A hit and run can be infuriating. If you’ve been the victim of one, a Liberty car accident lawyer can help you seek justice.
Hit and run accident cases are far more complicated than other car accident claims. Without someone to hold accountable, the insurance company may try to minimize or deny your claim. And if the other driver isn’t found, you won’t be able to recover compensation from them either.
The attorneys at Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers have over 45 years of combined legal experience. If you’ve been on the wrong end of a wreck, a hit and run accident lawyer in Liberty can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Can You Sue Someone for a Hit and Run?
Yes, you can sue someone for a hit and run, but only if they are identified. Missouri law allows victims to pursue personal injury claims against negligent drivers who cause accidents and flee.
How Can a Liberty Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Help?
Hit and run accident cases are too complex to handle by yourself. A lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident: Your attorney can work with law enforcement, review surveillance footage, and gather witness statements to help identify the driver.
- Handle insurance claims: Insurance companies may try to minimize your payout, but a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and fight for a fair settlement.
- File a lawsuit: If the driver is identified, your attorney can file a lawsuit, so you can recover damages.
A Liberty personal injury lawyer can make the difference between finding the other driver and walking away empty-handed.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Hit and Run Accident?
Settlements for car accidents can range from thousands to millions of dollars. Some of the factors that will determine your settlement’s value include:
- Injury severity
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
A Liberty hit and run accident lawyer can make sure you receive a fair settlement.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover
If you’ve been the victim of a hit and run accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, such as:
- Medical expenses: You can recover the costs of hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatment related to the accident.
- Lost wages: You can be reimbursed for the income you would’ve earned while you were recovering from your injuries.
- Loss of earning capacity: You may recover damages if your injuries compromise your ability to work long-term.
- Property damage: You can be reimbursed for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other damaged property.
- Pain and suffering: You can be compensated for the physical pain and emotional trauma you’ve endured.
- Punitive damages: You may be awarded punitive damages if the driver is found and their conduct is deemed reckless or malicious.
A Liberty hit and run accident attorney can identify the damages for which you’re eligible and make sure your settlement covers them.
How Long Do I Have to File a Hit and Run Accident Lawsuit in Missouri?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is five years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file within this period, you may lose your right to recover damages. For this reason, it’s crucial to consult a lawyer immediately after a hit and run.
How Long Does It Take for the Police to Find a Hit and Run Driver?
There’s no one answer as to how long it takes police to find a hit and run driver. In cases where police have access to witnesses or surveillance footage, the driver may be identified within days. In other cases, the search can take weeks or months, if the driver is found at all.
Working with an attorney can increase your chances of success because they can conduct their own investigation alongside law enforcement.
What Happens if the Other Driver Isn’t Found?
If the hit and run driver cannot be identified, you may still recover compensation through your own insurance. Missouri requires uninsured motorist coverage, which often applies in hit and run cases. Your lawyer can file a claim under this coverage to help you recover damages.
How Hard Is It to Prove a Hit and Run?
Proving a hit and run can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. You’ll need evidence such as:
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Surveillance footage
- Photos of the scene and your vehicle
A lawyer can help collect and present this evidence.
How Is a Hit and Run Defined in Missouri?
According to Missouri Revised Statute § 577.060, a hit and run occurs when a driver leaves the scene of an accident without providing their information or helping injured parties. Drivers are legally required to stop, provide identification, and render aid if someone is hurt. Failing to do so can result in criminal charges, fines, license suspension, and civil liability.
What to Do After a Hit and Run
If you’re involved in a hit and run accident in Liberty, here’s what you should do:
- Call 911: Report the accident immediately and request medical assistance if needed.
- Stay at the scene: Do not try to chase the fleeing driver.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of your vehicle, injuries, and the scene. Also, write down any details you remember about the other car.
- Talk to witnesses: Obtain names and contact information from anyone who saw the accident.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to document your condition.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident promptly, but stick to the facts and avoid speculation.
- Contact a lawyer: Get in touch with a hit and run accident attorney to discuss next steps.
Contact a Hit and Run Accident Attorney in Liberty
A hit and run accident can leave you with steep medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about your future, but you don’t have to go through this difficult time alone. A Liberty hit and run accident attorney from Foster Wallace can help you track down the driver who hit you and recover fair compensation.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case today.
