After a car accident in St. Louis, obtaining the police report is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your injury claim. Whether you were injured on Highway 40, Gravois Avenue, or any other roadway in St. Louis City or County, the accident report documents critical details about the crash, including who was at fault, weather conditions, witness statements, and the responding officer’s assessment. This official record becomes a cornerstone piece of evidence when negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing compensation for your injuries.
The Dixon Injury Firm’s award-winning legal team has recovered over $60 million for St. Louis injury victims and has handled thousands of personal injury cases throughout Missouri. Attorney Chris Dixon lives in St. Louis and raises his family here—his children attend local schools—so when we help you obtain and use your police report effectively, we’re fighting for our neighbors. Call (314) 208-2808 today for a free, no-obligation consultation about your accident case. You pay nothing unless we win.
On this page:
- Why you need your accident report
- St. Louis Metro Police reports
- St. Louis County Police reports
- Missouri State Highway Patrol reports
- How to request your report
- Understanding report costs
- What information the report contains
- How long reports take to process
- Using your report in an injury claim
- When to contact a lawyer
- FAQs
Why You Need Your Police Report After a St. Louis Accident
The police report from your accident serves multiple critical functions in protecting your legal rights and financial recovery. First, it provides an independent, official account of what happened. Unlike witness memories that fade or conflicting stories from the other driver, the police report documents the scene as law enforcement observed it immediately after the crash.
Insurance adjusters rely heavily on police reports when determining fault and evaluating claims. If the responding officer noted that the other driver was speeding, failed to yield, or violated another traffic law, this documentation significantly strengthens your position during settlement negotiations. Without the report, you’re left arguing your word against the other driver’s word—a much weaker position.
The report also captures information you might not have collected yourself. Officer observations about vehicle damage patterns, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic control devices provide objective evidence about how the accident occurred. Witness contact information documented in the report gives your attorney the ability to follow up with people who saw the crash happen.
For insurance claims and personal injury cases, the police report often determines whether you receive fair compensation or face an uphill battle. Missouri follows pure comparative fault rules, meaning your percentage of responsibility directly reduces your recovery. A police report that clearly establishes the other driver’s negligence can make the difference between a full settlement and a reduced or denied claim.
If you’ve been injured in a St. Louis accident, contact The Dixon Injury Firm at (314) 208-2808 to discuss how your police report affects your case. Our team has fought and won against major insurance companies that try to twist report details against injury victims.
Getting Your Report from St. Louis Metro Police Department (SLMPD)
If your accident occurred within St. Louis City limits—including downtown, the Central West End, South City, North City, or any area patrolled by St. Louis Metropolitan Police—you’ll request your report through SLMPD. The city uses a centralized system for crash report requests that has been updated in recent years to make the process more accessible.
The St. Louis Metro Police Department typically completes accident reports within 10-14 business days after the crash. Complicated accidents involving serious injuries, multiple vehicles, or criminal investigations may take longer as officers conduct thorough investigations and compile witness statements.
You can request your SLMPD accident report online through the department’s records division portal, in person at police headquarters at 1915 Olive Street in downtown St. Louis, or by mail. Online requests have become the most convenient option for most St. Louis residents, allowing you to check report status and receive notification when the document becomes available.
To request your report, you’ll need specific information: the date of the accident, the approximate location (intersection or address), and ideally the incident or case number provided by the responding officer. If you don’t have the case number, the date and location are usually sufficient for the records division to locate your report in their system.
St. Louis Metro Police charge a fee for accident reports, typically around $8-15 depending on the number of pages and whether you request a certified copy. Payment methods vary by request type—online requests usually accept credit cards, while in-person and mail requests may require money orders or cashier’s checks. Check the current SLMPD records division requirements before submitting your request.
Understanding what to do immediately after a car accident in St. Louis includes making sure police are called to the scene so an official report is generated in the first place.
Obtaining Reports from St. Louis County Police
Accidents occurring in St. Louis County—including cities like Clayton, Chesterfield, Kirkwood, Florissant, Maryland Heights, and other municipalities patrolled by county police—require requesting your report through the St. Louis County Police Department. The county maintains a separate records system from St. Louis City.
St. Louis County Police Department processes accident reports at their headquarters located at 7900 Forsyth Boulevard in Clayton. Like the city, the county offers multiple request methods: online through their records portal, in person at headquarters during business hours, or by mail with proper documentation and payment.
The processing time for St. Louis County crash reports generally runs 7-10 business days for routine accidents. More serious crashes involving significant injuries or fatalities require lengthier investigations and may not be released until the investigation concludes. You can check the status of your report request by contacting the records division directly.
County police reports also require fees, typically in a similar range to city reports. The county accepts various payment methods depending on how you submit your request. When requesting online, credit and debit cards are standard. In-person requests may accept cash, card, or check, while mailed requests usually require money orders.
Some St. Louis County municipalities maintain their own police departments—like Clayton Police, Webster Groves Police, and University City Police. If one of these local departments responded to your accident, you’ll need to request the report from that specific agency rather than St. Louis County Police. Check which agency responded by looking at the business card or case number the officer provided at the scene.
Missouri State Highway Patrol Crash Reports
Accidents on interstate highways (I-70, I-55, I-44, I-64/Highway 40, I-270) and state highways are typically investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol rather than local police. If a state trooper responded to your accident, you’ll obtain the crash report through MSHP’s system rather than local departments.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains a statewide online system for purchasing crash reports at statepatrol.dps.mo.gov. This portal allows you to search for your accident by date, location, county, and involved parties. The system is generally user-friendly and provides immediate access to reports once they’re processed and released.
MSHP typically completes routine accident reports within 7-10 business days. The reports are available for purchase online for a fee, usually around $10-15. You can download a PDF copy immediately after payment, which is often faster than waiting for mailed copies from local departments.
State highway patrol reports follow a standardized format used throughout Missouri, making them particularly detailed for insurance and legal purposes. Troopers receive specialized training in accident reconstruction and documentation, which often results in thorough reports that clearly establish fault and document evidence.
If you’re unsure whether MSHP or a local agency responded to your accident, check the officer’s card or patch, or contact the agency you think responded—they can redirect you if necessary. For accidents on Highway 40 (I-64) through St. Louis, both MSHP and local agencies may respond depending on the specific location and circumstances.
The experienced St. Louis car accident lawyers at The Dixon Injury Firm regularly work with police reports from all these agencies and know how to obtain and interpret them effectively for your claim.
Step-by-Step: How to Request Your St. Louis Accident Report
Step 1: Gather Your Information
Before requesting your report, collect the essential details: the exact date of your accident, the location (street names or intersection), the approximate time, and any case or incident number the officer provided. If you have the officer’s name or badge number, that helps too. The more specific information you provide, the faster the records division can locate your report.
Step 2: Determine the Correct Agency
Identify which law enforcement agency responded to your accident. St. Louis Metro Police for city crashes, St. Louis County Police for county crashes, local municipal police for some suburb crashes, or Missouri State Highway Patrol for highway crashes. If you’re unsure, start with the agency that covers the location where the accident occurred—they can redirect you if needed.
Step 3: Choose Your Request Method
Decide whether you’ll request online, in person, or by mail. Online requests through agency portals offer the most convenience and fastest processing. In-person requests at police headquarters allow you to ask questions and sometimes receive guidance on when the report will be ready. Mail requests take longest but work if you prefer traditional methods.
Step 4: Complete the Request Form
Each agency requires specific information on their request form. Provide accurate details about the accident and your relationship to it (you were a driver, passenger, or authorized representative). Include your contact information so the agency can notify you when the report is ready.
Step 5: Pay the Required Fee
Submit payment according to the agency’s accepted methods. Online requests typically require credit or debit cards. In-person requests may accept cash, card, or check. Mail requests usually require money orders or cashier’s checks. Keep your payment receipt as proof of your request.
Step 6: Wait for Processing
Allow 7-14 business days for routine accidents. You can check the status by contacting the records division or checking online portals that provide status updates. If your accident was serious or involved ongoing investigations, processing may take longer.
Step 7: Review Your Report
Once you receive the report, review it carefully for accuracy. Check that the officer documented the correct vehicles, drivers, location, and circumstances. Look for any statements about fault, violations, or contributing factors. If you find errors, contact the issuing agency about the correction process—though correcting police reports can be difficult.
Don’t wait too long to request your report. Missouri’s five-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims gives you time, but insurance claims move much faster. Getting your police report quickly allows you to provide it to your insurance company and your attorney while memories and evidence are fresh.
Contact The Dixon Injury Firm at (314) 208-2808 if you need help obtaining your accident report or understanding how it affects your injury claim. We’ll handle the legwork so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Understanding Police Report Costs in St. Louis
The cost to obtain a police report in St. Louis varies by agency but generally ranges from $8-15 for a standard accident report. St. Louis Metro Police typically charges around $8-12 for basic reports, while St. Louis County Police and Missouri State Highway Patrol fees run slightly higher, around $10-15.
Certified copies—which include an official seal and certification that may be required for certain legal proceedings—cost more than standard copies, usually an additional $5-10. For most insurance claims and injury cases, a standard copy suffices. Your attorney can advise whether you need a certified copy for your specific situation.
Some agencies charge per page rather than a flat fee, meaning complex accident reports with multiple pages, diagrams, and witness statements cost more than simple two-car fender-benders. Multi-vehicle crashes or accidents with extensive investigations can generate reports of 10-20 pages or more.
Payment methods matter when budgeting for your report. Online requests require functioning credit or debit cards. If you’re requesting by mail, you’ll need to purchase a money order or cashier’s check, which adds the money order fee to your total cost. In-person requests at police headquarters offer the most payment flexibility.
If cost is a concern due to medical bills and lost wages from your accident injuries, discuss this with your attorney. Many personal injury lawyers, including The Dixon Injury Firm, advance the costs of obtaining police reports and other necessary evidence as part of representing your case. These costs are typically reimbursed from your settlement or verdict rather than paid upfront by you.
The small investment in obtaining your official police report pays enormous dividends in your injury claim. Insurance companies take documented evidence seriously, and a well-documented police report can be worth thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in additional compensation by clearly establishing the other driver’s fault.
What Information Your St. Louis Police Report Contains
A complete St. Louis accident report contains specific categories of information that collectively paint a picture of what happened, who was involved, and what factors contributed to the crash. Understanding what’s in your report helps you use it effectively in your injury claim.
Driver and Vehicle Information: The report identifies all drivers involved, including names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, dates of birth, and contact information. Vehicle details include make, model, year, color, license plate, VIN number, and insurance information. This data ensures you’re pursuing claims against the correct parties and have their insurance information for filing claims.
Accident Location and Conditions: Officers document the precise location using intersection names, street addresses, or mile markers on highways. The report notes weather conditions (clear, rainy, foggy), road conditions (dry, wet, icy), lighting (daylight, dusk, dark), and traffic control devices (stop signs, traffic lights, yield signs). These environmental factors can establish or refute claims about visibility, road safety, and driver responsibility.
Narrative Description: The responding officer writes a narrative summary of the accident based on their observations, physical evidence at the scene, and statements from drivers and witnesses. This narrative often includes the officer’s assessment of how the accident occurred, the sequence of events, and which driver violated traffic laws or acted negligently.
Diagram: Most reports include a hand-drawn or computer-generated diagram showing the roadway, vehicle positions before and after impact, direction of travel, skid marks, debris fields, and final resting positions. These diagrams help insurance adjusters and attorneys visualize the crash dynamics and understand the physics of the collision.
Violations and Citations: If the officer issued any traffic citations at the scene, the report documents these violations. Citations for speeding, failure to yield, running a red light, or following too closely provide strong evidence of negligence. Even if no citation was issued, the officer may note violations or unsafe behaviors observed or reported.
Injuries and Damages: The report describes injuries to all parties, whether they were transported to hospitals, which hospitals they went to, and the general nature of their injuries. Property damage to vehicles and other property (guardrails, signs, buildings) is also documented. These entries establish the severity of the accident and create a record of your injuries from the date of the crash.
Witness Information: Contact details for witnesses who stopped or were interviewed at the scene give your attorney the ability to follow up and obtain detailed statements. Witness testimony often provides the clearest evidence of how the accident occurred, especially when drivers give conflicting accounts.
Your St. Louis personal injury attorney knows how to read between the lines of police reports, identifying details that strengthen your case and addressing any ambiguities that insurance companies might exploit.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Police Report in St. Louis?
Processing times for St. Louis accident reports vary based on the responding agency, the complexity of the accident, and the current workload of the records division. Understanding typical timelines helps you plan appropriately for insurance deadlines and legal consultations.
For routine accidents with minor to moderate property damage and no serious injuries, St. Louis Metro Police typically processes reports within 10-14 business days. St. Louis County Police runs slightly faster at 7-10 business days for standard crashes. Missouri State Highway Patrol reports are often available within 7-10 days through their online system.
More complex accidents require additional time. Crashes involving serious injuries, multiple vehicles, commercial trucks, or potential criminal charges (DUI, vehicular assault) trigger more detailed investigations. Officers may need to interview multiple witnesses, consult with accident reconstructionists, obtain toxicology results, or review surveillance footage. These detailed reports can take 3-4 weeks or longer.
Fatal accidents and crashes with life-threatening injuries often remain under investigation for extended periods—sometimes months—before the final report is released. Law enforcement thoroughly investigates these serious crashes to determine all contributing factors and whether criminal charges are warranted.
You can check on the status of your report by contacting the records division of the investigating agency. Most agencies allow you to call and inquire about whether your report has been completed and is ready for release. Some online systems show request status, indicating whether the report is still being processed, completed and ready, or unavailable due to an ongoing investigation.
Don’t let processing delays stop you from taking other important steps in your injury claim. You can contact a lawyer and file insurance claims before receiving the official police report. Your attorney can often obtain the report more quickly through professional channels or guide you through the process while gathering other evidence to build your case.
The sooner you contact The Dixon Injury Firm after your St. Louis accident, the sooner we can start working on your case—whether or not the police report is immediately available. Call (314) 208-2808 for a free consultation about your accident and injuries.
Using Your Police Report in Your St. Louis Injury Claim
Once you have your police report, it becomes one of the most valuable pieces of evidence in your personal injury case. Knowing how to use it effectively maximizes its impact on your claim’s outcome.
Provide It to Your Insurance Company: Your own insurance company needs the police report to process your claim, whether you’re filing under your collision coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, or medical payments coverage. Submit a copy promptly to avoid delays in your claim. The report helps your insurer understand the accident circumstances and begin their evaluation.
Submit It to the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance: When filing a third-party claim against the other driver’s insurance company, include the police report with your demand letter. If the report clearly establishes the other driver’s fault through citations, violations, or the officer’s narrative, it strengthens your negotiating position from the start.
Share It with Your Attorney: If you’ve hired a St. Louis personal injury lawyer, provide them with a copy of the police report immediately. Your attorney will analyze it for strengths and weaknesses, identifying language that supports your claim and anticipating arguments the insurance company might make based on the report’s contents.
Use It to Corroborate Your Account: If there’s any dispute about how the accident happened, the police report serves as an independent, official record created by a neutral law enforcement officer. While not infallible, police reports carry significant weight with insurance adjusters and juries because officers have no financial stake in the outcome.
Identify and Contact Witnesses: Use the witness contact information in the report to preserve their accounts of the accident. Memories fade quickly, so your attorney should reach out to witnesses within days or weeks of the crash to obtain detailed statements while their recollections are fresh and accurate.
Challenge Adverse Insurance Positions: If the other driver’s insurance company claims you were at fault or tries to assign you partial blame, the police report can refute their position. Officer observations about skid marks, points of impact, and vehicle damage patterns provide objective evidence that often contradicts self-serving statements by the at-fault driver.
Prepare for Litigation: If settlement negotiations fail and your case goes to court, the police report becomes an important piece of evidence. While the report itself may or may not be admissible (depending on various rules of evidence), the information it contains guides your attorney’s case strategy and witness preparation.
Remember that Missouri follows pure comparative fault rules. Even if the police report suggests you bear some responsibility for the accident, you can still recover compensation reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced attorney knows how to minimize your fault percentage and maximize your recovery.
The award-winning legal team at The Dixon Injury Firm has successfully used police reports to secure millions in compensation for St. Louis injury victims, including fighting back when insurance companies misinterpret or misrepresent report findings. We have the experience to use your report effectively—or to overcome adverse report language when necessary.
What If the Police Report Contains Errors?
Police reports, while important official documents, sometimes contain factual errors, inaccuracies, or incomplete information. If you discover mistakes in your accident report, understanding how to address them protects your injury claim.
Common errors include wrong street names or locations, incorrect driver information, inaccurate descriptions of vehicle damage, misidentified points of impact, or missing witness information. Sometimes officers incorrectly describe the sequence of events based on limited information available at the chaotic scene immediately after the crash.
If you find errors, contact the records division of the agency that created the report and ask about their amendment or correction process. Most agencies allow you to submit a written statement describing the errors and providing correct information. However, understand that officers rarely make substantive changes to completed reports. Departments generally only correct clear factual mistakes like wrong addresses or misspelled names.
You usually cannot change the officer’s narrative, conclusions, or assessment of fault through the amendment process. If the officer wrote that you failed to yield, but you believe you had the right of way, the department will not simply rewrite the narrative based on your disagreement. These substantive disputes must be addressed through other means.
When errors cannot be corrected, your attorney can present additional evidence to insurance companies and courts showing why the police report is inaccurate on certain points. Witness statements, photographs, surveillance footage, accident reconstruction analysis, and other evidence can overcome erroneous information in the official report.
Sometimes what appears to be an “error” is actually an incomplete investigation. Officers responding to accidents often have limited time at the scene and may not discover all relevant facts. Your attorney can conduct a thorough investigation that uncovers evidence the officer didn’t see or didn’t include in the report.
Document everything yourself immediately after the accident. Take photographs of vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, traffic controls, and road conditions. Get witness names and contact information. Write down your own detailed account of what happened while it’s fresh in your memory. This self-collected evidence can supplement or correct deficiencies in the police report.
Even if the police report contains unfavorable or inaccurate information, experienced personal injury attorneys know how to build strong cases using other evidence. The Dixon Injury Firm has recovered millions for clients even when police reports didn’t tell the complete story. Don’t assume an unfavorable report means you can’t win your case.
When to Contact a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
While you can request your police report on your own, many accident situations benefit from having an attorney involved from the beginning. Understanding when to call a lawyer ensures you protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
Contact a lawyer immediately if:
You suffered serious injuries requiring hospitalization, surgery, or ongoing medical treatment. Significant injuries lead to large medical bills, extended recovery periods, and potentially permanent impairments. These high-stakes cases require experienced legal representation to secure fair compensation covering all your current and future needs.
The other driver’s insurance company is offering a quick settlement. Early settlement offers almost always undervalue your claim because they’re made before the full extent of your injuries, treatment needs, and lost income become apparent. An attorney can evaluate whether the offer is fair or whether you should reject it and negotiate for more.
The insurance company is blaming you for the accident. If adjusters claim you were at fault or partially at fault, they’re trying to reduce or deny your claim. Missouri’s comparative fault system means your percentage of blame directly reduces your recovery. An attorney fights to minimize your fault percentage or prove you bear no responsibility.
The accident involved a commercial truck, bus, Uber, Lyft, or other commercial vehicle. These cases involve complex insurance policies, corporate defendants, and different legal standards than regular car accidents. You need an attorney who understands commercial vehicle litigation.
Multiple vehicles or parties were involved. Multi-car accidents create complicated questions about who was at fault and which insurance policies apply. An attorney untangles these complexities and ensures all responsible parties are held accountable.
You’re facing challenges getting medical treatment. If you don’t have health insurance or your insurance isn’t covering accident-related care, an attorney can help you find doctors who treat on a lien basis (getting paid from your settlement rather than upfront).
The insurance company is delaying or denying your claim. Unreasonable delays, requests for excessive documentation, or outright denials signal that the insurance company isn’t taking your claim seriously. An attorney escalates the situation and forces the insurer to act in good faith.
Your injuries prevent you from working. Lost income claims require documentation and calculation of both immediate wage loss and future earning capacity reductions. An attorney ensures all your economic damages are properly valued and pursued.
At The Dixon Injury Firm, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your accident and injuries. Attorney Chris Dixon and our legal team will review your police report, explain your legal options, and help you understand what your case may be worth. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.
Don’t face insurance companies alone. With over $60 million recovered for injury victims and a track record of fighting and winning against major insurers, The Dixon Injury Firm has the experience and resources to protect your rights. Call (314) 208-2808 today.
Contact The Dixon Injury Firm for Help with Your St. Louis Accident Claim
Obtaining your police report is just the first step in pursuing fair compensation after a St. Louis accident. The experienced personal injury lawyers at The Dixon Injury Firm guide you through every stage of your claim, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies to taking your case to trial if necessary.
Attorney Chris Dixon isn’t just a St. Louis lawyer—he lives here, raises his family here, and his children attend local schools. When we fight for injured St. Louisans, we’re fighting for our neighbors, our friends, and our community. We understand St. Louis roads, local insurance practices, and Missouri injury law because this is our home.
Our award-winning legal team has been recognized as Super Lawyers® for 2024-2025, named Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and inducted into the Million Dollar Advocates Forum—an honor reserved for the top 1% of trial lawyers in America. We’ve recovered over $60 million for injury victims and have successfully taken on some of the largest insurance companies and corporations in Missouri.
We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no attorney fees unless we win compensation for you. This means you can afford the same high-quality legal representation as wealthy corporations—no matter your financial situation.
Every case receives personalized attention tailored to your specific injuries, circumstances, and needs. You’ll work directly with your attorney, not just paralegals or assistants. We take the time to understand how your injuries have affected your life, your family, and your future.
Don’t wait to get help. While Missouri gives you five years to file a personal injury lawsuit, insurance claims move much faster. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies use delays against you. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start building your strongest possible case.
Call The Dixon Injury Firm today at (314) 208-2808 for your free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your police report, discuss your injuries, and explain your legal options. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by learning what your case is truly worth.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Get a Police Report After an Accident in St. Louis
How long does it take to get a police report after a car accident in St. Louis?
Most police reports in St. Louis are processed within 7-14 business days for routine accidents. St. Louis Metro Police typically takes 10-14 days, St. Louis County Police takes 7-10 days, and Missouri State Highway Patrol reports are often available within 7-10 days through their online system. Complex accidents involving serious injuries or ongoing investigations may take several weeks or longer before reports are released.
How much does it cost to get a police report in St. Louis?
Police reports in St. Louis typically cost between $8-15 depending on the agency and type of report. St. Louis Metro Police charges around $8-12 for standard reports, while St. Louis County Police and Missouri State Highway Patrol fees run $10-15. Certified copies with official seals cost additional fees, usually $5-10 more than standard copies.
Can I get my St. Louis accident report online?
Yes, most agencies now offer online report requests. St. Louis Metro Police, St. Louis County Police, and Missouri State Highway Patrol all maintain online portals where you can request and purchase accident reports. You’ll need the accident date, location, and ideally a case number. Online requests typically offer the most convenient and fastest processing for standard accidents.
What if the police report says I was at fault for the accident?
Even if the police report indicates you bear some fault, you can still recover compensation under Missouri’s pure comparative fault system. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you’re not barred from compensation entirely. An experienced attorney can present additional evidence to challenge fault determinations and minimize your responsibility percentage, or prove the report’s assessment was incorrect.
Do I need a police report to file an insurance claim in Missouri?
While not legally required in all situations, having a police report significantly strengthens your insurance claim and is often necessary for larger claims. Insurance companies rely on police reports to establish facts, determine fault, and evaluate damages. Without a report, you’ll face greater difficulty proving your case and may receive a smaller settlement or claim denial.
What should I do if the police report contains errors about my accident?
Contact the records division of the agency that created the report and ask about their amendment process. Most agencies allow you to submit written statements correcting factual errors like wrong addresses or names, but rarely change substantive conclusions about fault or accident sequence. Your attorney can present additional evidence to insurance companies and courts to overcome inaccurate report information.
Can my lawyer get my police report for me?
Yes, personal injury attorneys routinely obtain police reports for their clients as part of case investigation. Many lawyers, including The Dixon Injury Firm, handle this process for you so you can focus on medical recovery. Attorneys often have established relationships with police records divisions and can obtain reports quickly through professional channels.
How long do I have to get my accident report in St. Louis?
There’s no specific deadline for requesting your police report—records are maintained by agencies and available for years. However, you should request it as soon as possible, ideally within days or weeks of your accident. Insurance companies expect timely claim filings, and having your report quickly allows you to pursue compensation while evidence is fresh and witnesses’ memories are clear.
