What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Missouri
- Mason Hayes
- Jul 13
- 3 min read
Nobody Plans for an Accident. Everyone Should Have a Plan.
Most drivers will be involved in a car accident at some point in their lives. When it happens, adrenaline takes over and even simple decisions become hard to think through.
That is exactly why the best time to learn what to do after an accident is right now, before you ever need it. Save this post. Share it with your family. The steps below could save you thousands of dollars and weeks of headaches.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Get Safe.
People come first. Check yourself and your passengers, then check on anyone else involved.
If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. If the vehicles are drivable and you are on a busy road, move them to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights.
If the vehicles cannot be moved, get yourself and your passengers away from traffic and wait somewhere safe.
Step 2: Call the Police.
In Missouri you are required to report an accident to police if there is an injury, a death, or property damage over $500. In reality, almost any accident worth exchanging information over is worth a police report.
A police report is one of the most valuable documents you can have when it comes time to file a claim. It establishes the facts while they are fresh and protects you if the other driver changes their story later.
Step 3: Document Everything.
Your phone is your best tool at the scene. Take photos of everything.
Both vehicles from multiple angles. License plates. The other driver's insurance card and license. The road, weather conditions, skid marks, and any traffic signs nearby. If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers.
You can never have too many photos. You can absolutely have too few.
Step 4: Exchange Information. Nothing More.
Get the other driver's name, phone number, insurance company, and policy number. Give them yours.
Here is the important part. Do not discuss fault at the scene. Do not apologize, even out of politeness. A simple "I'm sorry" can be used against you later. Stick to the facts and let the police report and the insurance companies sort out the rest.
Step 5: Call Your Agent.
This is where having a local independent agent makes all the difference. Most auto carriers today want you to report the claim directly to them, either by phone or through their app, and that part is usually quick and simple. But before you do, a five minute call to your agent can save you from decisions you cannot undo.
Your insurance is there for you. Many drivers assume they have to wait on the at-fault driver's insurance, but that process can drag on for weeks with no guarantee of a fair outcome. Filing under your own policy often gets your car fixed faster, and your carrier then goes after the other company to recover the costs, including your deductible in many cases.
Some drivers hesitate to file because they worry about losing a claims-free discount or seeing their rate go up. The honest answer is that it depends on your carrier and your policy, and that is exactly the kind of question we can answer before you decide. When you call us first, we walk you through what filing would actually mean for your policy, point you to the fastest way to report the claim with your carrier, and stay involved if anything gets stuck along the way. That is what a local agent is for.
Keep This List in Your Glovebox.
Accidents are stressful. Being prepared makes them manageable. If you have questions about your auto coverage, or you are not sure what your policy would actually do for you after an accident, reach out anytime.
Contact Bankers Agency for a free auto policy review. No pressure. No obligation. Always free.
📞 417-777-3000
📍 109 S Main St, Bolivar, MO 65613
📍 24969 MO-254, Hermitage, MO 65668