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Thousands of hit-and-run accidents occur in Missouri every year. Kansas City, MO alone reports over 5,000 such accidents yearly, causing unimaginable damage and serious injury to those involved. Victims of hit-and-runs often don’t know what to do or where to turn, so we’ve created this helpful guide to help you know what to do after being involved in a hit-and-run accident in Missouri.
Steps to Follow After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Under Missouri law, you are required to remain at the scene of a car accident. Additionally, all accidents must be reported if they meet the requirements of property damage, injury, or death. It’s a good idea to report all accidents to the police for insurance and other purposes. The legal ramifications of a hit-and-run can be severe, including jail time, fines, and even a criminal record. Hit and run accidents can be different from other types of car accidents, so you should know what steps to take after being involved.
Call Emergency Services
You should always call 911 to report an accident, and that’s especially true for hit-and-runs. Request an ambulance if you or someone else was injured, and ask for police to come and write a report. The police report is very helpful for insurance purposes and will serve as evidence in your hit-and-run case. Never hesitate to seek medical attention, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Car accident injuries can escalate, so the sooner you seek assistance, the better.
Stay at the Scene
Even with Missouri’s severe consequences for a hit and run conviction, some drivers still decide to leave the scene of the accident. If you were involved in an accident and the other driver tries to flee the scene, resist the temptation to give chase. Instead, stay at the location of the accident while you wait for an ambulance and/or law enforcement. The best thing you can do is to wait for an official police officer and follow the correct procedures.
Gather Information
The more information you have, the better your case is. While you wait for the police to arrive, write down as many details as you can. Include information like a description of the hit-and-run vehicle, a license plate number if possible, and everything you can remember about how the accident occurred. Take pictures of your vehicle and the scene of the accident. Witness statements may be useful, so ask if anyone around saw what happened or has any information about the other driver.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Hit-and-run accidents, especially those involving injuries, are incredibly complex. It’s often a struggle to get the compensation you’re entitled to after a typical car accident, much less a hit-and-run. That’s where a lawyer can provide the assistance you need. Find a lawyer who specializes in car accidents and knows Missouri law. Your attorney can help in several ways, like gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance, and walking you through the legal steps you need to take to be compensated for your damages. If identified, the hit-and-run driver can be held accountable in criminal court; civil litigation, however, doesn’t require driver identification.
Were you injured in a hit-and-run accident in Missouri? The law team at Dreyer & Tinney understand the complexities of taking on hit-and-run cases and are here to help. Contact us today to go over your case during a free consultation with a skilled Missouri car accident lawyer at Dreyer & Tinney.