At The Gogel Law Firm, our St. Louis car accident attorneys know that Missouri drivers are no strangers to vehicle collisions. Whether they happen at a stop sign in the city or while traveling on the highway, crashes can change more than just your day. They can change your life.
Unfortunately, not everyone accepts responsibility for causing a crash. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates a hit-and-run accident occurs every 43 seconds in the U.S.
When they happen in Missouri, motorists may be unsure who is going to pay for the damages. We have answers.
Who is Going to Pay for My Accident if the Other Driver Leaves the Crash Scene?
In Missouri, the driver responsible for a hit-and-run is liable for the other driver’s damages, including their medical expenses and lost wages. The question is, if the driver who fled the scene is never found, how can they pay for the injured party’s expenses?
All Missouri drivers are required to carry uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage applies to hit-and-run accident scenarios, too. This means your insurance coverage may cover your injuries up to your policy limit.
According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, the minimum uninsured motorist insurance coverage required for all Missouri drivers is $25,000 for bodily injury per person, and $50,000 for bodily injury per accident. If your insurance policy has a higher limit than the minimum, you may pursue the maximum amount to cover your complete damages.
Do I Need a Missouri Car Accident Attorney to Pursue My Insurance Coverage?
The hard truth about pursuing an insurance company for damages from an accident — whether it is your personal coverage or an at-fault party’s policy — is that the representative is not simply going to write a blank check for your losses.
The insurance company is going to insist you prove your losses were caused by a hit-and-run driver, and that you suffered actual injuries that must be supported with medical documentation. Partnering with an experienced personal injury attorney in St. Louis can remove you from the process, so you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery, while your lawyer uses their negotiating skills to pursue the best outcome.
If you have been injured in a collision with a hit-and-run driver in Missouri, you do not have to pursue your personal insurance coverage on your own. We can help. Contact our St. Louis medical malpractice lawyer today to review your case by calling (314) 370-8173 or online to schedule a free consultation.
