On Sunday, July 12, a woman was killed and her husband seriously injured by a hit-and-run driver following a chain-reaction crash on the Blanchette Bridge, according to stltoday.com.
The article states “The driver of a flatbed pickup that struck the couple’s minivan ran from the scene. Missouri Highway Patrol Sgt. Al Nothum said police were searching for him Monday morning and expect to make an arrest soon.”
This tragic accident is one of nearly 1,500 fatal hit-and-run crashes that occur each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration—a number that has been on the rise recently.
Hit-and-run drivers that are caught face severe penalties, but when the driver can’t be found, many victims are left wondering what legal options are available to them. In Missouri, a hit-and-run crash can be considered an uninsured motorist case. Missouri drivers are required to have a minimum of $25,000 of uninsured motorist coverage.
In the event of a hit-and-run accident where you can not identify the other driver, you will have to file a claim with your own insurance company. Negotiating with your insurance company can be difficult—it’s important to make sure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries without being penalized with expensive premium hikes for an accident that wasn’t your fault.
The St. Louis hit-and-run attorneys at The S.E. Farris Law Firm can help you with negotiate with the insurance company and protect your rights after an accident. You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s negligence after a hit-and-run crash just because the other driver can’t be found.
Contact the St. Louis car accident lawyers at The S.E. Farris Law Firm today for a free consultation.