Hit and Run Accidents in Missouri: What a Personal Injury Attorney Wants You to Know

Understanding Hit and Run Accidents in Missouri

Hit and run accidents are a serious problem in Missouri, leaving victims with injuries, vehicle damage, and a sense of injustice. Unlike typical car accidents where both drivers exchange information, a hit and run involves one driver fleeing the scene, often leaving the injured party to deal with the consequences alone. Understanding your rights and the legal landscape is crucial if you find yourself a victim of such an incident.

🚓 In Missouri, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, and the penalties can be significant depending on the severity of the accident and the extent of the damage or injuries involved. Missouri Revised Statutes Section 577.060 outlines the legal requirements for drivers involved in accidents. Failing to stop and provide information can lead to fines, jail time, and license suspension.

Your Immediate Steps After a Hit and Run in Missouri

If you are involved in a hit and run accident, your actions in the immediate aftermath are critical. Prioritizing these steps will help protect your safety and strengthen any potential legal claim.

• 🚨 Ensure Your Safety: Move your vehicle to a safe location, away from traffic. If you are injured, call 911 immediately.
• 📞 Call the Police: Report the accident to the police as soon as possible. Provide them with as much information as you can remember about the other vehicle, including the make, model, color, and any identifying features. Note the direction the vehicle was traveling.
• 📸 Document the Scene: Use your phone to take photos and videos of the damage to your vehicle, the location of the accident, and any visible injuries. Photograph any debris left at the scene that might be from the other vehicle.
• ✍️ Gather Information: If there are any witnesses, get their names and contact information. Their testimony can be invaluable in identifying the at-fault driver.
• 🏥 Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don't feel seriously injured, it's essential to see a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussion, may not be immediately apparent. Documenting your injuries is crucial for any future claim.

Investigating Hit and Run Accidents in Missouri

Identifying the at-fault driver in a hit and run accident can be challenging, but there are several avenues that can be explored:

• 📹 Police Investigation: The police will investigate the accident and attempt to identify the driver. They may check traffic cameras, interview witnesses, and examine the damage to your vehicle for clues.
• 🔍 Private Investigation: A personal injury attorney may hire a private investigator to gather additional evidence, such as tracking down witnesses or searching for surveillance footage.
• 📢 Media Outreach: In some cases, local news outlets may be willing to run a story about the accident, which could generate leads from the public.
• 🌐 Social Media: While less reliable, checking social media platforms can sometimes yield helpful information, especially if the at-fault driver bragged about the incident online.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Missouri: Your Safety Net

🚗 Even if the at-fault driver is never identified, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy. Missouri law requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage protects you if you are injured by an uninsured driver, which includes hit and run drivers.

Here's how UM coverage works:

• 💰 Filing a Claim: You would file a claim with your own insurance company under your UM coverage. Your insurance company then steps into the shoes of the uninsured driver and pays you for your damages, up to the limits of your UM coverage.
• ⚖️ Negotiation: Your insurance company will investigate the accident and negotiate a settlement with you. It's important to remember that even though you are dealing with your own insurance company, they are still looking to minimize their payout.
• 🏛️ Arbitration/Litigation: If you cannot reach a settlement with your insurance company, you may have to go to arbitration or file a lawsuit to recover your damages.

Important Note: You must report the hit and run accident to the police within 24 hours to be eligible to make an uninsured motorist claim, and you must notify your own insurance company within a reasonable time. Failing to do so can jeopardize your claim.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Missouri Hit and Run Case?

If you are injured in a hit and run accident in Missouri, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:

• 🤕 Medical Expenses: This includes all past and future medical bills related to your injuries, such as hospital visits, doctor's appointments, physical therapy, and medication.
• 💸 Lost Wages: You can recover lost wages for the time you have missed from work due to your injuries, as well as any future lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job.
• 🛠️ Property Damage: You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle.
• Pain and Suffering: You are entitled to compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you have suffered as a result of the accident. This can include things like anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• 💔 Loss of Consortium: In some cases, a spouse may be able to recover damages for loss of consortium, which includes loss of companionship, affection, and sexual relations.

The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney in Missouri Hit and Run Cases

Navigating the legal process after a hit and run accident can be complex and overwhelming. A personal injury attorney can help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Here's how:

• 🤝 Investigation: An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering evidence and identifying potential witnesses.
• 👨‍⚖️ Negotiation: An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring that you receive a fair settlement.
• 🧑‍⚖️ Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached, an attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
• 📑 Legal Advice: An attorney can provide you with legal advice and guidance throughout the entire process, explaining your rights and options.
• 🛡️ Protecting Your Rights: An attorney will protect your rights and ensure that you are treated fairly by the insurance company.

Strategies for Maximizing Your Compensation

To maximize your compensation in a Missouri hit and run case, consider these strategies:

• 📝 Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Maintain a pain journal to document your daily suffering.
• 🚫 Avoid Social Media: Be careful about what you post on social media, as the insurance company may use your posts against you. Don't discuss the accident or your injuries online.
• 🗣️ Be Careful What You Say: Avoid making statements to the insurance company without first consulting with an attorney. Any statement you make can be used against you.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Follow Doctor's Orders: Attend all your medical appointments and follow your doctor's instructions. This will demonstrate that you are taking your injuries seriously and will strengthen your claim.
• 📅 Act Quickly: Missouri has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, so it's important to act quickly. Generally, you have five years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Hit and Run

Avoid these common mistakes that can jeopardize your claim:

• ⏳ Delaying Medical Treatment: As mentioned earlier, promptly seek medical attention and follow through with treatment.
• 🗣️ Giving a Recorded Statement Too Soon: Insurance adjusters may pressure you for a recorded statement before you've fully assessed your damages or spoken to an attorney. Resist this pressure and seek legal counsel first.
• 🛑 Accepting a Quick Settlement: Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for less than they are worth. Don't accept a settlement without first consulting with an attorney.
• 🤝 Signing a Release Without Review: A release is a legal document that waives your right to pursue further claims. Don't sign a release without carefully reviewing it with an attorney.

The Importance of Gathering Evidence

Strong evidence is the key to a successful hit and run claim. Here are some key pieces of evidence to gather:

• 📜 Police Report: The police report contains important information about the accident, including the date, time, location, and a description of the vehicles involved.
• 🩺 Medical Records: Your medical records document the extent of your injuries and the treatment you have received.
• 🧾 Bills and Receipts: Collect all bills and receipts related to your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
• 📸 Photos and Videos: Photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and the damage to your vehicle can be powerful evidence.
• 📝 Witness Statements: Witness statements can provide valuable support for your claim.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. You should consult with an attorney to discuss your specific situation.