If you or a loved one is a victim of a hit and run accident in St. Louis, Missouri, the negligent driver may be tried for a class D felony if they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol or someone was killed due to this negligence. Hiring a St. Louis hit and run accident lawyer in these cases is strongly suggested due to the complexity of the law.
Gathering evidence and maintaining a strong case while suffering may prove to be too much, and we will help you through. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation.
There is no need to go to court or face insurance companies alone. We know how important understanding the law is when proving negligence. You will not pay any upfront or out of pocket fees unless we secure a fair settlement for you, so you have nothing to lose by letting us help you.
Understanding a Hit and Run Case
A hit and run is when another driver hits another person or object and then flees the scene without exchanging the correct information. Any hit and run with over $1,000 in damage, a person was injured, or the driver at fault has been charged before, may face felony charges per Missouri revised statute § 577.060. Anything under $1,000 without the damage or prior conviction is only a misdemeanor.
Drivers, in any case, typically leave the scene of an accident out of fear because:
- They are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- They do not have a valid driver’s license.
- They do not have insurance.
- They fear going to jail.
- Or they do not realize they hit you.
If you cannot identify a negligent party, your insurance may have an uninsured motorist coverage plan for these reasons. However, insurance companies do not like to pay, so they usually will use their sources to find the culprit.
What You Should Gather to Help Find a Hit and Run Driver or Prove a Driver Is Guilty:
- Security footage
- Police record
- Crash record
- Photos of scene
- Dashboard info if applicable
- Witness testimony
- Law advice
Hit and runs are scary and can cause an unexpected accident to be much more challenging to navigate because of the unknown. Gaining the support of an attorney may help you find other avenues of compensation for your damages.
Drunk Driver Hit and Run
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2018 one person died every 50 minutes in the United States due to drunk driving.
If you can prove the driver was drunk, there are grave consequences. The issue when proving this factor lies with the lack of evidence. You must gather as much evidence as you can to prove this. If they know who was involved, find out where they were before.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accidents lawyer serving St. Louis, call (844) 730-0233
How a St. Louis Hit and Run Lawyer Can Assist You
Hiring a lawyer to help you gather evidence in these circumstances could provide extra support to prove a criminal charge for drunk driving, which may enhance your chances of compensation. You will have to file an additional civil lawsuit for payment, however.
There is usually more work to be done when proving a hit and run case. You need to find out who the negligent party is but first, file a claim with your insurance company to help find the guilty party. Hiring a St. Louis hit and run accident lawyer will also give you extra support.
We can help find the driver, and we can deal with the insurance companies, too. We want to make sure they do their part and do not stall when the time comes to pay for your injuries and other damages if a negligent party is not found.
While the goal is to bring justice by finding out who the culprit is, medical bills and property damage do not wait; they build up and can create further stress.
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC to navigate your case. We commit to your case no matter which route is necessary. We advocate for your compensation and want to make sure you are treated fairly in these adverse situations.
St. Louis Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Damages You May Receive for a Hit and Run Accident
Car accident lawsuits are filed under civil law and are usually only limited to economic and noneconomic damages. However, in hit and run cases, proving the driver was reckless and charging them with a crime, there may be compensation for punitive damages. Discussing your options with a lawyer familiar with hit and run cases is suggested in these cases.
There are no caps on economic and noneconomic damages for car accidents in a Missouri personal injury case.
You may be eligible for compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage costs
There are two statutes of limitations for filing these claims. Five years for a personal injury case and three years for a wrongful death case per Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.120 and Missouri Revised Statutes §537.100.
Click to contact our St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers today
Contact a St. Louis Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Today
Do not wait to file a hit and run claim. The sooner you get started, the fewer chances you have of the other party tampering with evidence or causing even more damage. Our team can get started on building your lawsuit.
When the negligent party is unknown, we can review your evidence giving us the chance to find other areas to help pursue your compensation—finding who, what, and where can add undue stress during your time of healing.
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation. It is risk-free. Our attorneys work on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning we do not get paid until we secure a fair settlement on your behalf. Call us today.
Call or text (844) 730-0233 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
