Suffering injuries in a hit and run accident can be one of the most traumatic experiences a person can face. Beyond the physical pain and damage to your vehicle, you may be left dealing with emotional distress, rising medical expenses, and a lot of uncertainty.
If you were injured, a Raytown hit and run accident lawyer can help you understand your rights. At Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers, our experienced team is here to help you during this challenging time.
With more than 45 years of combined experience representing injury victims throughout Missouri and Kansas, our Raytown car accident lawyers are committed to helping clients recover the compensation they deserve. Schedule your free consultation today.
Why You Need a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Raytown
Hit and run crashes are unique in the world of personal injury law because the at-fault driver often flees the scene, making the process of recovering damages more complicated. Without an identifiable party to hold accountable, insurance companies may try to avoid paying out the full compensation you are owed, or any at all. That’s where we can help.
Our Raytown personal injury lawyers at Foster Wallace offer comprehensive legal support designed specifically for victims of hit and run incidents. We begin by conducting a thorough investigation into the crash, which often includes:
- Analyzing police reports and witness statements
- Reviewing traffic camera or surveillance footage
- Coordinating with law enforcement to identify potential suspects
- Examining damage to your vehicle and injuries to reconstruct the accident
- Working with accident reconstruction experts when needed
Our goal is to uncover every possible lead to help identify the driver. If the responsible party is found, we will take immediate legal action against them. If not, we will pursue all available compensation avenues, including filing a claim through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, to help ensure you’re not left carrying the financial burden on your own.
Understanding Missouri’s Hit and Run Laws and Deadlines
Under Missouri law, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage is a criminal offense. However, just because it’s a crime doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be compensated if the perpetrator is caught and convicted. That’s why it’s critical to pursue a civil claim for damages separately from any criminal investigation.
In most personal injury cases in Missouri, including hit and run accidents, the statute of limitations is five years from the date of the incident, according to RSMo § 516.120. However, certain factors, such as delays in identifying the driver, can complicate this timeline. That’s why contacting a Raytown hit and run accident lawyer as soon as possible is crucial.
The sooner you act, the more effectively your legal team can preserve evidence, interview witnesses while memories are still fresh, and file all necessary documentation accurately and on time.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Why You Should Avoid Dealing With Insurance Adjusters Alone
After your accident, you may be contacted by your insurance company or even the insurance carrier of the other party if they are eventually identified. While they may be friendly and make it seem like a good idea to cooperate so you can recover compensation quickly, doing so without legal representation can seriously jeopardize your case.
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may ask misleading questions, take statements out of context, or pressure you into accepting a settlement that doesn’t reflect the true cost of your injuries and losses. This is especially common in hit and run cases where liability may be disputed or coverage options are unclear.
Once you hire Foster Wallace, we’ll handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf. We know the tactics they use, and we won’t let them take advantage of you. Our firm is dedicated to protecting your rights and making sure you receive full and fair compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Any other related losses
Should You Settle or Go to Court?
One of the biggest decisions in any personal injury case is whether to settle or proceed to trial. While there won’t be much of a choice to make if the liable party can not be identified, this decision is critical if the hit and run driver is found.
The truth is, most personal injury claims are resolved through settlement negotiations. A fair settlement can provide the financial support you need quickly and without the added stress of a trial. However, not every offer is worth accepting, especially if it doesn’t fully address the extent of your injuries or future expenses.
At Foster Wallace, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach ensures that we are always in the strongest possible position, whether we’re negotiating with an insurance company or presenting evidence in court. If the responsible party is located and refuses to settle fairly, we won’t hesitate to pursue litigation to protect your interests.
Get Legal Help From a Raytown Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Today
Being involved in a hit and run can leave you feeling helpless, angry, and overwhelmed. However, you don’t have to face the challenges ahead alone. At Foster Wallace, we’ve recovered over $1 billion in compensation for our clients, and we’re ready to put our experience to work for you.
We offer free, no–obligation case reviews so that you can speak with an attorney about your case and get clear, honest advice about your legal options. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to get started. A member of our legal team will respond promptly and guide you through the next steps.
