If you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit-and-run, you may feel helpless, even hopeless, wondering whether the driver will be brought to justice. According to an insurance survey, hit-and-run accidents are becoming more common, as are the number of fatalities arising from these hit-and-run accidents. The state of Illinois ranks fifth in total number of fatal car crashes and fifth for the percentage of fatal hit-and-run crashes, which roughly translates to 26 deaths from hit-and-runs per year. As these statistics pertain to Missouri, the “Show-Me” State comes in much lower, ranking 17th for total number of fatal car crashes, and 17th for their percentage of fatal hit-and-run crashes, which equates to 6 hit-and-run deaths per year. Generally, across the United States, between 2010 and 2019, fatal hit-and-run accidents increased by 44 percent. Experiencing a hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling helpless and alone, but at Finney Injury Law, we want our clients to know that they are never alone. An experienced St. Louis hit-and-run accident lawyer from Finney Injury Law is dedicated to offering compassionate and personalized advocacy for everyone seeking our help. We understand the emotional and physical toll that a hit-and-run accident can have on a person’s life, and we are committed to fighting for the justice that you deserve. You do have options after a hit-and-run accident. Let us help you seek the compensation that you are entitled to.
What Constitutes a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident occurs when someone hits a person, animal, vehicle, or personal property and then flees the scene without contacting authorities or taking responsibility for the damage caused. In some cases, these accidents can lead to injuries or even death. It is important to remember that leaving the scene of an accident is a crime and can have severe legal repercussions. If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is crucial to contact the authorities immediately.
Getting involved in a hit-and-run accident can be a traumatic and frustrating experience, especially if you cannot locate the driver who hit you. While filing a claim with the police and providing a thorough description of the vehicle and person can increase the chances of finding the culprit, it may not always be enough. That’s where the St. Louis hit-and-run accident lawyers at Finney Injury Law come in. With more than 100 positive reviews and an award-winning trial lawyer, our legal team will fight for compensation on your behalf. We pride ourselves on our involvement in the community and our ability to assist both English and Spanish-speaking clients.
If you are too injured to travel, we offer a virtual visit and work on a contingency basis that ends any worry you might have about cost. We are available 24/7, and once you have spoken to a St. Louis hit-and-Run Accident lawyer from Finney Injury Law, your choice will be clear.
What Evidence Can Be Gathered to Identify the Driver in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience, especially when the at-fault driver flees from the scene, leaving you to carry the burden of recovering damages. However, there are steps you can take to assist the police in identifying the hit-and-run driver. It’s important to note that leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense carrying hefty legal consequences. Due to this, it’s unlikely that the responsible driver will turn themselves in. To increase the chances of a successful investigation, it’s important to act quickly and provide the authorities with as much information as possible, such as eyewitness accounts, license plate numbers, and any other details that could identify the driver. Remember, every bit of information helps and can lead to a successful outcome in your case. You can significantly increase the likelihood of the police finding the hit-and-run driver by doing the following:
- Contact the police immediately to file a police report about the hit-and-run accident.
- If there are any witnesses, speak to them at the scene if you are medically able, obtaining their contact information for your attorney. These witnesses may be able to give the police a good description of the vehicle and/or driver.
- If you saw the license plate, give the police the number on the plate, even if it is only a partial. Provide the best description you can of the vehicle and the driver.
- Social media can be a real help in situations like this. Post a request on a local neighborhood social media page and ask that anyone with information contact the police.
- Take photos and video of the accident scene.
In cases where a driver responsible for an accident flees the scene, it is often due to various factors ranging from lack of a driver’s license or insurance on their vehicle to driving under the influence or even having a warrant out for their arrest. While it is possible to file a claim with your own insurance company in such cases, compensation may be limited, making it essential to help the police locate the at-fault driver. Playing an active role in assisting the authorities in identifying the fleeing driver will go a long way in ensuring that you receive full compensation for the damage incurred during the car crash. As such, it is critical to report any information you may have that can help locate the responsible party, even if it seems insignificant. After all, every little bit of information helps.
Can You Sue for a Hit-and-Run Accident?
If someone has hit you and then left the scene of the accident—and the police cannot locate that driver, you need to check your insurance policy to determine whether you have Uninsured/Underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage. If you do, this coverage can help pay for your injuries and the damage to your vehicle. If you have purchased personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, also known as no-fault insurance, then that coverage will pay for your medical expenses—up to a specific amount. You can only sue if the person who hit you is located. Unfortunately, if the person left the scene because they had no license and/or no insurance, it is unlikely your lawsuit would result in having your expenses covered.
How Can a St. Louis Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Help You Whether You Find the Driver or Not?
If the driver of the hit-and-run accident is located, an experienced Finney Injury Law personal injury attorney can help prove liability, even if the person also faces criminal charges. Your attorney will establish all the legal requirements that show the driver was responsible for the hit-and-run accident, which is important since both courts and insurance companies need to see liability clearly. Your personal injury attorney will assemble supporting evidence to prove your injuries in the hit-and-run accident, detailing how severe your injuries are and how they affect your life and your future.
Your St. Louis hit-and-run accident lawyer will ensure that all deadlines are properly met and that all communications are responded to in a timely manner. If the insurance company is engaging in unfair tactics and refusing to pay a fair settlement, your attorney will not hesitate to fight back aggressively on your behalf. Your attorney will comprehensively calculate your damages associated with the hit-and-run accident, then attempt to negotiate a fair settlement with your insurance company. If the insurance company refuses to pay you a fair settlement, your attorney will argue the case at trial.
At Finney Injury Law, we understand the importance of being prepared for every possible outcome for our clients. That’s why we prepare every single case as if it were going to trial, so we can anticipate any obstacles that may arise along the way. In the unfortunate event that the hit-and-run driver is not found, we won’t leave you in the dark. Our attorneys will negotiate with your own insurance company to ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, we will work tirelessly to seek the maximum settlement available. Our commitment to thorough preparation and expert negotiation skills means that you can trust us to handle your case with the utmost care and attention to detail.
What Damages Could You Sue for Following a St. Louis Hit-and-Run Accident?
When it comes to pursuing a settlement for your injuries and damages, it’s important to understand that your attorney will carefully evaluate all aspects of your case, including your medical expenses – both present and future – as well as any pain and suffering you, may have experienced. Additionally, you may be entitled to compensation for damages to your vehicle or other property. Your attorney’s ultimate goal is to ensure that you receive a settlement that fully covers all of your losses, from economic damages to non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. With their expert guidance, you can navigate the complexities of a personal injury claim with confidence and peace of mind.
How Can Finney Injury Law Help You Following a Hit-and-Run-Accident?
At Finney Injury Law, we understand that being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be an overwhelming and unsettling experience. That’s why we’re here to help. Our team of highly experienced and skilled St. Louis hit-and-run accident lawyers are trial lawyers who leave no stone unturned. We meticulously investigate and prepare your case to ensure that we’re always one step ahead. We have the necessary resources and experience to handle your case with care and attention to detail. Take comfort in knowing that you’re in good hands with Finney Injury Law. Contact us today to begin the process of getting the compensation you deserve.