We are personal injury attorneys who have achieved results for our clients in Joplin for over 40 years.
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver hits a vehicle and flees the scene without stopping to help or provide contact information. These accidents can involve other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, or even parked cars.
In Missouri, fleeing the scene after an accident is illegal, but victims are often left with injuries, damage to their vehicles, and uncertainty about what to do next. Victims often face medical bills, lost wages, and difficulty proving who was responsible.
Without the at-fault driver’s information, getting compensation can seem impossible. However, Missouri law provides options for victims, including uninsured motorist coverage and other legal avenues. Understanding your rights can make a huge difference when it comes to recovering damages and holding the responsible party accountable.
At Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien in Springfield, Missouri, we help hit-and-run accident victims understand their legal options and pursue compensation. With more than 40 years of experience, we have recovered millions for our clients and know how to handle the challenges of these cases.
Even when the driver is unknown, there are legal paths to seek financial recovery. We support our clients through the claims process, face insurance companies, and fight to get a fair outcome.
Understanding Hit-And-Run Accidents in Springfield, MO
A hit-and-run accident, as defined by state regulations, is an incident where a driver involved in an auto collision leaves the scene without offering assistance or information. Such incidents are criminal acts due to their cowardly nature.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety highlights a significant increase in hit-and-run incidents across the United States. In 2016 alone, there were 1,980 fatal hit-and-run crashes, resulting in 2,049 deaths—the highest recorded since data collection began in 1975. This represents a 60% increase compared to 2009, with an average of 682,000 hit-and-run crashes happening each year.
Pedestrian accidents are particularly a growing concern in Missouri. In 2022, there were 1,527 pedestrian crashes, many of which involved hit-and-run drivers. Missouri also has one of the highest car accident rates in the country. That same year, the state reported 14.4 traffic fatalities per 100,000 residents, significantly above the national average of 11.2.
These numbers highlight the urgent need for more vigorous enforcement and legal accountability. Drivers who leave the scene of an accident face severe criminal penalties, including hefty fines and potential jail time. Additionally, injured pedestrians have the right to file civil lawsuits to seek compensation for their pain, suffering, and other damages.
Given the complexity of these cases and the severe consequences for everyone involved, having skilled legal guidance is critical. An experienced attorney can help ensure victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve while navigating Missouri’s legal system.
Why Drivers Flee the Scene
Drivers may leave the scene of a collision for various reasons, though none are legally or morally justified. Common reasons include:
- Lack of insurance or valid license: Some drivers flee because they are uninsured or driving without a valid license.
- Outstanding warrants: Drivers with existing warrants may fear being identified and arrested.
- Driving under the influence: Hit-and-run drivers are often intoxicated by alcohol or drugs at the time of the collision.
- Fear of legal consequences: Drivers may panic and flee to avoid arrest, fines, or even deportation in some cases.
- Distracted driving: Accidents caused by distractions like texting or speeding can lead to panic, prompting drivers to leave the scene.
- Involvement in other illegal activity: Drivers engaged in other crimes may escape to avoid further legal trouble.
Studies show that intoxicated drivers are significantly more likely to flee a collision. Addressing issues such as uninsured driving, substance abuse, and distractions can help reduce the number of hit-and-run incidents.
Navigating Missouri Hit-And-Run Insurance Claims
In Missouri, all drivers are required to carry liability insurance, which protects other motorists if they’re at fault in an accident. When a hit-and-run occurs, we need to begin the claims process quickly, even though the at-fault driver hasn’t been identified yet. We need to file a police report promptly and gather any available evidence, such as witness statements or photographs of the scene.
In Missouri, all drivers are legally required to have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. The minimum coverage limits are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. This coverage helps protect insured individuals who are legally entitled to compensation for injuries, sickness, or death caused by uninsured drivers. Missouri law also ensures coverage applies even if the uninsured driver cannot be identified, such as in a hit-and-run accident.
However, UM coverage in Missouri only applies to bodily injuries. It does not cover damage to property caused by a hit-and-run. To cover property damage, drivers may rely on their collision coverage, which usually requires paying a deductible.
The Impact of Uninsured Drivers in Hit-And-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents sometimes involve uninsured drivers, adding another layer of complexity. We know these scenarios can leave victims feeling helpless, as the financial impact can be huge. In these situations, uninsured motorist coverage once again becomes vital by stepping in to cover expenses otherwise unrecoverable.
Understanding the implications when a driver lacks insurance opens our eyes to potential challenges. Moreover, collaborating with Springfield, MO, Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers can help us maneuver through these complexities efficiently, ensuring we receive the compensation and support we deserve.
Proving Liability in a Hit-and-Run Case
Establishing responsibility in a car accident like a hit-and-run requires careful analysis and evidence collection. Proving responsibility in a hit-and-run accident requires careful evidence collection and detailed investigation. Law enforcement relies on forensic techniques, witness statements, and physical evidence to identify the driver. Here are some key methods used in these cases:
- Paint Transfer Analysis: When a vehicle hits another object, paint from the fleeing car may transfer to the victim’s car, clothing, or nearby surfaces. Forensic experts examine paint samples under a microscope and compare them to databases of automotive paint to determine the make, model, and sometimes the year of the suspect vehicle.
- Tire Marks and Debris Analysis: Broken parts, tire marks, or shattered glass left at the scene can provide crucial clues. Investigators analyze tread patterns, part numbers, and damage to match them to specific vehicles.
- Camera Footage: Traffic cameras, business security footage, or residential doorbell cameras near the accident scene can document key details such as license plates, vehicle descriptions, or even the driver’s identity.
- Cell Phone and GPS Data: Investigators may use cell phone or GPS records to confirm if a suspect’s vehicle was near the crash site at the time of the incident.
- Witness Statements and Dashcam Footage – Witnesses, especially those with dashcam recordings, can provide valuable details about what happened before and after the accident. Accident reconstruction tools are also used to piece together events.
These forensic methods are critical for holding hit-and-run drivers accountable. Suppose you or someone you know has been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Missouri. In that case, an experienced attorney can help you navigate the investigation, work with law enforcement, and pursue compensation for your damages.
Potential Damages and Compensation
Injured persons in hit-and-run accidents in Missouri may qualify for compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. This can include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency care, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and any ongoing treatments.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings: Compensation for time missed at work or income lost due to a permanent disability.
- Property Damage: Payment for vehicle repair or replacement, typically covered under collision insurance. Note that Missouri’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage does not apply to property damage.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for emotional distress, trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Missouri uses a “pure comparative fault” system (RSMo § 537.765), which means your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially responsible for the accident. To strengthen your claim, document all your losses carefully and consider working with an attorney. Acting quickly can help ensure fair compensation, whether through an insurance company or a civil lawsuit against the driver responsible.
How Springfield, MO Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyers Can Help
Dealing with a hit-and-run accident can be stressful, especially when facing injuries, property damage, and uncooperative insurance companies. At Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien, our Springfield car accident lawyers are here to help victims get the justice and compensation they deserve. Here’s how we help Missouri hit-and-run victims:
- Investigating the Accident: We work closely with law enforcement, accident professionals, and forensic professionals to identify the driver responsible.
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Claims: Missouri law (RSMo § 379.203) requires UM coverage, meaning you can still seek compensation even if the at-fault driver is never found.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may try to reduce your payout. We fight to ensure you receive full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If the driver is found, we will take legal action to hold them accountable.
We understand the challenges and financial burden hit-and-run victims face. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to protecting your rights and securing the maximum compensation you’re entitled to. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Contact Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien Today
Engaging a personal injury lawyer from Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien ensures you’re armed with the right legal advice. Our seasoned team excels in dealing with complex hit-and-run cases, helping to investigate the incident thoroughly and negotiate with insurance companies.
Protecting your legal rights and ensuring crucial evidence is preserved is vital. We urge you to reach out and schedule a consultation with us, your local legal support in Springfield, MO, to safeguard your interests and maximize your compensation. Our dedication and resources set us apart in serving your needs effectively.
Contact Us
