How to Claim Compensation After a Hit-and-Run

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Getting into an accident is stressful and terrifying enough without the at-fault driver speeding away into the night. Hit-and-run accidents are chaotic, especially because most victims do not know what to do at that moment.

It is important to know that you can get compensation after a hit-and-run accident in Missouri, even if the at-fault driver is nowhere to be found.

Keep reading to discover the steps you need to take and the options for compensation available to you.

Hit-and-Run Accidents in Missouri

When a driver causes an accident and drives away without leaving their contact details or helping anyone hurt in the crash, it is called a hit-and-run.

Hit-and-run accidents usually mean vehicle collisions. It can also refer to a driver crashing into a pedestrian, cyclist, or building. According to Missouri law, it is illegal for drivers to drive away from an accident they caused. It can also lead to criminal charges against them.

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, you will face several challenges because the driver cannot immediately be held accountable. However, Missouri law offers ways for injured parties to recover damages despite the at-fault driver’s actions.

What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run

If someone crashes into you and speeds off, there are several steps you need to take. Firstly, you must check for injuries to yourself and your passengers. If there are bystanders or pedestrians who got caught up in the accident, check whether they are injured.

Whether there are injuries or not, you must call emergency services and the police. When the first responders arrive, you must allow them to check you for non-obvious injuries and follow their medical advice.

Getting a medical checkup and treatment is crucial, especially if you want to pursue compensation. You will also need to get a copy of the official police report of the accident.

While you are still at the scene, you should take as many photos and videos as possible, even though the at-fault driver has already driven away. Take photos of the damage to your car and your injuries.

Get footage of the overall accident scene. If there are witnesses who saw what happened, get their contact details. You can contact them later for statements about what they saw.

You must also notify your insurance company about the accident immediately. In Missouri, it is a requirement for drivers to report accidents that involve injuries and property damage. Your insurer will guide you on filing a claim.

In the meantime, you also have to keep a record of all your post-accident expenses. If you are admitted to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries, keep notes on the length of your stay and what you are treated for. Your medical records will also detail this.

Record your car repair costs and any other expenses resulting from the accident. These records can help strengthen your case and ensure you are properly compensated.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage for Hit-and-Run Accidents

Missouri requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist insurance as part of their auto insurance coverage. Uninsured motorist (UM) insurance is very important in hit-and-run situations because it allows you to file a claim with your insurance company.

The uninsured motorist minimum coverage in Missouri is as follows:

$25,000 per person for bodily injury
$50,000 per accident for bodily injury
$10,000 for property damage

UM coverage can compensate you for injuries and medical expenses if the hit-and-run driver is never found. It is crucial to note that UM coverage does not usually cover all property damage. You would need to have collision insurance to ensure all damages are covered.

Filing a UM Claim

If you want to file a UM claim with your insurance provider, you must provide the insurer with all the accident evidence. This means sending them the police report and your medical records.

You can also send through the photos and videos you took of the accident scene. If you received witness statements, you can send those through, too.

Ensure you submit all records of lost income, bills, and receipts related to the accident. This makes it easier for the insurer to assess your losses.

When you submit a claim, you may be required to send additional information or documentation. Respond to these requirements immediately to avoid delays in your payout.

What Compensation Can You Receive?

There are several types of compensation you can claim for. The first and most common is medical expenses. You can claim compensation for medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.

You can also claim reimbursement for lost income if you cannot work after the accident.

If you suffer emotional distress or PTSD as a result of the accident, you can claim compensation for this, too. The same goes for property damage, but this would be claimed from your collision insurance coverage.

The compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries. It will also depend on how big your financial loss is and your insurance policy’s limits.

Insurance Denials and Disputes

Your insurance company may deny your claim for compensation or offer you far less than you require. If this happens, there are several things you can do.

You can review your policy to check the terms and coverage limits. This will give you a better understanding of why your claim was denied. You can also supply additional evidence, such as further medical documentation or estimates of additional damages.

If the insurance company is unwilling to hear your case, you could consider mediation or arbitration. However, the best solution, in this instance, is to hire a personal injury lawyer.

You should hire a lawyer when you decide to pursue compensation.

What If the Hit-and-Run Driver Is Found?

If the hit-and-run driver is identified later on, you may be able to file a lawsuit directly against them for damages. This would be a civil case for compensation beyond your UM limits.

However, if the driver does not have financial resources or insurance, this might become a dead-end street. Your lawyer can help you explore the best options if the driver is found. This includes negotiating a settlement or going to court.

Your Right to Compensation

You have the right to demand compensation after an accident that was not your fault. When you consult a personal injury attorney, you have the best chance of being compensated fully for your losses.