Many car accident cases are fairly easy to resolve.
It may not happen as quickly as you would like, but with the aid of an experienced attorney you should be able to obtain the compensation you are entitled to for losses and injuries caused by the accident from the party at fault. With some accidents there is a driver responsible for causing the accident, and you know exactly who is responsible for the damage and who to pursue obtaining compensation from.
But what if the accident was a hit and run? Who do you seek compensation from? Who will cover your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, rehab, etc. – all damages that would be paid for in part or in full by the at fault driver under normal circumstances.
Are you completely on your own?
What if you are permanently disabled?
Victims of hit and run accidents can feel like they are left alone to deal with these issues. This can all be unbelievably stressful and can turn your life upside down.
There are many other factors that can come into play.
Was the accident involving two vehicles, a pedestrian, or a biker?
Has a loved one died as the result of the accident?
Legal options
After a hit and run accident, discussing your accident with police and then with a Missouri car accident attorney should be a top priority. Under Missouri law leaving the scene of an accident is a misdemeanor. It may be necessary for police to file criminal charges and the hit and run driver could face jail time. And if the accident causes injury, the property damage exceeds one thousand dollars, or if the hit and run driver has a history of leaving the scene of an accident, the hit and run automatically becomes a Class D felony.
There are several options depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident. In some cases you can file a claim under your own accident insurance policy. Drivers that have uninsured motorists’ coverage may be able to file a claim for compensation to cover some of these expenses. Another option depends on how much you noticed about the other vehicle before the driver sped away. For instance, if the driver was in a work vehicle, or even any distinguishable vehicle, it may be easier to find the vehicle operator, owner, or driver’s employer. You may be able to then file a claim against the driver’s employer.
St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers
Finding the right attorney is very important as these cases can become extremely complicated. It is a necessity that your attorney both understands state law relating to hit and run accidents and has experience handling these cases. There are a lot of factors that come into play that do not exist in regular car accident cases, yet the trauma of these accidents can be significant.
Discussing your case with your attorney can help you to understand your legal rights, what your options are regarding pursuing compensation, whether police are investigating the accident and will be filing criminal charges, and other questions you may have.
If you have been injured in a St. Louis car accident, contact the St. Louis accident lawyers at The Hoffmann Law Firm. We will work to protect your rights and get you the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.
To schedule a free consultation call the St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers at (314) 361-4242.