After a hit and run, you should contact the police, seek treatment for your injuries, and reach out to an attorney for help building a claim that could bring you full compensation for all of the losses caused by the accident.
A Kansas City hit-and-run accident lawyer can provide you with more specific information about the steps to take after your collision.
A Hit and Run Accident: What to Do Afterwards
You should take several steps after a hit-and-run accident in Missouri. Typically, the professionals recommend that you:
Call the Police
You should report any hit-and-run accident directly to law enforcement. Provide members of the police with any information you have about the vehicle that hit you, including the make, model, and license plate number.
The information you provide could help the police find the hit-and-run driver.
Get Medical Care
Make sure that you get treatment for any injuries caused by your hit-and-run accident. These crashes often leave victims with catastrophic injuries that require:
- Emergency care
- Time in a hospital
- Surgeries and other procedures
- Medications and physical therapy
Getting help immediately can connect your injuries to the accident, making it easier for you to get compensation if the police find the at-fault driver.
Contact an Attorney
You can immediately reach out to a Kansas City car accident lawyer after a hit-and-run collision. Your attorney can take charge of the legal process and explain the other steps you need to take in greater detail.
Having an attorney on your side after a crash can greatly improve your chances of securing compensation for your losses. Find out more about what to do after a hit-and-run accident by hiring a Kansas City personal injury lawyer.
What Does a Lawyer Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash?
An attorney can take charge of all legal matters after a hit-and-run crash and build a claim to bring you maximum compensation for your losses. An attorney may need to:
Collect Evidence
Lawyers need to gather all available evidence after a hit-and-run collision. An attorney may need to speak to eyewitnesses, get a copy of the accident report, and visit local businesses to collect surveillance footage of the crash.
You can help with evidence collection after a hit-and-run by writing down everything you remember about the incident and taking pictures of your injuries and any damage to your vehicle. You can also get contact information from witnesses at the scene of the crash.
Track Your Losses
Attorneys can track the economic and non-economic losses you face because of a hit-and-run. In many cases, lawyers can bring clients money to pay for their:
- Medical bills
- Lost pay and reduced earning potential
- Property repairs
- Pain and emotional distress
A lawyer can provide you with more detailed information about the money available after a crash. In some cases, you may receive additional funds through punitive damages, which punish the party responsible for your crash.
However, these funds are only available in rare cases and require the police to find the driver responsible for your crash.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
How Do You Resolve a Hit-and-Run Accident Claim?
Attorneys may pursue several strategies to resolve hit-and-run claims in Missouri. Depending on your situation, you may receive compensation through:
An Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claim
Missouri requires all drivers to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This insurance coverage can kick in if you sustain losses in a hit-and-run accident.
A lawyer can provide information about how to file an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim with your insurance company and represent you during this process. In some cases, these claims can cover all the losses you sustain.
Negotiations with Other Insurance Companies
Sometimes, the police can find drivers responsible for hit-and-run crashes. In this situation, your attorney may file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, potentially resulting in a settlement that addresses all of your losses.
A Personal Injury Lawsuit
Finally, in cases where the police can find the liable driver, you may have a chance to file a lawsuit through the civil court system. An attorney can explain the steps you need to take when suing a driver for a hit-and-run and fully support you throughout the legal process.
Talk to Us After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Missouri
Are you wondering what to do after a hit-and-run accident? You can get personalized advice and guidance from our experienced legal team at Foster Wallace. We can explain all of your legal options and provide step-by-step instructions on how to proceed after this type of motor vehicle accident.
Our law firm has over four decades of combined experience that we utilize when handling complex personal injury claims. We’ve brought our clients over $1 billion in compensation, demonstrating our commitment to successfully resolving cases.
Additionally, we stay available 24/7, so you can reach out to us for immediate assistance after a hit-and-run. We’ll answer your questions, take charge of your legal needs, and stand by you until the resolution of your claim.
