Getting compensation after you are hurt by a hit-and-run driver

On Behalf of Hullverson Law Firm   |   Jul 21, 2020   |   Motor vehicle crashes

Like most states, Missouri requires all involved drivers to stay at the scene of a car accident. Committing a hit-and-run is against the law. But sometimes, drivers do it anyway.

Most hit-and-run drivers are not thinking about state law. They may be panicking and hoping that they can escape responsibility for causing a major wreck. But even if the negligent person who hurt you fled the scene before you can get their name and insurance information, you might still be able to find them and get fair compensation from their insurance company.

4 things to do if you get hit by a hit-and-run driver

Assuming you are physically able to do so, here are four things you can do at the scene of a hit-and-run car accident.

  • Get the names and contact info of any witnesses.
  • Call the police. They will investigate the scene and might find evidence that leads to the escaped driver.
  • Take pictures of the scene.
  • As soon as possible, write down as many details of the accident as you remember.

If the police cannot find the negligent motorist, you will most likely need to file a claim on your own auto insurance policy. But don’t expect your insurance company to treat you any differently just because you are a customer. Insurers do everything they can to minimize paying car accident victims. The insurance adjuster might deny your claim or offer a lowball settlement amount that would not come close to covering your medical expenses or lost wages.

Thus, the process of obtaining a reasonable settlement can be as difficult as it would have been had you been dealing with the other driver’s insurer. It may even be necessary to take your insurance company to court to hold them to their legal responsibilities.