Car accidents are devastating, especially when the at-fault driver flees the scene. If you have been involved in a hit-and-run crash, reach out to an experienced car accident attorney. Our attorneys can help you hold the negligent party responsible for their negligence. Call today and set up a consultation with a seasoned St. Louis hit-and-run accident lawyer.
Common Fact Patterns Surrounding Hit-and-Run Accidents in St. Louis
The most common instances involving hit-and-run accidents in St. Louis tend to include one of five things:
- The driver was impaired and either fled the scene to avoid repercussions or did not realize they hit someone
- The driver was running from the police during the time of the accident
- The at-fault individual did not have a driver’s license
- The negligent party had a suspended license
- The driver simply fled the scene due to fear of facing the consequences for causing a wreck
It is important to note that individuals who flee the scene of a wreck rarely get away with it and usually end up facing more severe charges.
How Are Hit-and-Run Collisions Different from Other Types of Car Accidents?
Hit-and-run accidents differ from most other types of car accidents because they typically involve a criminal offense. It is illegal for a driver to hit collide with another and then immediately leave the scene of the crash. Because of this, there are legal issues added to what would have been a ordinarily straightforward case. For the injured party bringing a lawsuit, evidence that the defendant fled the scene of the accident and was charged with a crime in doing so could help the claimant’s case. For help with proving a claim, reach out to a skilled hit-and-run accident lawyer in St. Louis. An accomplished attorney can help by utilizing their resources to help find the at-fault driver.
Recoverable Damages in a Hit-and-Run Case
Damages in hit-and-run cases may include both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are straightforward and encompass easily quantifiable items like missed work, property loss, medical bills, and other tangibles. A claimant may also try to recover non-economic damages, though these are typically harder to quantify and demonstrate to the jury. Non-economic damages usually include intangibles like pain and suffering, grief, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In a case where the hit-and-run driver is never found, a legal claim becomes much more difficult to substantiate. Because there is no opposing insurance to work with, injured plaintiffs often have a difficult time recovering compensation. However, in certain circumstances, a victim may collect damages from their own insurance company. If victims have purchased uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, they might be able to make a claim to their own insurance company and then recover damages.
What to do After a Hit-and-Run
The first and most crucial step a person should take after being injured in a hit-and-run accident is ensuring that everyone who needs medical attention gets medical care. Secondly, pictures should be taken of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and the injured party’s injuries. The photographs should be taken as soon as possible to preserve the accuracy of evidence. Then the victim may want to locate witnesses to possibly collect statements.
Contact a St. Louis Hit-and-Run Attorney Today
Unfortunately, car wrecks are part of the dangers of the road. Accidents can be even more troublesome when the at-fault driver left the scene of the crash. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a hit-and-run collision, reach out to our attorneys today. A St. Louis hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you locate and hold the negligent party accountable for their actions.