Missouri: Interstate 70 Police Reports and Accident Guide

Interstate 70 (I-70) is a vital transportation artery that crosses Missouri from Kansas City in the west to St. Louis in the east. As one of the busiest interstates in the state, I-70 supports daily commutes, cross-country freight transportation, and local traffic across major metropolitan areas, college towns, and rural communities.

Unfortunately, this high traffic volume, coupled with a wide variety of driving conditions, makes I-70 one of the most dangerous highways in Missouri. Crashes range from routine fender-benders to catastrophic, multi-vehicle accidents involving serious injuries or fatalities.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash on I-70 in Missouri, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. From determining liability to negotiating with insurance companies, swift and strategic action can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. Key evidence from the scene can disappear quickly, and time limits for taking legal action may apply.

Common Causes of Accidents on I-70 in Missouri

Missouri’s I-70 corridor faces a variety of accident risks that vary by region and traffic patterns. The most common causes include:

• Distracted driving: Texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or using GPS while driving frequently leads to rear-end collisions and lane departure crashes.
• Speeding: Excessive speed is a factor in many high-impact accidents, particularly in rural areas where enforcement may be less visible.
• Drowsy driving: Commercial truck drivers and late-night travelers are especially susceptible to fatigue-related accidents on long stretches of I-70.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol and drug-related crashes continue to be a major issue on Missouri highways, especially during weekends and holidays.
• Weather-related hazards: Snow, ice, fog, and heavy rain significantly increase crash risk. Black ice and flash flooding are particularly dangerous in winter and spring.
• Aggressive driving: Tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and road rage often result in high-speed collisions, especially near interchanges and congested zones.
• Vehicle failures: Tire blowouts, brake failure, and other mechanical issues—especially in older vehicles and commercial trucks—can cause sudden, uncontrollable crashes.

Construction zones are another major factor. I-70 in Missouri is frequently under maintenance, especially near Kansas City and St. Louis. Drivers who fail to reduce speed or pay attention to shifting lanes and signage often cause collisions involving workers, barriers, or other drivers attempting to navigate narrow or uneven lanes.

Urban vs. Rural I-70 Crashes

Crashes on I-70 in Missouri differ substantially depending on whether they occur in urban or rural areas:

Urban Areas: Kansas City & St. Louis

In cities like Kansas City, Independence, and St. Louis, high traffic volumes, multiple lanes, and frequent interchanges increase the risk of:

• Multi-vehicle pile-ups
• Rear-end collisions
• Merge-related accidents
• Crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists near exits or service roads

Emergency response in these areas is typically fast, and multiple trauma centers are nearby. However, the sheer number of vehicles and limited space on some segments of I-70 can cause significant traffic delays and secondary accidents.

Rural Areas: Between Columbia and Warrenton

Between the urban centers, rural stretches of I-70 pass through counties such as Callaway, Montgomery, and Cooper, where:

• Long distances between exits can delay emergency response
• Poor lighting at night reduces visibility
• Driver fatigue and speed are more prevalent
• Animal crossings, especially deer, pose serious risks

Data from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) suggest that rural accidents, while less frequent, are more likely to result in fatalities due to higher speeds, delayed care, and lack of seatbelt use.

Legal Rights After a Crash on I-70 in Missouri

Missouri uses a fault-based insurance system, meaning the driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for resulting damages. If you were injured in a crash caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and reduced earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Wrongful death damages (for surviving family members in fatal accidents)

Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system. This means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you were found 30% at fault and your damages totaled $100,000, you could still receive $70,000.

Filing a claim typically begins with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. However, insurance companies often attempt to shift blame, downplay injuries, or delay payouts. An attorney can:

• Gather evidence (dashcam footage, witness testimony, vehicle data)
• Interpret crash reports
• Handle insurance communications
• Calculate the full extent of your damages
• File a lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t reached

In complex cases involving multiple parties—such as commercial vehicle crashes or defective road design—your legal team may also pursue claims against trucking companies, contractors, or government entities.

Truck Accidents on Missouri’s I-70

I-70 is a primary corridor for freight movement across Missouri, which increases the risk of commercial truck crashes. The highway runs near major logistics hubs in St. Louis, Columbia, and Kansas City, where semi-trucks are a constant presence. Common truck-involved crash types include:

• Jackknifing
• Rollover accidents
• Underride collisions
• Cargo spills
• Tire blowouts and brake failures

Truck accidents are often more serious due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. They also introduce additional layers of legal complexity due to federal trucking regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

If you were injured in a trucking accident, your attorney may examine:

• Hours-of-service logs and driver fatigue
• Vehicle maintenance records
• Black box (event data recorder) data
• Hiring and training practices of the trucking company
• Load weight and securing procedures

Because trucking companies often have rapid-response legal teams working to minimize liability, it’s critical for injured victims to act quickly to preserve evidence and level the playing field.

How to Get a Crash Report in Missouri

Crash reports in Missouri are typically filed by local police departments, county sheriffs, or the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP). These reports are vital for insurance claims, lawsuits, and determining who was at fault.

To Obtain Your Crash Report:

You can request the report online through the MSHP Troop Headquarters or directly from the investigating agency. Here’s how:

• Visit: https://mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/search.jsp
• Provide: Crash date, driver’s name, and crash location or MSHP crash number
• Cost: Typically $4.90–$6.00, depending on whether it’s requested electronically or by mail
• Timeline: Reports are generally available 7–10 business days after the crash

The report includes:

• Names and contact info of involved parties
• Insurance and vehicle details
• Road and weather conditions
• Officer’s crash narrative
• Potential citations issued
• Preliminary fault determinations

Attorneys often use crash reports to support a claim or challenge any incorrect information. If discrepancies are found, a legal professional can help correct or contest the findings.

Crash Statistics on I-70 in Missouri

According to MoDOT and MSHP, I-70 consistently ranks as one of the most crash-prone highways in Missouri. Between 2019 and 2023, the following trends were noted:

• Over 9,500 crashes occurred on I-70 across Missouri during that period
• Jackson, Boone, and St. Louis counties report the highest number of collisions
• Fatal crashes are more likely in rural sections between Columbia and St. Louis
• Commercial vehicle collisions peak between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. on weekdays
• Winter weather contributes to a spike in accidents, particularly in January and February

MoDOT has initiated various safety campaigns along I-70, including variable message signs, increased patrols, and speed enforcement zones. However, driver vigilance remains the most important safety factor.

Steps to Take After an I-70 Crash in Missouri

If you’ve been involved in a crash on I-70, taking the following steps can help protect your rights:

1. Call 911: Report injuries and request law enforcement.
2. Seek medical care: Even if injuries appear minor.
3. Document the scene: Take photos of damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
4. Exchange information: Names, insurance, license plates, and contact details.
5. Request a crash report: Obtain it once it becomes available from MSHP or local law enforcement.
6. Avoid admitting fault: Statements at the scene may be used against you.
7. Consult an attorney: A legal professional can assess your case, negotiate with insurers, and file suit if needed.

Take Action After Your I-70 Accident in Missouri

Crashes on I-70 can be life-altering. Whether you’re dealing with injuries, a totaled vehicle, or the loss of a loved one, the path to justice and recovery starts with taking informed steps. Missouri law allows victims of negligence to pursue fair compensation, but acting quickly is essential.

By securing a crash report, getting appropriate medical care, and contacting a qualified personal injury attorney, you can begin the process of holding the responsible parties accountable.

Whether you need help obtaining your crash report, finding a reputable accident attorney, or understanding your legal rights, we’re here to support your recovery every step of the way.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash on I-70 in Missouri, reach out today to get the guidance you need.