Getting into a crash is stressful, even more so when the other driver flees. Missouri law still gives you clear paths to protect your health, your claim, and your recovery.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run, acting quickly can help protect your rights and improve your chances of getting compensated:
- Call 911 Immediately– Reporting the accident to the police is important, as a police report can help with your insurance claim or legal case.
- Get Medical Help – Even if you don’t feel hurt, some injuries surface hours or days later. Seeing a doctor also creates a record of your injuries.
- Preserve Evidence – Take pictures of your car, the scene, and any injuries. Write down details about the fleeing vehicle, such as its color, make, model, or license plate number, and look for witnesses or cameras, which may have captured the incident.
- Call Your Insurance Company – Missouri drivers are required to have insurance that may help cover damages if the other driver isn’t found.
- Speak to a Lawyer – A lawyer can explain your options, handle insurance claims, and help you take legal action if the hit-and-run driver is identified.
How to Get Compensation After a Hit-and-Run
Uninsured Motorist Coverage – Missouri drivers are required to have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which can help pay for medical bills if the at-fault driver is unknown.
- Finding the Driver – If the police identify the driver, you can take legal action to recover your losses.
- Criminal vs. Civil Cases – The driver may face criminal charges, but you can also file a claim against them to get compensation for your injuries and damages.
Let Kranitz, Sadoun & Carpenter Help You
Dealing with a hit-and-run accident can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure about what to do next. Our team at Kranitz, Sadoun & Carpenter, P.C., is here to help. Our experienced lawyers will work to find the driver, handle the legal process, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘭𝘢𝘸𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘶𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪 𝘭𝘢𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦. 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺.