousands of non-injury motor vehicle crashes each
year. However, radio crash reports on these types of crashes are not
made because of the strain they would cause on various computer systems. Consequently, they do not
appear on this site.
Who decides what
information is included in the official motor vehicle crash reports?
The information on the reports is established by the Missouri Traffic
Records Committee and final approval of the form comes from the
Superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The superintendent
is given this authority by Chapter 43 of the state statutes.
What if some of the information is inaccurate?
Any party involved in the crash, or their attorney, can contact the
Highway Patrol troop headquarters of the officer investigating the crash
to question any part of the report.
Are all crashes
reported? What about crashes inside the city limits?
Not all traffic crashes are reported to law enforcement. However, most
insurance companies require an crash report before they'll handle the
claim. In most cases, the Patrol does not work traffic crashes that
occur within the city limits unless asked to do so by the local police
department. Crashes investigated and reported by city or county law
enforcement officers are still filed with the Patrol but do not appear
on this site.
Can you email a report to me?
Sorry, but no. With thousands of people visiting the site every month, that's not practical.
How can I contact the Missouri Highway Patrol?
The phone number of the closest troop headquarters should be in your local phone book.
You can also find addresses and phone numbers at the MSHP website.