In Missouri, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense under RSMo § 577.060 that carries serious penalties ranging from Class A misdemeanors for property damage to felonies for injuries or death.
If you’re involved in any crash, you must stop immediately, exchange information, and help injured parties, failing to do so can result in jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record.
Being the victim of a hit-and-run leaves you dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and the challenge of getting compensation when the other driver has fled.
You’ll need to rely on your own insurance coverage, particularly uninsured motorist protection, while police investigate to find the responsible driver. Understanding both the criminal penalties drivers face and your rights as a victim helps you navigate this difficult situation and protect your interests.
What Is a Hit-and-Run in Missouri?
A hit-and-run happens when you’re involved in a crash and leave the scene without doing what the law requires, whether it involves another vehicle or results in hit-and-run pedestrian accidents. Missouri Revised Statute 577.060 makes this illegal when the accident causes injury, death, or property damage to someone else.
You must stop whether you hit another car, a parked vehicle, a person walking, or even someone’s mailbox. The damage doesn’t have to be severe, even a small fender-bender requires you to stop and exchange information.
If the other person can’t receive your information because they’re unconscious or severely injured, you still can’t just drive away. You must report the accident to the nearest police station as soon as possible.
What Are Your Legal Duties After a Crash?
Missouri law is clear about what you must do after any accident. These duties apply to everyone involved, no matter who caused the crash.
You must complete all of these steps:
- Stop immediately: Pull over safely at or near the accident scene
- Stay at the scene: Don’t leave until you’ve done everything the law requires
- Share your information: Give your name, address, and vehicle registration number
- Show your license: Display it if anyone asks to see it
- Help injured people: Call 911 and provide reasonable assistance
Leaving before you complete these steps turns a regular accident into a criminal offense. Even if you’re scared or confused, you must stay and follow the law.
Is a Missouri Hit-and-Run a Misdemeanor or Felony?
The criminal charge you face depends on how serious the accident was. Missouri law escalates the penalties quickly based on what happened.
For property damage only, you’ll face a Class A misdemeanor. This carries a penalty of up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,000.
When someone is injured, it becomes a Class E felony punishable by up to four years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
If the injuries are serious, you could be charged with a higher-level felony that carries significant prison time.
Fatal accidents result in Class C felony charges. You may face significant prison time and substantial fines.
Beyond jail time and money, you’ll get points on your driver’s license. Too many points mean losing your driving privileges. Hit-and-run convictions also can’t be removed from your criminal record, they stay there permanently.
Who Pays After a Hit-and-Run in Missouri?
When the other driver flees, you can’t file a claim with their insurance because you don’t know who they are. This is where your own insurance coverage becomes crucial.
Missouri requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage. This treats the unknown hit-and-run driver like someone driving without insurance, though a Missouri hit-and-run lawyer can help ensure you receive full compensation under your policy.
The minimum coverage amounts are:
- $25,000 per person for injuries
- $50,000 per accident for injuries when multiple people are hurt
This coverage pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, it doesn’t fix your car, you need separate coverage for that.
Uninsured Motorist, Collision, and MedPay
Several parts of your insurance policy can help after a hit-and-run. Understanding each one helps you know what’s covered.
Uninsured Motorist coverage handles your injury-related costs. This includes doctor bills, missed work pay, and compensation for your pain and suffering.
Collision coverage repairs or replaces your damaged vehicle. You’ll pay your deductible first, then your insurance covers the rest.
MedPay is optional coverage that pays medical bills immediately after a crash. It works regardless of who caused the accident and can help with urgent care costs while other claims get sorted out.
Your health insurance can also cover treatment costs. Just know they might ask to be paid back from any settlement you receive later.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run
Your safety comes first after being hit by someone who drives away. Get to a safe spot and call 911 right away, following the essential steps to take after being injured to protect both your health and legal rights. Never chase the fleeing driver, it’s dangerous and could hurt your case.
Once you’re safe, take these important steps:
- Call police immediately: Tell them it was a hit-and-run accident using the proper procedures for how to report a hit-and-run in Missouri
- Get medical help: See a doctor even if you feel okay, some injuries show up later
- Take pictures: Document your car’s damage, any injuries, and the accident scene
- Find witnesses: Get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened
- Contact your insurance: Report the accident promptly to start your claim
- Avoid recorded statements: Don’t give detailed statements to insurance adjusters until you talk to a lawyer
Acting quickly protects both your health and your legal rights. The sooner you take these steps, the stronger your case will be.
Details That Help Police Find the Driver
The more information you can give police, the better chance they have of finding the person who hit you. Even small details can be important for their investigation.
Try to remember these key details:
- Vehicle information: Make, model, color, and any distinctive features
- License plate: Even partial numbers or letters help
- Damage location: Where their vehicle made contact with yours
- Driver description: Age, gender, hair color, clothing
- Direction of travel: Which way they went after the crash
Look around for security cameras at nearby businesses or homes. Many parking lots and intersections have cameras that might have recorded the accident. This video evidence can be crucial for identifying the fleeing driver.
How Police Investigate Missouri Hit-and-Runs
Police take hit-and-run cases seriously, especially when someone gets hurt. Their hit-and-run investigation starts with the information you and any witnesses provide.
They’ll search for vehicles matching your description and run partial license plate numbers through their database. Investigators also examine physical evidence left behind, like paint chips or broken car parts that can identify the other vehicle.
Police often check with local auto repair shops to see if anyone brought in a car with damage matching your accident. They also use traffic cameras and automated license plate readers to track where the fleeing vehicle went.
The key to a successful investigation is reporting the accident quickly and providing as much detail as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to find useful evidence.
Hit-and-Run on Private Property or a Parked Car
Missouri’s hit-and-run laws don’t just apply on public roads. They cover accidents everywhere in the state, including parking lots, driveways, and private property.
If you hit a parked car and can’t find the owner, you must leave a note with your contact information in a visible, secure place. Simply driving away is still a crime, even if nobody saw you.
Many people think parking lot accidents are different, but they’re wrong. Most shopping centers and businesses have security cameras that can identify you. Getting caught later makes your situation much worse than staying and doing the right thing.
Civil Claims When the Driver Is Identified
Finding the hit-and-run driver opens up new options for getting compensated. You can file a civil claim against them and their insurance company for all your damages.
Criminal charges and civil claims are separate legal processes. The criminal case punishes the driver for breaking the law. Your civil claim gets you money for your losses.
In a civil claim, you can recover:
- Medical expenses: All past and future treatment costs
- Lost income: Wages you missed and future earning capacity
- Property damage: Car repairs and replacement costs
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress
Even if the criminal court orders the driver to pay restitution, you can still file a civil lawsuit. Criminal restitution rarely covers all your losses, so the civil claim helps you get full compensation.
How Criminal Charges Affect Your Injury Claim
The criminal case against the hit-and-run driver can actually help your civil claim. A conviction or guilty plea proves the other driver was at fault, making your case much stronger.
You don’t have to wait for the criminal case to finish before starting your injury claim. In fact, it’s usually better to start both processes at the same time.
Evidence gathered by police for the criminal prosecution often helps negotiate a better settlement in your civil case. Things like witness statements, accident reconstruction reports, and physical evidence all strengthen your position with insurance companies.
Missouri Deadlines for Hit-and-Run Claims
Missouri gives you five years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. Miss it, and you lose your right to seek compensation in court.
However, you need to act much faster with insurance claims. Most policies require you to report accidents within days or weeks. Waiting too long gives your insurance company a reason to deny your claim.
Some situations have even shorter deadlines. Claims against government entities typically must be filed within 90 days. Don’t risk losing your rights by waiting, contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
Missouri Auto Accident Attorneys With 35+ Years Experience
Being the victim of a hit-and-run is overwhelming and confusing. You shouldn’t have to figure out the legal process while dealing with injuries and car repairs.
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we help victims of hit-and-run accidents. We’re the only Missouri firm that focuses exclusively on auto accident law. Our team has recovered substantial compensation for clients because we understand how these cases work.
We handle everything for you, investigating your accident, dealing with insurance companies, and fighting for maximum compensation. We’re available 24/7, and you pay no fees unless we win your case.
Let us manage the legal details so you can focus on getting better. Contact us online for your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Police Report to Use Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Missouri?
Yes, almost all insurance companies require a police report for hit-and-run claims under uninsured motorist coverage. The report creates an official record that helps prove the accident happened and protects your legal rights.
Will My Insurance Rates Go Up After a Hit-and-Run Claim?
Your rates shouldn’t increase after filing an uninsured motorist claim for a hit-and-run because you weren’t at fault. Missouri law generally prohibits insurers from raising rates for accidents you didn’t cause.
Can I Recover Property Damage Without Collision or UMPD Coverage?
No, if you don’t have collision or uninsured motorist property damage coverage, your insurance won’t pay for vehicle repairs. Your only option would be finding the hit-and-run driver and filing a claim against their insurance.
What Happens If the Driver Is Found After I Settle My Claim?
If police identify the driver after you settle with your insurance, your insurer can pursue that driver for reimbursement through a process called subrogation. If they’re successful, you might get your deductible back.
Can I Stack Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Missouri?
Yes, Missouri allows you to combine or “stack” uninsured motorist coverage from multiple vehicles on your policy. This can significantly increase the total amount available for your claim.
What Evidence Do I Need to Prove a Hit-and-Run Happened?
Key evidence includes your police report, photos of damage and the scene, witness statements, and any surveillance footage. The sooner you gather this evidence, the stronger your case will be.
How Long Do I Have to File a Hit-and-Run Claim in Missouri?
You have five years to file a lawsuit, but insurance claims must be reported much sooner, often within days or weeks. Contact your insurance company and a lawyer immediately to protect all your rights.
Can I Get Punitive Damages Against a Hit-and-Run Driver?
Sometimes yes, because fleeing an accident scene is considered especially reckless behavior. Courts may award punitive damages to punish the driver and discourage others from similar conduct.
Do Hit-and-Run Laws Apply in Parking Lots?
Yes, Missouri’s hit-and-run laws apply everywhere in the state, including private parking lots. Police will investigate parking lot hit-and-runs just like accidents on public roads.
Will Police Actually Investigate My Hit-and-Run Case?
Police do investigate hit-and-runs, especially when injuries are involved. Success depends on the quality of evidence available and how quickly you report the accident to them.
