Missouri law generally requires that you file your car accident injury claim within five years of the date of the accident.
After a car accident, it’s not uncommon for car accident victims to have questions regarding the timeline for taking action after their crash. Namely: How long do you have to report an accident? How long do you have to contact the insurance company? And how long after a car accident can you file a car injury claim? Here is a general guide to these time limits.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Car Accident?
Under MoRS § 303.040, drivers must report accidents to the police within 30 days if there was bodily injury, death, or damage in excess of $500. This reporting requirement gives the police time to investigate the accident and determine who was at fault. It also allows insurance companies to process claims and start paying for damages.
When reporting an accident, you should be prepared to provide the following information: the date, time, and location of the accident; the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all involved parties; and a description of the damage sustained by each vehicle. You should also be prepared to provide your insurance information.
How Long Do You Have to Notify the Insurance Company?
This is another common question that Missouri car accident victims ask. Ideally, after speaking with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney, your insurance company should be contacted within 24 hours of the accident. The insurance company will likely have a representative who will visit the accident scene to take photos and gather information about what happened. If you wait too long to notify the insurance company, they may argue that you had time to tamper with the evidence or that the accident didn’t happen the way you say it did.
How Long After a Car Accident Can You File a Car Injury Claim?
Missouri law generally requires that you file your car accident injury claim within five years of the date of the accident. However, it’s always advisable to file your car injury claim as soon as possible. This is because it can be difficult to obtain evidence and witnesses to support your claim after a long period has passed. In addition, the insurance company may try to use the delay as an excuse to deny your claim. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to take action quickly following a car accident.
Remember that these time limits can vary depending on your case’s specific facts and circumstances. If you have been in a car accident, it’s important that you speak with an experienced auto injury attorney who can help protect your rights and ensure that you take action within the applicable time limits.
St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Do you need help pursuing your car injury claim? The Hoffman Law Firm can help. Our attorneys have over 20 years of experience and can evaluate your claim for free. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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