Injury and Accident Attorneys Serving St. Louis, Nearby Missouri, and Nearby Illinois
Drivers who get in car accidents in Missouri or Illinois are legally required to stop and exchange personal information and pertinent insurance information and/or wait for police to arrive at the scene. When drivers fail to do this, they may face criminal charges of hit-and-run (also referred to as leaving the scene of the accident), as well as a car accident civil lawsuit filed on behalf of any victims in the collision.
In the event that a hit-and-run accident occurs, however, tracking down the at-fault driver can be tricky. It may take police weeks or even months to identify hit-and-run drivers (if they are able to do so at all). In such cases:
- Drivers who have uninsured motorist coverage as part of their own auto insurance policy can receive compensation for their injuries, property damage and losses, as hit-and-run claims are covered by uninsured motorist coverage.
- If police ultimately are able to track down the hit-and-run driver, car accident victims can sue the at-fault driver for all costs – including medical bills, car repair expenses and lost wages – incurred as a result of the car accident. In these situations, police reports can play a vital role in helping establish negligence and building a strong car accident lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
What Immediate Action Should I Take If I Am Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be frightening and stressful. However, knowing what to do when it occurs can help you get fair compensation for the injuries, emotional distress, and losses sustained from the accident. If you are involved in a hit-and-run, follow these five steps:
Make sure you and your passengers are okay. Call 911 if a serious injury has occurred.
Call the police and get a police report to ensure there is a record of the accident. The police can also play a helping role in finding the driver responsible for the accident.
Take pictures of the scene, damages to your car, and surroundings of the location of the accident.
Find any witnesses from the scene of the accident. They may have seen the type of car or license plate of the driver responsible for the accident.
Go to the hospital, even if you think you did not sustain any injuries from the accident. It is important to seek professional medical help after a hit-and-run to ensure your health.
Contact Brown & Brown Attorneys at Law for a trusted legal advisor who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Are the Most Common Injuries That Occur from Hit-and-Run Accidents?
Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are common in the US. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, an estimated 700,000+ hit-and-run crashes were reported in 2015. This statistic translates to a hit-and-run collision happening every 43 seconds somewhere in the United States. From these accidents, the most common injuries are:
Broken bones
Back injuries
Soft tissue injuries
Arm and leg injuries
Whiplash
Burns
Bleeding
Internal injuries
What Compensation Can I Receive from a Hit-and-Run Case?
The amount of compensation usually differs between locations, the amount of damages, and the severity of the accident. However, in most cases, victims can hold hit-and-run drivers liable for their accidents. They may potentially owe damages for medical costs, property damage, lost wages, and emotional costs of an injury sustained from the hit-and-run accident.
See What Our Patients Are Saying!
"I was involved in an accident. I called Brown & Brown because I was worried about if I could handle the situation. They instructed me on the right things to do; they took care of everything. I was paid, the bills were paid, and my car was fixed. I recommend Brown & Brown to anyone."
Consult Brown & Brown, LLP Today
To begin building your car accident case, schedule a free consultation with our experienced lawyers. If your injuries prevent you from visiting our office, we will come to you.
Dial the 3s for an attorney in St. Louis: 314-333-3333 or 573-333-3333. If you live in Illinois, call the 8s: 618-888-8888 to contact attorney Dan Brown today. You can also fill out the consultation request form on this page, and our staff will assist you with setting up your appointment. Our practice looks forward to serving you!
