Hit-and-run accidents in St Louis are both illegal and a devastating reality that leaves victims struggling to recover physically, emotionally and financially. Getting into a car accident is already difficult, but when the at-fault driver takes off, it simply adds extra stress and uncertainty. In St. Louis, hit-and-run accidents have become an increasing concern, leaving injured parties without answers or compensation.
At Burger Law, we understand the magnitude of these collisions. With over 10 decades of combined experience handling complex personal injury cases, our attorneys know how to offer personalized support and professional guidance to hit-and-run accident victims. If you or a loved one were injured in a hit-and-run accident, let us help you pursue justice and compensation that can help you reclaim your life.
The settlement figures in hit-and-run claims are unique to each individual case. However, the extent of the injuries, the amount of available insurance coverage and whether the at-fault driver is identified are key factors that help influence the final payout. On average, hit-and-run settlements in St. Louis range from $10,000 to several hundred thousand dollars.
Here are some highlights regarding the settlement amounts in hit-and-run cases:
Call a hit-and-run lawyer in St Louis who can help maximize your potential recovery by assessing the full impact of the accident on your life currently and in the future
Burger Law is a St Louis personal injury law firm that specializes in a full range of car accidents, including hit-and-runs. Being involved in a hit-and-run accident is not only incredibly scary but may also lead to severe injuries.
A St. Louis hit and run accident attorney at Burger Law will be dedicated to assisting injury victims in St Louis and the surrounding areas get equitable compensation for the damages that were caused by the unsafe acts of another person.
Burger Law has represented many people who have fallen victim to hit-and-run accidents, and we have been able to provide financial recovery while protecting the future of our clients. Call us today at [dynamic-phone-number] or contact us online for a free consultation.
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident in St. Louis, or anywhere in Missouri, see how much your claim may be worth by using our free personal injury calculator.
In Missouri, a hit-and-run means taking off from an accident scene without giving necessary details or help. The RSMo Section 577.060 requires that when a driver is involved in a crash that results in injury, death, or property damage, they must stop and remain at the scene until they provide the necessary details:
Failing to do so can be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the magnitude of the crash.
The differences between these types of hit-and-run cases:
If you’re seeking compensation for a hit-and-run incident, understanding Missouri’s hit-and-run laws with the right legal assistance is critical. A St. Louis hit-and-run attorney can identify and explain your rights under Missouri law in this stressful time.
Hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately common in St. Louis and across Missouri. In fact, approximately 18% of vehicle crashes in Missouri are hit-and-run incidents, as per the Missouri Traffic Crashes 2021 report. This shows the chances of being involved in such crashes are fairly high.
The same report indicates that 1,016 traffic fatalities were reported in the state, with a high percentage of cases in the St. Louis area. This marked an increase of nearly 29% from the previous year, implying the risks drivers face across the state.
Additionally, hit-and-run crashes in St. Louis aren’t limited to collisions between vehicles. Fatal hit-and-run accidents have especially affected pedestrians and cyclists, who often bear the brunt of these collisions.
Also, St. Louis, as an urban hub, has a higher rate of hit-and-run accidents compared to rural areas. Traffic congestion, complex road systems and increased pedestrian activity contribute to the spike in hit-and-run cases in the city.
Several factors are responsible for frequent hit-and-run accidents in St. Louis. Grasping these reasons can shed light on the underlying issues driving this potentially life-threatening behavior. Some common reasons include:
Whatever the reasons behind hit-and-run accidents, the implication is the fleeing drivers simply choose to disregard the law and the well-being of others. Luckily, you can recover financially after a crash, and meeting with our car accident lawyers for a free consultation can help you understand your options.
Experiencing a hit-and-run accident is distressing and disorienting. However, your immediate actions can play a key role in securing the compensation. Here’s what you should do if you’re injured in a hit-and-run accident:
Seeking financial recovery after a hit-and-run accident may not be easy, especially when you have to fight back denials. But Missouri law gives victims of hit-and-run accidents grounds to pursue justice through different avenues, depending on the circumstances surrounding the crash.
For example, if you were able to locate the fleeing driver, you may revert to their insurance company to file a claim or file a personal injury lawsuit. Your lawyer will help you build a case, gather evidence and negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
However, if the driver cannot be found, you can file a claim under your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. According to Missouri law, it is mandatory for drivers to possess uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage comes in handy in situations where the responsible driver is either unavailable or lacks insurance. Your legal counsel will assist you with both options, ensuring you pursue the most effective course to recover damages.
When the hit-and-run driver cannot be located, filing an uninsured motorist (UM) claim with your own insurance is often the best option for securing compensation. UM coverage typically includes:
Filing an Uninsured motorist claim involves several steps, namely:
Having a lawyer on your side can greatly boost your chances of getting the most from your UM claim. They’ll support you in ensuring you get a fair deal from the insurers.
After a hit-and-run wreck, hiring a personal injury lawyer is one of the most critical decisions to make. This is because coping with injuries resulting from a crash caused by the fleeing driver can be extremely overwhelming for both the victims and their loved ones.
A lawyer will work to make sure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. They will carefully look at all your injuries and the treatment you need to figure out how much financial settlement you should get. Without a lawyer, you might end up securing less money than you should.
Secondly, Missouri’s hit-and-run laws and insurance regulations can be challenging to understand. A car accident lawyer has the know-how to help you understand your rights, steer you through legal issues and ensure you hit all the important deadlines. For instance, your legal advocate ensures you meet deadlines and manage the process correctly, as failing to do so could seriously impact your claim.
Finally, dealing with insurance companies is often frustrating, especially when they try to minimize payouts. A lawyer will champion your claim and negotiate to challenge undervalued offers to secure a fair settlement. Best, your lawyer safeguards your interests while alleviating much of the legal burden.
Hit-and-run accidents may result in minor injuries that heal shortly after or serious injuries that may never heal at all. It’s important to take into account all injuries sustained in the accident when determining the damages to pursue from the responsible party and their insurance company. Common injuries often linked to hit-and-run collisions comprise:
The distress coming with these injuries is the reason victims of hit-and-run collisions seek restitution. Luckily, they should not have to bear these burdens alone, and hiring an attorney on time can make a huge difference in the outcome.
Even in cases where the hit-and-run driver is not traceable, other parties may still bear some liability. For instance, when a fleeing driver was engaged in formal employment duties at the time of the crash, you may seek restitution from their employer under the “vicarious liability” doctrine. This principle makes employers accountable for their employees’ actions while on the job.
A hit-and-run attorney from Burger Law can determine all potential sources of justice. This includes investigating whether a third party’s negligence contributed to the accident. Seeking recovery from other responsible parties or their insurers may offer more ways to cover your losses.
At Burger Law, we try to understand the unique challenges every accident victim faces to craft a personalized legal strategy. Our St. Louis hit-and-run attorneys will handle the legal process, gather crucial evidence, and negotiate aggressively with the defendants to secure a fair financial recovery for you.
If you or a family member has had their life impacted by a hit-and-run accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We will support you through the process to ensure you have the resources to move forward with your life.
Our St. Louis hit-and-run accident lawyers are dedicated to providing the victims of hit-and-run crashes with expert legal advice and counseling. If you’ve been in a hit-and-run accident and believe that your accident may fall under another category, call Burger Law now at [dynamic-phone-number] or fill out our online form.
