At Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our St. Louis hit-and-run accident lawyers fight to get our clients compensation for injuries and damages caused by hit-and-run drivers. If you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident, schedule a free consultation at (314) 400-0000 today and get the help you need.
It is illegal to leave the scene of an accident with injuries or property damages, but many drivers disobey the law. They refuse to stop to render aid or take responsibility for causing an accident.
Contact our law firm to schedule your free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in St. Louis, MO. The choice of a lawyer for your case is important. Let us explain why you should choose our law firm.
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How Our St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help if You’ve Been Injured in a Hit and Run Accident
Choosing a lawyer in St. Louis, Missouri, is an important decision after a hit-and-run accident. Hit-and-run crashes are complicated car accident cases.
Our St. Louis car accident attorneys at Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers consistently receive high ratings from clients, judges, and other attorneys for our legal services. The Missouri Lawyers’ Weekly has recognized our St. Louis personal injury attorneys for having the “most reported winning cases.”
When you hire our legal team, you can expect us to:
- Complete a detailed analysis of your case and provide an honest assessment
- Conduct a comprehensive accident investigation to gather evidence and identify the parties liable for your claim
- Handle all communications with the insurance company, including filing claims and negotiating a fair settlement
- Pursue all legal claims to maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries and damages
- Keep you updated about the progress of your case and discuss settlement offers
- File a personal injury lawsuit if the other parties refuse to negotiate in good faith
When you are injured, having an experienced St. Louis personal injury lawyer on your side can help you receive the money you deserve.
Contact our office to schedule a free consultation to discuss your hit-and-run accident. We are here to help you when you need trusted, experienced legal advice.
How Common Are Hit and Run Accidents?
According to research by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a hit-and-run accident occurs each minute in the United States. Approximately 682,000 hit-and-run wrecks occur each year. Pedestrians and bicyclists make up about 65 percent of deaths from these crashes.
In St. Louis, there were 63 hit-and-run deaths between 2015 and 2019. Many other people are injured in car accidents or truck accidents caused by hit-and-run drivers each year.
Overview of Hit and Run Accidents
Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal in Missouri. A driver can be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. The driver may be fined, sentenced to jail, and have their driver’s license suspended.
If the accident results in injuries, the driver may also be liable for damages caused by the accident. The driver’s liability insurance may not cover the full amount of damages. Therefore, the driver could be sued personally for damages.
What Are Common Causes of hit-and-run Accidents?
The reasons that a driver might leave an accident scene vary.
Common reasons a driver might decide to “run” from an accident scene include:
- The driver does not have the required liability car insurance
- The person may not have a valid driver’s license
- A driver may be drunk or under the influence of drugs
- The person might have outstanding criminal warrants for their arrest
- A driver panics and leaves the accident scene without thinking of the consequences
When a driver leaves the scene of a traffic accident, call 911 immediately to report the crash. Tell the 911 operator as much information as possible about the vehicle and the driver. The police may be able to locate the driver on traffic cameras or by notifying patrol officers of the vehicle’s description.
Common Types of Injuries Caused by a Hit and Run Accident
The injuries sustained in a hit-and-run wreck depend on the type of accident.
An accident victim could sustain:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head and skull injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Damage to internal organs
- Chest injuries
- Amputations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Soft tissue damage
- Whiplash
In some cases, a person may sustain fatal injuries. The family members may file a wrongful death claim if the hit-and-run driver is located.
Who is Liable for a Hit and Run Accident?
The driver who caused the crash is liable for damages caused by the crash. The problem with a hit-and-run accident is that the at-fault driver may never be located. In that case, the victim may want to file an uninsured motorist claim.
In most cases, your uninsured motorist coverage stands in the shoes of the hit-and-run driver. Your insurance provider compensates you for your damages as if it was the insurance company for the hit-and-run driver.
You could receive compensation for your:
- Medical expenses and costs
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of income and benefits
- Decreases in earning potential
- Emotional and mental trauma
- Permanent impairments and disabilities
- Loss of quality of life
The claim’s value depends on several factors, including the extent of your injuries and your financial losses. Our St. Louis car accident lawyers work closely with you and your doctors to document your injuries and damages.
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Schedule a Free Consultation With Our St. Louis Hit and Run Accident Lawyers
You can still recover compensation even if you cannot locate a hit-and-run driver. Contact our office to discuss your cases with an experienced St. Louis hit and run accident lawyer.