Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents in Missouri can have devastating consequences, leaving victims with severe injuries and little to no immediate recourse. In these situations, the driver at fault flees the scene, making it difficult to hold them accountable for their actions.
Under Missouri law, drivers involved in an accident must stop, exchange information, and remain at the scene until authorities arrive. Failing to do so is illegal and can lead to criminal charges and civil lawsuits. For victims of hit-and-run pedestrian accidents, the challenge lies in identifying the driver responsible.
Even if the driver isn’t caught right away, victims may still have options for compensation through their uninsured motorist coverage. If law enforcement successfully tracks down the at-fault driver, victims can pursue additional compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Having a skilled Missouri hit-and-run lawyer by your side is essential to navigating these complex cases and ensuring you get the justice you deserve.
Pedestrian Accidents Occur Too Often in Missouri
Pedestrian accidents in Missouri have surged dramatically, with a staggering 75% increase in fatalities across the state in 2022. This surge highlights the growing risk for pedestrians on Missouri roads, especially in urban areas where traffic volume is highest.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, there were 1,527 pedestrian crashes in Missouri in 2022, leading to numerous injuries and fatalities.
These accidents make up a significant portion of the state’s traffic-related incidents. Many victims suffer life-altering consequences, underscoring the importance of pedestrian safety measures.
Hit-and-run accidents also remain a critical issue in Missouri. Hundreds of hit-and-runs occur each year in the state, leaving victims with little immediate recourse. On a national level, nearly 1 in 4 pedestrian accidents involve a hit-and-run driver.
These incidents don’t just affect pedestrians—hit-and-runs also include vehicles and bicyclists, making them a widespread problem for all road users.
With the increase in both pedestrian accidents and hit-and-run cases, it’s more important than ever for victims to seek justice and compensation for their injuries. Understanding the statistics behind these tragic events is critical in promoting safer roads throughout Missouri.
For immediate legal assistance from an experienced Missouri hit-and-run pedestrian accident lawyer, contact our legal team today. We offer free consultations.
How is a Hit-and-Run Defined in Missouri?
In Missouri, a “hit-and-run” incident, legally called “leaving the scene of an accident,” occurs when a driver involved in a traffic collision fails to stop and fulfill certain obligations.
These obligations typically include exchanging personal and insurance information with the other parties involved and remaining at the scene until law enforcement arrives. This requirement applies regardless of whether the accident results in property damage, injury, or death.
Under Missouri law, drivers must immediately stop their vehicle at the accident scene or as close as possible and remain there until they have met specific requirements.
These include providing their name, address, and vehicle registration number to the other party and exhibiting their driver’s license upon request. Additionally, drivers must reasonably assist any person injured in the accident, such as calling for medical help if necessary.
Failing to meet these obligations is considered a severe offense in Missouri. The penalties can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the circumstances. The severity of the charges may vary based on factors such as the extent of injuries caused and whether the driver has prior offenses.
Understanding these responsibilities is crucial for all drivers to ensure compliance with the law and to promote safety on Missouri’s roads.
What are Missouri’s Laws for Leaving the Scene of an Accident?
Missouri law treats leaving the scene of an accident, commonly known as a hit and run, as a severe offense. Under Missouri Revised Statute § 577.060, drivers must stop at the scene of any accident they are involved in, provide their information, and assist anyone who may be injured.
Failing to do so can result in criminal charges, which vary in severity depending on the accident’s circumstances. If the collision involves only property damage, the charges are a misdemeanor. However, if injuries or fatalities are involved, the charges escalate to a felony.
The penalties for leaving the scene of an accident can include steep fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment. Misdemeanor charges may result in up to one year in jail, while felony convictions can lead to longer prison sentences and substantial fines.
Missouri’s laws aim to deter drivers from fleeing the scene, as it can complicate investigations and deny victims the immediate help they need.
In recent years, Missouri has taken steps to address the growing issue of hit-and-run accidents, mainly through the Show-Me Zero initiative. This plan focuses on reducing traffic fatalities, including those caused by hit-and-run incidents, by encouraging safer driving habits and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
By strengthening these laws and public awareness efforts, Missouri hopes to curb the dangerous trend of drivers leaving accident scenes.
What are Some of the Reasons Drivers Don’t Stop after Hitting a Pedestrian?
Understanding why drivers flee the scene after striking a pedestrian is crucial for addressing the issue effectively. Several factors contribute to this behavior:
- Fear of Legal Consequences: Drivers may panic about potential legal repercussions, especially if they are uninsured, have a suspended license, or are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Leaving the scene, however, often results in more severe penalties than staying and cooperating with authorities.
- Shock and Confusion: The immediate aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming. In a state of shock, a driver might not fully comprehend the situation or believe that fleeing is the best course of action.
- Lack of Awareness: In some cases, drivers may not realize they have hit a pedestrian, mainly if the collision is minor or if the pedestrian is in a blind spot. This unawareness can lead to unintentional hit-and-run incidents.
- Personal Circumstances: Individuals with prior convictions, outstanding warrants, or those involved in illegal activities may flee to avoid further legal trouble. Additionally, some drivers may leave the scene due to concerns about their safety, especially in high-crime areas or at night.
Addressing these underlying causes requires a multifaceted approach, including public education on the legal obligations following an accident, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and support systems for individuals who may panic in such situations.
How Does Insurance Work in a Hit and Run in Missouri?
When a hit-and-run accident occurs in Missouri, insurance coverage plays a crucial role in ensuring victims are compensated for their injuries and damages. Missouri is an “at-fault” state, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is typically held financially accountable. However, identifying the responsible party can be challenging in hit-and-run cases, leaving victims relying on their insurance policies for compensation.
In these situations, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage comes into play. Missouri law requires that all drivers carry uninsured motorist coverage, compensating when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or lacks insurance. This coverage helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages from the hit-and-run accident. If you have UM coverage, you can file a claim with your insurance company to receive compensation.
Additionally, some drivers may have personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments (MedPay) coverage, which can help cover medical expenses regardless of who was at fault. It’s essential for hit-and-run victims to promptly notify their insurance company after the accident to ensure they receive the compensation they’re entitled to. While relying on your insurance may be frustrating, having the right coverage in place can make a significant difference when the at-fault driver is not located.
Why Proving a Hit and Run in Missouri is So Challenging
Hit-and-run accidents are notoriously difficult to prove in Missouri due to several factors complicating the investigation process. Without the cooperation of the at-fault driver, victims often face significant challenges in gathering the necessary evidence to establish liability. Here’s a look at the main reasons why proving a hit and run can be so challenging:
Lack of Witnesses and Physical Evidence
One of the biggest hurdles in proving a hit-and-run is the lack of witnesses. Many hit-and-run accidents happen in low-traffic areas or during late hours when fewer people are around to observe the incident. Even when witnesses are present, their recollections can be unclear or incomplete, making it harder to track down the responsible driver.
Additionally, physical evidence such as tire marks or car debris may not be sufficient to identify the hit-and-run vehicle. In most cases, without specific identifying information like a license plate number or a detailed vehicle description, it becomes challenging to trace the driver responsible for the accident.
Time Delays in Reporting and Investigation
Another major issue in proving a hit-and-run is the time it takes for the accident to be reported and investigated. Drivers who flee the scene gain valuable time to repair their vehicles or hide any visible signs of involvement in an accident. The longer it takes for law enforcement to receive details of the crash, the harder it becomes to find the fleeing driver, as evidence can quickly disappear.
Insurance Complications
Insurance is critical in hit-and-run cases, even if a driver is not immediately caught. Victims often need to rely on uninsured motorist coverage, but insurance companies may require substantial proof that a hit-and-run occurred. Lack of cooperation from the at-fault party makes it difficult to provide that proof, leading to delays or denials in insurance claims.
Successfully proving a hit-and-run in Missouri requires quick action, gathering as much evidence as possible, and working closely with law enforcement and insurance companies to ensure a strong case.
Identifying The Driver After a Pedestrian Hit and Run Accident in Missouri
When a driver flees the scene after hitting a pedestrian, identifying them becomes a crucial but challenging task. The success of locating the driver often hinges on the evidence gathered at the scene and the efforts to trace their whereabouts. Here’s a look at the key types of evidence and methods that can be used to identify the driver in a hit-and-run accident:
Key Evidence for Identifying a Hit-and-Run Driver
- Witness Statements: Eyewitness testimony is one of the most critical pieces of evidence. Bystanders who saw the accident can describe the vehicle, the driver, and the direction they fled. Their input can help authorities narrow down the search.
- Surveillance Footage: Traffic cameras, security cameras from nearby businesses, or even doorbell cameras in residential areas may capture the incident. This footage can provide crucial visual evidence of the vehicle involved, including the license plate or distinctive vehicle markings.
- Physical Evidence: Investigators can analyze debris left behind by the fleeing vehicle, such as broken lights, paint chips, or tire marks, to determine the make, model, and color of the car, which can help identify the vehicle in question.
- Police Reports: Law enforcement officials may compile all available evidence into a police report, essential for filing insurance claims and pursuing legal action against the driver.
Methods to Locate a Hit-and-Run Driver
There are several ways to locate a hit-and-run driver after gathering initial evidence:
- Social Media and Public Appeals: Posting about the incident on social media can reach a large audience quickly. Sometimes, drivers are found after someone in the community spots the vehicle or driver.
- Checking Body Shops: The driver may attempt to repair the damage at a local shop. Police often visit auto repair shops to ask about recent car repairs that match the hit-and-run vehicle’s description.
- Using Traffic Camera Data: Law enforcement can review footage from nearby traffic cameras to track the vehicle’s movements before and after the accident. This can help them piece together the driver’s route.
- Offering a Reward: Some victims or their families offer a financial reward for information leading to the driver’s identification. Rewards can incentivize people with knowledge of the incident to come forward.
- Working with Investigators: Professional investigators may be able to use advanced techniques to trace the vehicle based on the collected evidence. They might use databases to match vehicle descriptions or track down leads that the police may not have time to follow.
By combining these investigative efforts, the responsible driver can be identified, and justice can be ensured for the victim of the hit-and-run.
How Much Is My Missouri Pedestrian Accident Claim Worth?
The value of a pedestrian accident claim in Missouri depends on several factors that affect the potential settlement amount. These factors include the severity of the injuries, the cost of medical treatment, the victim’s lost wages, and the extent of any long-term disability or emotional trauma caused by the accident.
More severe injuries, such as broken bones, spinal damage, or traumatic brain injuries, typically result in higher settlement amounts due to the extensive medical care and long recovery times involved.
In addition to medical expenses, compensation may cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future income losses if the victim cannot return to work. Missouri’s average settlement for pedestrian accidents can vary, with cases involving severe or permanent injuries often reaching higher amounts in hit-and-run accidents; uninsured motorist coverage may come into play, as the driver responsible might not be located. This insurance can help victims recover some of their losses, even if the at-fault party is never found.
Skilled Missouri Hit-and-Run Lawyers
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we understand the challenges victims face after a hit-and-run pedestrian accident. Our skilled Missouri hit-and-run lawyers are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. With years of experience handling complex pedestrian accident cases, we know how to navigate the legal process and help you build a strong case.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run, contact Beck & Beck for a free consultation today. Let us stand by your side and work tirelessly to get you the justice you deserve.
Some of the locations our legal team serves includes St. Louis, Florissant, Springfield, Kansas City, Cape Girardeau, and more.
