Were you hurt after another driver crashed into you and then fled the scene? When a driver leaves the location of a collision, their decision adds a layer of injustice to an already painful situation.
Victims are often left with unanswered questions and limited information about who was responsible for the crash that left them injured. As a result, a hit and run collision can cause physical, emotional, and financial distress, but a car accident lawyer in Gladstone can help.
At Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers, we know it’s Your Injury, but it’s Our Fight. Our attorneys have 45 years of combined experience recovering more than $1 billion in compensation. You can count on us as your hit and run accident lawyer in Gladstone.
Missouri’s Legal Definition of a Hit and Run
A Gladstone personal injury lawyer can explain the legal process and help you understand what to expect as you move forward in the pursuit of compensation. Under Missouri state laws, drivers involved in an accident are required to stop at the scene and remain there until certain responsibilities are fulfilled. This includes two expectations in particular:
- Providing identifying information to other parties involved
- Rendering reasonable assistance if there are injuries
Failing to do so is considered “leaving the scene of an accident” under Missouri Revised Statutes § 577.060. Missouri classifies leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident as a Class A misdemeanor in cases involving property damage only. However, there are exceptions:
- If the crash results in physical injury or death: The offense escalates to a Class E felony.
- If the damage exceeds $1,000 and the driver has prior offenses: It may also rise to a felony.
This legal framework applies throughout the state, including in cities such as Gladstone, which falls under the jurisdiction of Clay County. Law enforcement agencies in the area, including the Gladstone Police Department and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, routinely investigate hit and run cases.
Common Causes of Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and run accidents often stem from panic or fear. In many cases, the fleeing driver may have believed they needed to run because they had a reason to avoid law enforcement, such as:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving without a valid license or registration
- Having outstanding warrants
- Experiencing the fear of financial or legal consequences
- Operating a stolen vehicle
Other times, the hit and run driver may not even realize they struck a person or object in the first place, especially in cases involving pedestrians or cyclists in the dark of night. Regardless of the reason, fleeing the scene is a crime, and this decision has major legal ramifications.
The hit and run accident attorneys at Foster Wallace will investigate your crash, determine what caused it, and identify who is responsible for paying your compensation.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Types of Hit and Run Accidents in Gladstone
Hit and run accidents in Gladstone occur in various scenarios, each with its own set of complications. These are examples of common types of hit and run collisions:
- Pedestrian hit and runs: When a driver hits someone on foot and flees, the injuries are often severe due to the pedestrian’s vulnerability.
- Bicycle collisions: Cyclists are also at high risk of serious harm when struck by a vehicle, especially if the driver does not stop to render aid.
- Parking lot incidents: These involve a driver damaging a parked car and leaving without leaving a note or contacting the vehicle’s owner.
- Highway or intersection crashes: These may involve speeding or reckless drivers who flee to avoid arrest or insurance claims.
In many of these cases, the victims may not have a clear description of the vehicle or driver, which can make identification difficult.
What Happens When the Driver Is Caught
When the hit and run driver is identified, they often face both criminal charges and potential civil liability. The criminal side is handled by the prosecutor’s office in Clay County or the Missouri State Attorney General’s Office in more serious cases.
Charges can result in fines, jail time, loss of license, and a criminal record. From a civil standpoint, the victim may pursue compensation from the driver for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
When the Driver Is Never Found
Unfortunately, not all hit and run drivers are identified. In some cases, victims are left with little to no information about the fleeing vehicle or the driver who was operating it. But that does not necessarily mean they are without options for financial recovery.
Missouri requires all auto insurance policies to include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage is specifically designed to compensate victims when the at-fault driver is either uninsured or cannot be identified, such as in a hit and run. UM coverage can help cover expenses associated with the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral expenses, if necessary
The minimum required UM limits in Missouri are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, although policyholders can purchase higher limits. UM claims still involve an investigation. The insurance company may contest the amount of damages or whether the accident qualifies under the terms of the policy.
Contact Our Hit and Run Accident Lawyers in Gladstone Today for More Information About What We Can Do for You
Being hit by another vehicle only to be left behind by a driver who decided to flee is a very frustrating and traumatic experience. It’s natural to feel angry, distressed, and confused, especially when you’re not sure where to turn or what to do next.
However, just because the other driver ran away from the scene of the crash does not mean that you’re all out of luck. Instead, let Gladstone hit and run accident attorneys help you figure out how to proceed with your situation.
At the law firm of Foster Wallace, you don’t have to wait any longer to figure out your rights and understand your options moving forward. For more information about what we can do for you, reach out to our Gladstone hit and run accident law firm as soon as possible to schedule your free consultation. We’re here for you.
