A hit-and-run happens when a driver causes a crash in Springfield and leaves the scene without stopping. Whether you were in another vehicle, walking, or riding a bicycle, you’re now dealing with injuries and damage while the responsible driver has vanished.
These crashes create unique challenges beyond typical car accidents. You need medical treatment and your vehicle needs repairs, but the person who caused it all has disappeared. Without their insurance information or identity, you might wonder how you’ll cover these mounting expenses.
Our experienced Springfield hit-and-run lawyers understand the frustration of being left alone to handle someone else’s mistake. At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we know Missouri law provides paths to recovery even when the at-fault driver can’t be found. We work with your uninsured motorist coverage and pursue every available option to get you the compensation you deserve.
How Our Hit-And-Run Attorneys In Springfield Assist With Your Claim
When a driver leaves the scene, you have to deal with injuries, damage to your car, and rising expenses while the person who caused the accident is nowhere to be found. Our Springfield hit-and-run lawyers will take care of every part of your claim so you can focus on getting better.
Here’s precisely what we do to fight for the compensation you deserve:
Immediate Investigation and Evidence Collection
Time is your enemy after a hit-and-run. Surveillance footage gets deleted, witnesses forget details, and physical evidence disappears. We launch our investigation immediately to preserve critical evidence before it’s gone forever.
This quick action often makes the difference between identifying the driver and never finding them.
Working With Law Enforcement
We coordinate closely with the Springfield police to stay informed about their investigation. Our established relationships with local law enforcement help us access information and resources that move your case forward.
While police focus on the criminal aspects, we concentrate on building your civil claim for compensation.
Identifying All Available Insurance Coverage
Most people don’t realize they have multiple insurance policies that can provide compensation after a hit-and-run. We review your auto policy, health insurance, and any other coverage sources to maximize your recovery.
This includes Uninsured Motorist coverage, Medical Payments coverage, and collision coverage for vehicle damage.
Filing and Negotiating Your UM Claim
Your own insurance company becomes the opponent when you file an Uninsured Motorist claim. They’ll look for reasons to deny or minimize your payout.
We handle all communication with your insurer, present compelling evidence of your damages, and negotiate aggressively to secure full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Documenting Your Injuries and Damages
Insurance companies pay based on documentation, not sympathy. We gather all medical records, bills, employment records, and other evidence that proves the full extent of your losses. We work with medical experts when necessary to document future treatment needs and long-term impacts of your injuries.
Protecting You From Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance adjusters use specific tactics to lower payouts, such as recorded statements meant to trick you, quick lowball settlement offers, and claims that your injuries aren’t related to the accident.
We protect you from these tactics and ensure your rights are always protected.
Taking Your Case to Court When Necessary
Most UM claims settle through negotiation, but some insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation. When settlement talks fail, we’re fully prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. Our courtroom experience gives us leverage during negotiations because insurers know we won’t back down.
Why Choose Our Hit-And-Run Lawyers In Springfield?
When a driver flees the scene, you need attorneys who understand how to track down evidence and fight insurance companies. As a family-run practice, you work directly with attorneys Paul and John Beck, not paralegals or assistants. We give every case the personal attention it deserves.
Our firm focuses entirely on Missouri auto accident cases. This specialization means we know precisely how hit-and-run claims work under Missouri law. We understand the local Springfield courts, work closely with police investigators, and have relationships with the medical providers you might need.
- Extensive experience: We provide dedicated, client-focused representation for Missouri auto accident cases.
- We get results for injured clients.
- Missouri-only focus: Deep knowledge of state laws and local Springfield procedures.
- No upfront costs: You pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
- Available around the clock: We answer calls 24/7 when you need help most.
We handle every detail of your case so you can focus on healing from your injuries.
Can You Get Compensation If The Driver Isn’t Found?
Yes, you can still recover money even when the hit-and-run driver is never identified. Missouri law requires all drivers to carry Uninsured Motorist coverage for precisely this situation. This coverage protects you when the at-fault driver can’t be found or doesn’t have insurance.
We know how to navigate these insurance claims and maximize your recovery from all available sources. Many people don’t realize they have multiple types of coverage that can help after a hit-and-run.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage Basics
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is insurance that steps in when the at-fault driver is unknown or uninsured. Missouri requires minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. This coverage pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Your UM coverage doesn’t cover vehicle damage unless you specifically purchased Uninsured Motorist Property Damage. Most people need to use their collision coverage to fix their car after a hit-and-run.
Medical Payments Coverage
Medical Payments (MedPay) is optional coverage that pays your medical bills immediately, regardless of who caused the accident. This coverage helps bridge the gap while your larger UM claim is being processed. We coordinate with your health insurance provider to ensure all your medical bills are handled correctly.
Stacking Multiple UM Policies
If you own more than one vehicle, you can. Stacking UM coverage would allow two cars with $25,000 each to provide $50,000 in total UM coverage.
Insurance Rate Concerns
Missouri law prohibits insurance companies from increasing your premiums for not-at-fault accidents, including hit-and-runs (No rate increases).
Will We Help Find The Driver Who Fled?
Absolutely. We actively investigate hit-and-run accidents to identify the responsible driver. Time is critical because evidence disappears quickly and witness memories fade. We begin our investigation immediately, working alongside the Springfield police.
Surveillance Video And Witness Search
We canvass the accident area for any surveillance cameras that might have captured the fleeing vehicle. This includes traffic cameras, business security systems, and residential doorbell cameras. We also locate and interview witnesses before they forget important details about the car or driver.
Many businesses retain security footage for only a limited time. We act quickly to preserve this evidence before it’s automatically deleted.
License Plate Readers And Police Coordination
Springfield has automated license plate readers throughout the city that can track vehicle movements. We work with the police to access this technology when appropriate. Our strong relationship with the Springfield Police Department keeps us informed about the progress of the official investigation.
Our experienced Springfield car accident lawyers also check with local auto repair shops to see if anyone has brought in a vehicle with damage matching your accident.
Public Records And Evidence Preservation
We file Missouri Sunshine Law requests to obtain traffic camera footage and other public records related to your accident.
Missouri Hit-And-Run Laws
Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in Missouri under Revised Statutes 577.060. The law requires drivers involved in any accident to follow specific reporting requirements: stop, exchange information, and provide reasonable assistance to those injured. Penalties for fleeing are severe and increase with the seriousness of injuries or property damage.
Penalties for Fleeing the Scene
A hit-and-run that results only in Property damage is classified as a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year in jail. Penalties escalate to felony charges if the accident involves physical injury or death.
Key Missouri Auto Insurance Rules
Missouri law sets minimum Uninsured Motorist (UM) limits at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. Furthermore, Missouri law prohibits insurance companies from increasing your premiums for not-at-fault accidents, including hit-and-runs (a “No rate increases” rule). Missouri follows a Pure comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault.
Evidence Gathering
We file Missouri Sunshine Law requests to obtain traffic camera footage and other public records related to your accident, which is crucial in identifying the at-fault driver.
Time Limits For Filing Your Claim
Missouri gives you a five-year filing period from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is longer than most states, but you shouldn’t wait to take action. Evidence disappears, witnesses move away, and memories fade over time.
Your insurance policy likely has much shorter deadlines for reporting a potential UM claim. Some policies require you to notify your insurer promptly after the accident. We make sure all deadlines are met to protect your right to compensation.
If the hit-and-run resulted in a death, the family has a 3-year wrongful death statute of limitations to file a claim.
Common Springfield Hit-And-Run Questions
Can filing a UM claim raise my insurance rates?
No, Missouri law prohibits insurance companies from raising your rates for filing a not-at-fault claim, including hit-and-run accidents where another driver was responsible.
Can I combine UM coverage from multiple vehicles?
Yes, Missouri allows “stacking” of UM policies if you insure multiple vehicles, potentially doubling or tripling your available coverage limits for a single accident.
Does UM coverage apply if no contact was made?
Yes, your UM coverage can apply in “phantom vehicle” cases where another car forces you off the road or causes an accident without making physical contact with your vehicle.
What happens if the driver is found after I settle?
Your insurance company can seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver through a process called subrogation, but this won’t affect the settlement you already received.
How often are hit-and-run drivers caught?
While many hit-and-run drivers go undetected, our aggressive investigation significantly increases the likelihood of identifying the responsible party compared to relying solely on police efforts.
Will my health insurance cover accident-related medical bills?
Your health insurance may cover immediate treatment, but we coordinate all coverage sources to ensure maximum payment and prevent you from owing money out of pocket.
Can I sue if the driver is never found?
You cannot sue an unknown driver, but you can pursue full compensation through your UM coverage and other available insurance benefits without needing to identify the at-fault party.
Contact Our Springfield Hit-And-Run Attorneys
Hit-and-run accidents create unique challenges that require immediate attention. Evidence disappears quickly, and insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to victims. You don’t have to face this difficult situation alone.
Our Springfield office serves accident victims throughout southwest Missouri. We understand the local roads where these accidents commonly occur and work closely with the Springfield police on investigations. Our deep roots in the community help us serve clients more effectively.
We offer free consultations with no obligation. During this meeting, we’ll explain your rights, answer your questions, and outline the steps we’ll take to pursue your compensation. You pay nothing unless we recover money for your case.
