A hit-and-run crash happens when someone in O’Fallon, Missouri, causes an accident but takes off without stopping. It might involve two cars, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or even someone on a motorcycle. These cases are tough on the people left behind. You’re injured, your car’s damaged, and the person who caused it is gone.
Injured in a car accident where the other driver fled the scene in O’Fallon, MO? Our award winning O’Fallon hit-and-run lawyers have been helping car accident victims since 1990. We are available 24/7 to speak with you. Call (636) 238-5934 for a free case evaluation!
We see hit and runs more often than people realize. It’s illegal to flee the scene of a crash, but that doesn’t stop a lot of drivers from doing it. Maybe they don’t have insurance. Maybe they panic. Either way, they leave others to deal with the fallout.
If you’re in this situation, an O’Fallon hit-and-run lawyer can help figure out your next steps. Every case is different, and these claims can get complicated fast. That’s why it helps to have someone in your corner who knows Missouri law and deals with these cases all the time. You shouldn’t have to face it alone.
Why Choose Our Hit and Run Accident Lawyers in O’Fallon, MO?
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we understand how frustrating it is when a driver causes a crash and disappears. You’re left with medical bills, a damaged vehicle, and no clear answers. Our firm focuses especially on Missouri auto accident claims, including hit-and-run cases. We’ve recovered more than $105 million for our clients, and we’ve been doing this for over 35 years.
We’ll Make Every Effort to Find the Driver
Not every driver can be identified, but many can. We work with investigators, review video footage, examine crash reports, and track down witnesses to help identify the person who left the scene.
We Deal With the Insurance Companies
When you’re hurt, the last thing you should be doing is arguing with an adjuster. We step in to handle all communication and push for full compensation under your policy—especially if the other driver isn’t found.
Trial Experience That Matters
Some firms avoid court. We don’t. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial.
Focused on Missouri Accident Law
We don’t take every kind of case. Our entire practice is built around helping people after Missouri car accidents. That focus means we know how these claims work—and how to move quickly when time matters.
Types of Hit-and-Run Claims Our Law Firm Handles
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we represent clients across Missouri who’ve been injured in all types of hit-and-run accidents. Whether the driver fled out of fear, intoxication, or simply wanted to avoid responsibility, we help victims find a path to recovery—even when the at-fault party isn’t immediately identified.
Drivers Who Flee the Scene
Some drivers cause crashes and leave before exchanging information. If this happens to you, we’ll help file a claim through your uninsured motorist policy and work to identify the driver when possible.
Drunk Driving Hit-and-Runs
Many hit-and-run accidents involve intoxicated drivers trying to avoid a DWI arrest. These cases can involve both criminal investigations and civil claims. We’ll coordinate with law enforcement and handle the civil side so you’re not left paying the price.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Hit-and-Runs
We represent people who were struck while walking or biking—or even forced into traffic by a reckless driver who fled. If you were injured because of a motorist’s actions, even without direct impact, you may still have a valid claim.
Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcyclists are often victims in hit-and-runs, especially when visibility is low. We handle cases involving direct collisions and situations where another vehicle’s behavior caused a rider to crash.
Run-Off-Road Incidents
You don’t have to be hit to have a case. If another vehicle forced you off the road and left the scene, we may be able to pursue a claim on your behalf.
Looking for a “hit-and-run lawyer near me” in O’Fallon, Missouri? Our skilled attorneys can help you recover financial compensation. Call (636) 238-5934 today!
Missouri Hit and Run Laws
Under Missouri Revised Statute 577.060.1, any driver involved in a crash must remain at the scene. If there’s injury, death, or property damage, the law requires both parties to stop, provide aid if needed, and exchange information. Leaving the scene without doing so is a criminal offense in Missouri.
Criminal Charges vs. Civil Recovery
If the driver who fled is located, they may be charged with a crime. However, criminal prosecution does not result in financial compensation for the victim. To recover medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering, you need to pursue a civil claim—separate from any charges filed by prosecutors.
What If the Driver Is Never Found?
You may still have a valid case even if the at-fault driver is never identified. Missouri drivers are required to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which can be used in hit-and-run cases. This allows victims to recover compensation through their own policy, without having to find the fleeing driver.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
These cases can be complex, especially when criminal investigations and insurance claims overlap. Our ‘Fallon car accident lawyers understand how to protect your rights and explore all possible avenues for recovery under Missouri law. If you’ve been injured, don’t wait—know your rights and your options.
Who Covers Damages When the At-Fault Driver Flees The Scene?
Missouri follows an “at-fault” insurance model. That means the driver who caused the crash is legally responsible for all resulting damage, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages from missed work
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
But if that driver leaves the scene and isn’t identified, your insurance may become the fallback.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage Applies to Hit-and-Runs
Missouri law requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage applies when the at-fault driver can’t be found or doesn’t have insurance.
- Minimum UM coverage in Missouri is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
- This does not cover vehicle damage unless you have added UM property damage or collision coverage.
- Your policy may allow you to recover more than the minimum if your limits are higher.
What Happens If the Driver Is Found?
If police later identify the hit-and-run driver, you may file a civil lawsuit to recover your full damages. They may also face criminal charges, depending on the severity of the crash.
Bottom Line
Even if the at-fault driver disappears, you aren’t out of options. Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers can help you file a UM claim, coordinate with investigators, and explore every path to compensation.
Identifying The Driver After a Hit and Run Car Accident
Finding the person who left the scene of your crash can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we take an active role in helping identify the driver—working with law enforcement and using every tool available to investigate the hit-and-run.
Here’s how we help track down the at-fault party:
Surveillance Footage: We request video from nearby homes, businesses, traffic cameras, and city-owned systems. This can reveal the make, model, color, or even license plate of the vehicle involved.
Witness Statements: Our team speaks directly with anyone who may have seen the crash or the vehicle leaving the scene. Even small details can help build a lead.
Scene Evidence: We document physical evidence such as paint transfer, broken auto parts, or skid marks. This can be compared against a suspect vehicle if one is found.
Coordination With Police: We work closely with the O’Fallon police department and detectives to ensure no piece of evidence is missed and follow up regularly on active investigations.
License Plate Recognition: In some areas, we check whether traffic cameras or law enforcement plate readers may have captured the fleeing vehicle.
Public Records Review: We may look into local auto shops, insurance claims, or registration databases to match vehicle damage with the accident.
What To Do After a Hit and Run Accident in O’Fallon, Missouri
A hit-and-run crash can be overwhelming, but what you do next can make a big difference. If you’re in O’Fallon and a driver leaves the scene, here are the steps to take right away:
1. Call 911 and Report the Accident
The first thing you should do is call the police. Give them as much detail as you can about the other vehicle—color, make, model, direction it went, or plate number. In Missouri, fleeing the scene is a crime, and police will treat it seriously.
2. Document the Scene
If it’s safe, take photos of your vehicle, the road, any damage, and your injuries. These details will help your legal team and insurance company later. If your car is towed, ask where it’s being taken so nothing gets lost in the process.
3. Notify Your Insurance Company
Let your insurer know about the accident and begin a claim. Be cautious when speaking with your adjuster—insurance companies may look for ways to limit what they owe. What you say can be used against you. This is why legal representation matters.
4. Contact Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers
We’ll protect your rights, handle communication with the insurer, and work to locate the driver who fled. You don’t have to go through this alone—and the sooner you involve us, the better your chances of a strong claim.
Skilled Car Accident Law Firm in O’Fallon, MO
Hit-and-run accidents can leave you injured, frustrated, and unsure who will cover your losses. At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we’ve helped injured drivers since 1990 and recovered $105+ million for clients statewide.
Hit-and-run cases are never simple, but you don’t have to handle it alone. We’re ready to talk 24/7 and walk you through your legal options. Contact Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers to get started with a free consultation.
Locations in Missouri where we’ve assisted hit and run car accident victims include St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, Florissant, Kansas City, MO, Independence, Jefferson City, Springfield, and more.
