Car accidents can be terrifying and stressful on their own, but that stress can certainly increase if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident.
Drivers involved in car accidents are required to exchange personal information; car insurance policies; and wait for law enforcement to arrive on-scene, in the event they are called. When a driver fails to do so, the accident is considered to be a hit-and-run, since the driver left the scene of the accident without providing the required information. According to a 2023 report prepared by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, approximately 40% of car crashes in St. Louis are hit-and-runs.
Although there are several reasons a motorist may refuse to stop after causing a car accident, the motorist being uninsured is a common one. In order to avoid receiving a traffic citation or having to personally pay for the damage they cause, a motorist may decide to leave the scene instead.
Sometimes, fleeing drivers involved in hit-and-run accidents are able to be identified if their license plate was captured or if there are photographs or videos depicting the accident and/or driver. However, being able to identify a driver who fled the scene can be quite difficult or even impossible. Even if the driver were able to be identified, it is likely the motorist will not have sufficient funds to cover the cost of the damage created.
As a result, most claims involving hit-and-run accidents are pursued through your own insurance company, by what is known as uninsured motorist protection. In both Missouri and Illinois, every car insurance policy is required to include, at minimum, $25,000 in uninsured motorist protection (although the amount of your uninsured motorist coverage can exceed this minimum amount.)
If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, it can be beneficial to speak with an attorney to help guide you through the physical and financial recovery process. The Swanson Law Firm has experience demanding compensation from insurance companies and will fight to obtain the financial compensation and justice you deserve.
If you have been injured as a result of a hit-and-run accident, call us today at (314) 492-2380 or send an email, to schedule your free consultation.
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