Hit-and-run accidents in Kansas City, Missouri, occur when a collision takes place and the responsible party flees the scene without exchanging information or helping the people injured. This action affects all the different road users and is always considered an act of negligence.
If you were involved in a car crash where the at-fault driver fled the scene, our experienced Kansas City hit-and-run lawyers can help you build a case. Call (816) 237-5496 today for a free initial consultation.
What Our Hit-and-Run Lawyers in Kansas City Will Do For You
Hit-and-run car accidents leave you feeling helpless and wondering what to do if no one is there to settle. Although there may not be a specific person to assign liability to first, there are several steps that individuals should take to build a case.
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, our experienced hit-and-run attorneys in Kansas City, Missouri, have over three decades of experience helping victims with hit-and-run car accidents. Our legal team is ready to help you so you don’t have to worry about how to cover damages or medical expenses.
We aim to seek justice for you. That’s why we provide you with a free initial consultation to help you understand your situation and your rights.
Here is what you can expect from us:
- Work to identify and locate the hit-and-run driver.
- Speak with local law enforcement in Kansas City to learn what they’ve uncovered in their investigation of the accident.
- Launch an independent investigation into your hit-and-run accident.
- Identify all potential options for financial recovery.
- Determine whether other parties, such as a vehicle maintenance provider, may also be liable.
- Review your car insurance policy.
- File and submit claims on your behalf.
- Defend against allegations that you share responsibility for the hit-and-run car accident.
- Work to negotiate the best possible terms in a settlement agreement with the insurance company, liable parties, and the hit-and-run driver on your behalf.
Our goal is to achieve a settlement that responds to your necessities. In our more than thirty years of experience, we have successfully secured settlements for our clients that amount to as much as 2.5 million dollars.
We do everything in our power and knowledge to achieve a fair settlement as fast as possible. However, if your case must go to trial, we will do what it takes to get you the best results.
Reasons for Hit-and-Run Car Accidents
Although there is no justifiable reason for committing a hit-and-run accident, there are some common causes for these cases.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
The driver involved in the hit-and-run incident appeared to be attempting to evade potential charges related to operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or other substances.
Driver without insurance
Individuals may unlawfully flee the scene of an accident due to their lack of state-required automobile insurance coverage. People are seeking to avoid the potential consequences of criminal charges and financial penalties associated with noncompliance with this statute.
Driver with pending warrants or past tickets
A driver might flee the scene of an accident due to existing tickets or outstanding fines, which could lead to apprehension by authorities.
Individuals with moving violations may engage in a hit-and-run to avoid accumulating more points on their driving record, preventing increased insurance premiums and potential driver’s license suspension.
Driver facing additional legal issues
A driver worried about potential repercussions from their involvement with law enforcement may leave the scene of the accident. In certain instances, individuals involved in traffic cases may include drivers who are not United States citizens, those currently on parole, or those who have received a suspended sentence in prior traffic matters.
Driver who fears consequences
An inexperienced driver who is unaware of the legal consequences of their actions may flee the scene without fully understanding the seriousness of their actions. In these moments, fear can overpower rational judgment, prompting the driver to leave the accident site.
Looking for a “hit-and-run lawyer near me” in Kansas City, Missouri? Our skilled attorneys are available 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week to speak with you. Call (816) 237-5496 now a free case evaluation!
Fleeing the Scene of an Accident is a Crime
Regardless of the cause or reason, it is against the law to flee the scene after an accident in Missouri. According to the Missouri Revised Statute 577.060.1, all drivers involved in a car accident need to:
- Stop at the scene.
- Provide identification and insurance information.
- Render aid if someone is injured (e.g., call 911 or help them get medical attention).
If an individual leaves the accident scene, they will face criminal charges, although their prosecution does not automatically guarantee financial compensation. It’s crucial to understand that you can still pursue a case even if the responsible party remains unidentified.
That’s why it is crucial to contact our experienced Kansas City car accident lawyers after a hit-and-run. Our legal team specializes in Missouri car accident law and can guide you on how to recover monetary compensation for damages.
Your Rights After a Hit-and-Run Car Accident
You can still pursue a legal claim regardless of whether the liable driver is found. If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, these are the rights you are entitled to:
Requesting compensation
This stipulates that the driver deemed responsible for the accident is liable for the associated damages. In the event that the at-fault driver is unable to be located or held accountable, your insurance policy may provide coverage to address the damages incurred.
In Missouri, coverage for uninsured drivers is mandatory and typically provides compensation for injuries sustained due to the actions of an unidentified driver. Collision insurance and uninsured driver property damage coverage can provide assistance with vehicle repairs in the event of an accident.
Legal accusations
If arrested, the driver may face either misdemeanor or felony charges, depending upon the severity of the accident in question. Victims may collaborate with law enforcement to assist in the identification of the driver involved.
Initiate legal proceedings
After the driver is identified, you may have the legal right to initiate a lawsuit for damages incurred. Compensation could cover medical expenses incurred due to injuries sustained in the accident, costs associated with vehicle repairs, lost wages resulting from an inability to work, and damages for emotional distress arising from the incident.
What if I Was Partially Responsible for the Accident?
Missouri operates under a “pure comparative fault” system. This means that your compensation will be adjusted based on your percentage of fault.
For instance, if the court found you to be 75% at fault, you would be eligible to receive 25% of the damages. Courts and judges determine the percentage of fault by reviewing all the evidence presented.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Hit-and-Run
- Do not pursue the fleeing driver. Write down vehicle type, driver description, and full or partial license plate.
- Report the accident to the Kansas City police immediately, explaining everything you remember about the other vehicle and the incident.
- Seek medical attention for all injuries, even minor ones. This helps determine the full impact of the accident.
- To build a strong case, collect witness contact information and photograph the incident, your car, and any visible injuries.
- With the help of Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, find the hit-and-run motorist and file a claim.
Consult Our Award-Winning Hit-and-Run Car Accident Lawyers in Kansas City, Missouri
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we know and use all the possible strategies that can be used to make you get the compensation you deserve after a hit-and-run accident.
For instance, if the responsible individual cannot be located, our experienced lawyers may attempt to collect damages from the client’s insurance company through phantom car and uninsured motorist claims.
Schedule your free consultation today and let our team members assist you in achieving the settlement you seek and deserve.
In addition to Kansas City, attorneys Paul Beck and John Beck have assisted victims of hit-and-run car accident in cities such as Florissant, O’Fallon, St. Louis, Jefferson City, Independence, Cape Girardeau, Doniphan, Springfield, and more.
