Being involved in a car accident is both traumatic and stressful. You might be facing extensive vehicle damage and personal injuries. Typically, the driver responsible for the accident can be held financially accountable.
However, complications arise if the other driver flees the scene before the police can arrive. In cases of a hit and run, you might wonder about your liability for the damages incurred.
At Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers, our Columbia hit and run accident attorneys assist clients in obtaining the compensation they deserve following such incidents. With 100 years of combined experience and over $100 million collected for our clients, we’re ready to get to work for you, too.
Contact our law offices today at (314) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers in Columbia, Missouri. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win.
How Our Columbia Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help if You Were Injured in a Hit and Run Accident
Personal injury litigation can be intricate, especially when the responsible party is unknown, making it challenging to secure compensation for damages. It’s essential to have knowledgeable legal representation by an experienced Columbia personal injury attorney to protect your interests.
At Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers, we are committed to defending the rights of accident victims. We have established ourselves as staunch advocates for our clients, diligently working to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.
If you choose to work with our Columbia car accident attorneys, here are some of the key steps we will undertake:
- Conducting a comprehensive inquiry into the cause of your accident
- Collecting proof demonstrating the accident was not your fault
- Reviewing the police or accident report
- Submitting an insurance claim and communicating with the insurer
- Documenting your injuries and other damages
- Fighting for the maximum amount of compensation
- Tracking all filing dates so you never miss a deadline
Allow us to take care of the legal details while you focus on your recovery.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys in Columbia, MO.
What Is a Hit and Run Collision?
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that a hit-and-run accident occurs in the United States every minute, on average.
In Missouri, leaving the scene of an accident is considered a criminal offense. Drivers are mandated to stop at the scene of a crash and adhere to regulations concerning reporting the incident and exchanging contact information with all parties involved. This requirement is applicable to collisions that result in personal injuries or property damage.
What Are Common Causes of Hit and Run Accidents in Columbia?
The majority of accidents are caused by human errors such as speeding, distracted driving, and failing to obey traffic laws.
Various reasons may prompt a driver to flee the scene of an accident, including:
- Driving without a license
- Lacking the required auto insurance
- Substance abuse
- Having outstanding warrants
- Being unaware of the accident
Regardless of why a driver flees the scene, a hit-and-run driver can be held responsible for injuries and damages resulting from their actions. Our Columbia hit-and-run accident lawyers are here to assist you.
Common Types of Injuries Caused by Hit and Run Accidents
Injuries commonly sustained in incidents like hit-and-run collisions include:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Organ damage
- Soft tissue damage
- Scarring and deformation
- Broken bones and fractures
- Limb loss
The cost of treating such injuries can be substantial. Due to the accident, the injured person may also suffer a significant loss of income and endure ongoing pain and suffering. These damages may be recoverable through a personal injury claim. A Columbia car accident lawyer can assist you in filing claims and holding the responsible party accountable.
Who Is Liable for a Hit and Run Accident in Missouri?
The hit-and-run driver can be held responsible for your injuries and damages, but they must be located first to be held accountable.
If the driver remains unidentified, you might still be able to receive compensation for your damages by filing an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance company. Most insurance policies treat hit-and-run accidents as incidents caused by uninsured drivers. Filing a claim under your uninsured motorist (UM) policy can also help you obtain reimbursement for property damage.
To secure compensation, you need to prove that the hit-and-run driver was at fault for the accident. A Columbia hit-and-run accident attorney can help you collect the necessary evidence to support your claim of liability.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Columbia Hit and Run Accident Lawyers
Experiencing a car accident is traumatic in any situation, but it’s particularly distressing when a hit-and-run driver leaves you behind. You may feel angry and resentful, compounded by physical and financial hardships.
You don’t have to face this alone. Contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation with our Columbia hit-and-run accident attorneys.
We offer free evaluations of accident claims, and you owe us nothing unless we win.
