Practice Area
Related Practice Areas
Protecting Your Rights After a Hit and Run Car Accident
Hit-and-run accidents can be hard to navigate. However, with legal assistance, you can ensure that you are fairly compensated by the liable party. Hit and run is a criminal offense in most states of the US.
Need help with a hit-and-run accident claim? Our Kansas City car accident attorneys provide expert legal support. Contact our lawyers today for a consultation.
Understanding Missouri Hit and Run Car Accident Laws
Statute of Missouri Section 577.060 deals with the provisions related to offenders who leave the scene after causing an accident. According to the hit and run accident lawyers, hit and run is a criminal offense in Missouri with a penalty of over 12 months in jail and up to $1000 in fine. The fines can go as high as $5000 for severe accidents.
Common Reasons for Hit-and-Run Accidents
Myriad causes contribute to hit-and-run accidents. According to the Foundation for Traffic Safety, the motivation for fleeing the scene comes from:
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving that resulted in property damage
- Low or no insurance coverage for the accident
- Underage or unlicensed driver
In 2016, more than 2,049 people lost their lives in fatal hit and run accidents. It is essential to consult a lawyer for hit and run accidents if you lost a loved one to such an accident.
Liability in Missouri Hit-and-Run Accidents
Lawyers for hit-and-run cases typically have to add the following parties as potential defendants in such car accidents.
- Drivers: Drivers employed by different transportation companies offering transport services. The victim falls into accidents such as rear-ends, rollovers, or crashes by such drivers.
- Vehicle owners: Accidents that occur by the owners of passenger vehicles are also a potential liable party.
- Third Parties: Third parties, such as government agencies for poorly maintained roads, third-party drivers or vehicle owners, etc., can also be added as liable parties.
Potential Damages in a Hit-and-Run Car Accident Claim
In terms of compensation, you can claim financial damages (medical expenses, property damage, wages) as well as non-financial damages (psychological trauma and suffering). In Missouri, you can claim non-financial damages through injury claims and financial damages through your insurance coverage. Both types of damages can be claimed with the help of hit and run accident attorneys.
Damages | Average Compensation |
Financial damage | $25,000 – $200,000 |
Non-financial damages | $30,000 – 3 million (depending on case) |
Statute of Limitations for Hit-and-Run Claims in Kansas City
It is essential to consult and hire car accident lawyer hit and run as early as possible after the accident because even though the statute of limitation for filing a hit and run claim is five years in Missouri laws, you will need to file a claim as soon as possible to begin the process of getting compensated.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
The following immediate steps must be taken after hit-and-run accidents:
Step 1
Go see a doctor and get medical treatment.
Step 2
Gather CCTV footage, pictures, or police reports to try to identify and find the fled driver.
Step 3
File your claim with the insurance company.
Step 4
File an additional injury suit if you have suffered significant non-financial losses.
Step 5
Consult and hire a hit & run lawyer.
Speak with an Experienced Kansas City Hit and Run Car Accident Lawyer Today
Importance of Contacting a Lawyer After a Hit-and-Run in Kansas City
Hit and run attorneys are specialists with expertise in such cases. They not only help you settle with your insurance company but also handle the challenges of tracing the at-fault driver and liability issues to help you win the compensation you deserve.
Client Success Stories
Contact Our Hit-and-Run Accident Law Team
Contact Us Today!
