Hit and Run Accidents in Kansas City

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Hit and run crashes in Kansas City result in significant property damage, severe injuries, and substantial monetary losses. When a driver leaves the scene of a car accident, the accident victim is left to deal with the consequences of the crash.

The Kansas City hit and run accident lawyers of Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers work with you to get you the money you deserve. There may be one or more sources of compensation for a hit-and-run accident. Just because the other driver left the scene, you should not give up hope that you will be reimbursed for your losses and damages.

Contact our law office to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Kansas City, MO car accident attorney. We will help you pursue claims to recover compensation or a hit-and-run accident. Call (816) 408-3448 today to schedule a free consultation.

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Understanding Hit and Run Accidents

In Kansas City, hit-and-run accidents present unique challenges to the safety and trust of the community.

To address this, local authorities and community leaders work tirelessly to create safer environments. They employ advanced technologies and strategies aimed at improving road safety and encouraging responsible driving.

The terms “hit-and-run” and “run-and-hit” describe the reckless actions of drivers who leave accident scenes.

What is a Hit and Run?

A hit-and-run happens when a driver involved in an accident leaves without giving contact or insurance information. This action is both irresponsible and illegal, carrying serious legal consequences.

Leaving the scene, often called “fleeing,” violates legal obligations and adds stress to an already difficult situation. In Missouri, leaving a hit-and-run scene can result in fines and even jail time.

Kansas City is working to reduce hit-and-runs by promoting community accountability and enforcing strict traffic laws to keep everyone safe.

Is it Illegal to Hit Someone and Run in Missouri?

Yes, in Missouri, it’s illegal to hit someone with a vehicle and then leave without fulfilling your legal obligations.

Legal Obligation: Drivers must stop, share contact and insurance information, and assist anyone who’s injured.
Criminal Charges: Fleeing can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on how serious the accident is. Also, the state can suspend the license of the offender for not having insurance.
Penalties: Convicted offenders could face hefty fines, lose their licenses, or even be jailed.
Civil Liability: Offenders can be sued for damages by the victims.

These laws show Missouri’s commitment to justice, ensuring offenders are held accountable and the community is kept safe.

Legal Consequences of Hit and Run in Kansas City

In Kansas City, the consequences for hit-and-runs are severe. A driver found guilty could face criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the damage or injuries caused. Financial consequences can be just as severe, with fines and potential civil lawsuits from victims seeking compensation.

Kansas City enforces these laws to protect its residents, deter offenders, and promote a responsible community mindset.

Why Do Drivers Leave the Scene of an Accident?

A driver may leave the scene of an accident for several reasons.

Common reasons for hit and run accidents include:

The driver does not have a valid driver’s license
There is an outstanding criminal warrant for the driver
The driver does not have the required automobile insurance
The driver was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs when the accident occurred
The person panicked and left the scene
The driver is underage and should not be driving a vehicle

State law requires that drivers remain at the scene of a car accident until they exchange information. If there are injuries or severe property damage, they should remain at the scene until law enforcement officers arrive.

Impact on Victims and Families

Hit-and-run accidents leave victims and their families facing physical injuries, emotional trauma, and unanswered questions. Not knowing the other driver’s identity can make it harder to move on, but many families find strength through legal action and community support.

Reporting a Hit and Run Accident

After a hit-and-run, report the incident to the police immediately. Clear details about the accident and any descriptions of the other car can help the investigation. The sooner your report the crash the better. Kansas City has license plate readers throughout the city that can identify fleeing vehicles. This technology lead to the arrest and prosecution of numerous hit-and-run offenders.

Information to Gather

If you’re involved in a hit-and-run, gather as much information as possible. This includes:

Details about the accident location, time, and any nearby landmarks
Witness information
Descriptions of the other vehicle, like color, make, model, and license plate if visible

This information is essential to building a strong case.

Contacting Authorities

Timely reporting is critical after a hit-and-run. If you can’t call the police yourself, ask someone nearby to call 911. Police will record the details and guide you through the next steps. Notify the local law enforcement immediately. Their prompt involvement can significantly increase the chances of apprehending the perpetrator.

If you are unable to contact the police on your own, ask someone to do it for you. They can utilize their cellular devices to call 911 and relay crucial information.

Law enforcement officers will guide you through the process of officially documenting the incident. Their expertise ensures all relevant details are captured accurately and comprehensively.

Remember to calmly provide all pre-gathered information, emphasizing any descriptions of the vehicle or suspect involved. This precision greatly aids law enforcement in piecing together the crime.

How to Protect Yourself

Even drivers who exercise the best defensive driving skills can be injured by an uninsured motorist. For this reason, invest in a car dash camera that record while your drive. Having an actual video of the hit-and-run accident can make a huge difference in both the criminal investigation and your civil insurance claim. If the person is not apprehended or does not have liability insurance, you will need to make an uninsured motorist claim on your own policy.

Missouri Requires Uninsured Motorist Limits of $25,000 / $50,000

In Missouri, protecting yourself from hit and run accidents takes a step forward with required uninsured motorist coverage.

$25,000 per person limit to protect individuals harmed by uninsured drivers.
$50,000 per accident limit to ensure comprehensive coverage for multiple victims.

These limits are required by statute in all policies sold in Missouri.

You Can Purchase More Uninsured Motorist Insurance Coverage

If you wish to purchase more protection against hit-and-run motorists, you can do so. Your insurance company can sell you higher limits of UM coverage, up to millions of dollars, providing you with a robust financial safety net. This option empowers you to surpass state-mandated limits and safeguard your assets more effectively.

In many cases, premiums for enhanced insurance are surprisingly affordable, thereby providing comprehensive peace of mind. Increased coverage can serve as a vital shield against unforeseen circumstances that hit and run accidents may present.

Opting for higher uninsured motorist insurance elevates your confidence, knowing that any eventualities on the road will not burden you financially. It also underscores a commitment to personal responsibility in the event of hit and run collisions, especially those involving uninsured drivers.

Your Uninsured Motorist Policies May Stack

In Missouri, you may be able to “stack” multiple policies together, even if they are on other vehicles, or the insurance policy belongs to someone else. This is where an experienced uninsured motorist lawyer can help. Sometimes insurance companies write insurance policies to prevent stacking. However, if that policy is ambiguous, the language is ineffective and stacking is allowed.

By stacking, or combining, policies across multiple vehicles under a single household, you amplify your coverage, enhancing the protection against hit and run accidents. This strategic approach allows you to harness the collective power of your uninsured motorist coverage, offering a substantial safeguard beyond individual policy limits. With this dynamic setup, multiple layers of protection work in harmony to bolster your financial resilience.

Simply put, stacking results in an aggregated coverage cap that is notably higher. For example, if you have three cars each with a $50,000 policy, stacking can provide up to $150,000 in coverage—a significant advantage against the uncertainties on the road.

Filing an Insurance Claim for a Hit and Run Accident in Kansas City

Initiating a claim with your insurance carrier must be handled correctly. The process usually involves contacting your provider’s claims department, offering detailed information and relevant documentation. Your insurer has a contractual right to a recorded statement. Do not give a recorded statement without having a lawyer present.

If a hit and run driver causes an accident, the accident victim might receive compensation for damages under their uninsured motorist coverage (UM insurance). UM insurance pays benefits when you are injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver. It also applies in cases involving hit-and-run drivers.

Filing a claim against your uninsured motorist coverage could result in compensation for damages, including:

Past and future loss of income and decreased earning capacity
Pain and suffering damages caused by mental anguish, emotional distress, and physical injuries
Past and future cost of medical treatment, nursing care, and personal care
Disability, impairment, and disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life and reduced quality of life

Before you can recover any money for your damages, you must prove that the other driver caused the car crash. It could be more challenging to prove fault without the other driver, but it is possible.

Navigating the Insurance Claims Process

Understanding the claims process is pivotal in securing your rights after a hit and run accident. First, please understand the insurance company is NOT the friendly insurance agent that sold you the policy that takes you to lunch. The insurance company adjuster is NOT on your side. Missouri case law even solidifies that after an uninsured motorist claim is made, the relationship between the insured and the insurer is adversarial. The insurance company only wants one thing- to minimize the amount of money it pays you. After you make a claim for hit-and-run, your own insurance company is working against you.

Will My Insurance Rates Go Up if I Make an Uninsured Motorist Claim?

While it’s common to worry about increased premiums, filing an uninsured motorist claim might not automatically result in rate hikes.

Claim Impact: Insurers may review circumstances of your claim before deciding on rate adjustments.
Policy Terms: Each insurance policy has unique terms that affect rate changes after a claim.
State Regulations: Kansas City’s state laws also play a role in determining premium changes post-claim.
Company Practices: Different insurers have varied policies regarding premium adjustments for such claims.

It’s crucial to discuss with your insurer to understand how your specific policy might be affected.

By proactively engaging with your insurance provider, you can navigate this process with minimal stress and focus on recovering your losses efficiently.

Evidence Used to Prove Fault for a Hit and Run Accident in Kansas City

Evidence that our legal team gathers to prove causation, fault, and liability for a hit and run crash includes, but is not limited to:

Copies of crash reports and police reports
Videos of the accident from traffic cameras and nearby surveillance cameras
Statements from eyewitnesses
Photographs of the accident scene
Physical evidence from your vehicle and the crash site

We may also retain expert witnesses to examine the evidence and provide opinions and testimony regarding the cause of the crash. Accident reconstruction experts use evidence from the collision to recreate how the crash occurred to prove fault.

If the law enforcement officers identify the other driver, our legal team also pursues a claim against that driver. We pursue all possible legal causes of action until we exhaust every possible source of compensation for your damages.

Resources for Hit and Run Victims and Families

Beyond the criminal investigation and the civil remedies afforded by Missouri law, you may be entitled to further compensation from Missouri’s tort victim compensation fund. We can assist with this process as well.

Our Kansas City Hit and Run Lawyers Are Here to Help

Dealing with hit-and-run accidents can be overwhelming for accident victims. Their insurance company may not be as helpful as they thought it would be in this situation. However, you can get help from Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers.

When you hire our personal injury attorneys in Kansas City, MO, you can expect us to:

Investigate the hit and run crash to gather evidence for an insurance claim
Obtain copies of police reports and check with law enforcement agencies and the Highway Patrol to determine the status of the hit and run case
Review insurance policies to determine insurance coverage
File insurance claims and handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance company
Monitor the statute of limitations for filing lawsuits
Document damages and calculate the value of your injury claim
Fight to get you the most money available for your personal injury claim

If you were injured by a hit and run driver, contact our Kansas City, Missouri law firm to schedule a free case review. There’s no obligation and no risk to you.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Kansas City Hit and Run Lawyers

You deserve compensation if you were injured in a car crash through no fault of your own. Even if the person who hit you fled the scene. Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers will help you fight for that compensation. Contact us to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with a Kansas City hit and run accident lawyer.

We handle all types of car accident claims, including:

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