No one expects that noise. One second you hear a crunch, and the next you’re pulling out at the Plaza and doing a U-turn. Your stomach knots, your palms sweat, and your mind is empty. I’ve heard this story from several drivers; the beginning is usually the same.
So take a deep breath. How you do over the next ten minutes is more important than you believe. The first few moments may make or break a case, and Speeding Ticket KC, an elite Kansas City law company, knows it. Let’s take it apart.
Check on People First
Set aside the Dents First: make sure you and your passengers are safe. Then check on the other motorist. Call 911 if anyone’s injured, even a little.
An unexpected benefit of crashes is that adrenaline covers up the pain. You may feel okay, but you’ll be uncomfortable and stiff when you get out of bed the next morning. Don’t dismiss it, and don’t let the other motorist dismiss it.
If no one’s been wounded and the automobiles will still run, move them out of traffic. Turn on your hazards. A little bump on I-35 can grow into something very ugly in a minute or so. Slow-motion black ice and sudden stops make winter even worse.
Please, Don’t Drive Away
You know what? People go crazy and do all sorts of bizarre things. Some drivers say the damage isn’t so bad, so I might as well go. But it is the worst thing to do.
RSMo 577.060 describes leaving after a crash that causes an Injury or Death or Property Damage as a Sin. You stop and give your name, address, and vehicle registration number. If he asks, the officer also gets your driver’s license number.
Leaving an accident scene after hitting a vehicle is a class A misdemeanor. (Note: This can become a felony charge if you injure someone, amounting to over $1,000 in damage, i.e., an injury, or if there is a fatality.) Keep it in mind. A bump in a parking lot could become a criminal case for the only reason that a person freaked out and drove off.
What If Nobody’s There?
Say you clip a parked car outside a QuikTrip. No driver, no witnesses, just a fresh scratch. It’d be easy to keep rolling. Don’t.
Try to find the owner first. Check with the store clerk to see if they know who owns the car. If you don’t see anyone, leave a message where they’ll discover it. Make sure to include your name, address, and license plate number, and write legibly.
Then photograph the note, the damage, and both vehicles. And if you call the police, there’s a further level of proof. I know it’s a bit of effort, but it proves you achieved something very decent.
Call the Police, Even for a Small Bump
I get it. Part of you wants to swap numbers and go home. It feels friendly and quick. But a handshake isn’t a record, and a record is what you’ll want later.
Here’s the problem. The other driver might change their story next week. They might claim an injury that nobody mentioned at the scene. A police report gives you a neutral version of what happened.
Missouri may also expect a written crash report within 30 days under RSMo 303.040, depending on injuries and damage. If you aren’t sure, ask your insurer or a lawyer. Guessing wrong isn’t worth the stress.
Grab Proof Before It Disappears
Memory fades fast. So do skid marks, and so does your patience after a long day. Pull out your phone while you’re still at the scene. Here’s what to capture:
- Photos of both cars from several angles
- Shots of license plates, road signs, and skid marks
- Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
- The other driver’s insurance details and license number
- Quick notes on weather, time, and traffic
It’s like building a puzzle. Each piece looks small by itself, but together they show the whole picture. And that picture can protect you down the road.
Watch Your Mouth (Kindly)
Be polite. Be calm. But don’t argue, and don’t guess about who caused the crash. Even a kind line like it’s all my fault can show up in a claim later. Stick to facts when you talk to the officer.
Fault isn’t always one-sided, by the way. Missouri splits blame by percentage under RSMo 537.765, so both drivers can share it. That’s another reason to keep your words short.
You also need insurance. Missouri’s minimum under RSMo 303.190 is $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Call your insurer soon, since most policies expect quick notice.
Got a Ticket After the Crash?
The Officer may ticket you on the scene. Most often, they’re tailgating, under RSMo 304.012 reckless and imprudent driving, or failing to yield. It hurts, particularly if you’re already rattled.
But don’t pay for it yet. Paying is pleading guilty, and pleading guilty can increase your insurance rate and damage an injury claim. Begin by consulting a Kansas City traffic lawyer. An attorney can review what the police saw, what legislation applies, and even whether a ticket can be defended.
Speeding Ticket KC helps drivers in Kansas City and knows the ins and outs of local courts’ treatment of these situations. If you’re in the right, some tickets can be discounted or dismissed altogether. You’ll never know until someone looks good at it.
The Bottom Line
Take a seat. Check in on folks. Seek help and provide evidence. Feed your information on the way out. Short sentences and seek some legal advice immediately upon seeing a ticket. That half hour of peace can save months of hassle.
FAQs
If I strike a parked automobile, do I need to stop?
Yes. See if you can discover an owner or leave a message with your name and address (including your registration number).
Do I need to call the police if it’s a minor fender bender?
Yes. It provides an objective report. It also protects you in case the other motorist changes his or her tale.
What happens if I leave the scene?
It can be a class A misdemeanor under RSMo 577.060. If you injure someone or inflict damages above $1,000, you’re facing a criminal charge.
Do I have to accept blame at the scene?
No. Tell the police what happened, and let the insurance decide who’s at fault. A simple apology may be held against you later.
What if I get a ticket after an accident: do I need to employ a lawyer?
Yes, if you plan to safeguard your record and insurance rates. An attorney can look over the ticket and negotiate a reduction or dismissal.
