Being involved in a car accident is stressful.
Discovering that the other driver has fled the scene can make the situation even more overwhelming. Hit-and-run accidents often leave victims with serious injuries, vehicle damage, and countless questions about how they will recover compensation when the at-fault driver cannot be identified.
Fortunately, Missouri law provides options for many hit-and-run victims, particularly through uninsured motorist coverage and other available insurance benefits.
At The S.E. Farris Law Firm, we help injured individuals throughout the St. Louis area understand their rights after a hit-and-run crash and pursue the compensation they deserve.
What Is Considered a Hit-and-Run Accident in Missouri?
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in an accident leaves the scene without stopping to:
- Provide identifying information
- Render reasonable assistance to injured persons
- Report the accident when required by law
Hit-and-run accidents can involve:
- Vehicle-to-vehicle collisions
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Parked vehicle damage
- Property damage crashes
Regardless of the circumstances, leaving the scene of an accident can result in serious legal consequences for the fleeing driver.
Unfortunately, those factors do not automatically help injured victims recover compensation.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
The moments following a hit-and-run collision are often chaotic.
Taking the right steps can help protect both your health and your legal claim.
Call the Police
Always report a hit-and-run accident immediately.
A police report can help:
- Document the incident
- Preserve evidence
- Launch an investigation
- Support future insurance claims
Gather Evidence
If you are physically able, collect information such as:
- Photos of vehicle damage
- Photos of the accident scene
- Traffic camera locations
- Witness contact information
- Partial license plate numbers
- Vehicle descriptions
- Driver descriptions
Even small details can become important later.
Seek Medical Attention
Your safety comes first.
Even seemingly minor injuries can worsen over time. Prompt medical treatment creates important documentation linking your injuries to the crash.
Avoid Repairing Your Vehicle Immediately
Photographs and inspections may be necessary before repairs are completed.
Contact an Attorney
Hit-and-run claims often involve complex insurance issues. Speaking with an attorney early can help protect valuable evidence and prevent mistakes.
Can You Recover Compensation If the Driver Is Never Found?
Yes.
Many people assume they cannot recover compensation if the at-fault driver disappears. Missouri law specifically protects drivers from “phantom” motorists.
In reality, Missouri drivers often have options through their own insurance coverage.
The most common source of recovery is uninsured motorist coverage.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is designed to protect you when:
- The at-fault driver has no insurance
- The at-fault driver cannot be identified
- A hit-and-run driver flees the scene
Missouri law requires insurers to issue to issue uninsured motorist coverage as part of every liability policy.
Depending on the facts of the case and the available policy limits, this coverage may help pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent injuries
Many accident victims are surprised to learn that they may need to negotiate with their own insurance company after a hit-and-run crash. Although you are the client, insurances companies are allowed by law to treat you as an adverse party in these situations. They can protect their own interests, not yours.
Why Is the Insurance Company Still Challenging My Claim?
Even though the claim may be filed through your own insurance policy, the insurance company may still scrutinize the claim carefully.
Common issues include:
- Disputes about how the accident occurred
- Questions regarding injury severity
- Delays in claim processing
- Disagreements regarding damages
- Attempts to minimize compensation
Insurance companies often require extensive documentation before approving a claim.
What Compensation Is Available After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Depending on the circumstances, injured victims may be entitled to compensation for both financial and personal losses.
Medical Expenses
Compensation may include:
- Emergency treatment
- Hospital bills
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Future medical care
Lost Income
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover compensation for:
- Lost wages
- Lost overtime
- Lost commissions or lost profits if you are self employed
- Reduced earning capacity
Missouri law allows compensation for the physical and emotional impact of injuries beyond mere medical care, often called pain and suffering or non-economic damages
Examples include:
- Chronic pain
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Reduced quality of life
Property Damage
Compensation may also be available for:
- Vehicle repairs
- Vehicle replacement
- Rental vehicle expenses
Waiting too long can make it more difficult to preserve evidence and recover compensation. Over time, witness’ memories fade and evidence disappears.
How Can The S.E. Farris Law Firm Help?
Hit-and-run accidents often involve more than simply filing an insurance claim.
A thorough investigation may uncover:
- Witnesses
- Surveillance footage
- Traffic camera recordings
- Additional insurance coverage
- Evidence identifying the fleeing driver
At The S.E. Farris Law Firm, we work directly with injured clients throughout St. Louis and surrounding Missouri communities to investigate hit-and-run accidents, communicate with insurance companies, and pursue the compensation they deserve.
Our goal is to make sure victims understand their options and are not left paying the financial consequences of someone else’s irresponsible actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I only remember part of the license plate?
Provide every detail you remember to law enforcement. Even partial information can assist an investigation.
Can I file a claim if the driver is never identified?
Yes. Uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation even when the driver cannot be located.
Will my insurance rates increase if I file a hit-and-run claim?
Insurance companies are barred by Missouri law for raising your rates due to an accident if you are not at fault.
Do I need a lawyer for a hit-and-run accident?
While not legally required, an attorney can help investigate the accident, identify available insurance coverage, and negotiate with insurance companies.
What if the police find the driver later?
Additional legal options may become available depending on the facts of the case and available insurance coverage.
