Your St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
You will need an experienced and resourceful St. Louis hit & run lawyer to fight for your rights so you can get the compensation you deserve if you are a victim of a hit and run.
Call us at 314-222-7777 for a free consultation. You do not pay unless we win.
When The At-Fault Driver Flees
If the driver flees, take the following steps:
- Call the police but do not leave the scene
- Call an ambulance if you are injured and document your injuries
- Approach any eyewitness and ask for their contact information
- Write anything you remember about the vehicle that hit you such as color, numbers on the number plate, make or model
- Take photo of the damage on your vehicle caused by the driver that hit you
- Take a photo of the skid marks or any tire marks left by the vehicle that hit you
- Use flares to warn oncoming traffic if the accident happened at night
- Take photos of nearby cameras that may come in handy later when you sue
Hit and run is basically when a driver causes an accident but flees the scene without providing information. Drivers must remain at the scene of the accident and provide necessary information, especially in a situation where someone has died or is injured. For example, they can provide information such as contact, driver’s license, insurance information and so on. It’s against St. Louis law for drivers to flee the scene of the accident. Even if you cannot identify the driver that hit you can still make a claim through the uninsured motorist coverage on your own auto liability insurance policy.
You can also still sue the at-fault driver for all costs if the police track down that driver down. You can sue for medical bills, car repair expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more. Your lawyer will use the police report, witness information, the photos you took at the scene to prove that the at-fault driver was negligent. Your lawyer will use the police report, witness information, the photos you took at the scene to prove that the at-fault driver was negligent.
Learn MoreWhen to Call a Car Accident Attorney
If you or a family has been injured in a car accident or a hit and run accident, call attorney David Granat at 314-222-7777 today.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How much does a hit and run lawyer cost?
“Hit & Run” lawyers are really personal injury lawyers, or more specifically, car accident lawyers. A St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, meaning, you pay nothing unless you win (recover money for your injuries). Typically there are no up front fees.
-
How will they find the guy who hit me?
There are many ways to track down a driver who fled the scene. Much of this city is under video surveillance and your lawyer can conduct an investigation to obtain video footage. There are often witnesses who may have recorded a license plate number or description of the offender.
-
Can I sue the hit and run driver?
Most likely, yes. Hit and run is a crime in St. Louis, but if you suffered injuries, you may also be able to hold the hit and run driver liable for your injuries. Every case is different, so talk to your lawyer first.
Losses You Can Recover
You can recover the following losses if you were injured in a car accident:
- Loss of quality of life
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Emotional and physical suffering
- Property damage
Hit and Run Accidents are Against the Law
In Missouri hit and run is a class A misdemeanor that has a maximum penalty or 1 year jail term and a $1000 fine. It can also become a class D felony if:
- The victim was injured
- If the driver has a prior criminal record
- If there was property damage more than $1000 in cost
The penalty for a Class D felony is a 4 year jail time and a $5000 fine. Some drivers lose their license if they were the negligent party in a hit and run situation. However, the penalty the at-fault driver gets often depends on their driving history.
Contact Us
Location:
7750 Clayton Rd #102
St. Louis, MO 63117
Email:
david@granatlaw.com
Call:
+1 314-222-7777