816-326-2968Being involved in a car accident is frightening and overwhelming. But when the other driver flees the scene, the situation becomes even more difficult and confusing. Hit-and-run accidents leave victims not only injured and shaken but also unsure of how to recover damages when the responsible party is nowhere to be found.
Fortunately, if you were hurt in a hit-and-run accident in Kansas City, you still have options.
Missouri law offers several pathways to compensation, even when the at-fault driver cannot be immediately identified. Understanding how the process works can help you take the right steps to protect yourself physically, legally, and financially.
What Is Considered a Hit-and-Run Accident in Kansas City?
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or offer assistance. This applies to:
- Collisions involving other vehicles
- Pedestrian or bicyclist injuries
- Property damage, such as hitting a parked car or fence
Under Missouri law, it is illegal to flee the scene of an accident. Unfortunately, these incidents are more common than many people realize.
Common Reasons Drivers Flee the Scene
Drivers may leave the scene for a variety of reasons:
- They have no insurance or a suspended license
- They are driving under the influence
- They are afraid of criminal or civil consequences
- They panic and drive off
While these reasons do not excuse the behavior, they help explain why hit-and-run crashes are so prevalent.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run in Kansas City, follow these steps to protect your health and preserve your ability to recover damages:
- Call 911 immediately and request medical attention if needed.
- Stay at the scene and provide a statement to law enforcement.
- Try to document as much information as possible, including:
- Vehicle make, model, and color
- Partial license plate
- Location and time of the accident
- Witness contact information
- Photos of your vehicle, injuries, and scene
- Seek medical treatment even if your injuries seem minor. A delayed diagnosis can hurt your claim.
- Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible.
The more details you can provide, the better the chance authorities have of locating the driver—and the stronger your insurance claim will be.
Can You Recover Damages If the Driver Is Not Found?
Yes. Even if the hit-and-run driver is never identified, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy.
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
In Missouri, all auto insurance policies are required to include Uninsured Motorist coverage (UM) for bodily injury. This coverage applies in situations where:
- The at-fault driver has no insurance
- The at-fault driver cannot be identified (as in a hit-and-run)
UM coverage may help pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
To access UM coverage:
- You must file a claim with your own insurance company
- You may need to provide documentation of the accident, your injuries, and efforts made to identify the other driver
Keep in mind: Your insurance company may treat the claim as if it were a liability case—they might challenge the severity of injuries or the details of the crash. Having detailed records helps strengthen your position.
- Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
If you carry Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage, it can help cover out-of-pocket medical costs regardless of who was at fault. This can be especially helpful if you’re waiting for a UM claim to be processed or if your health insurance has high deductibles.
MedPay is optional, so check your policy to see if it’s included and how much is available.
- Collision Coverage
For vehicle repairs, your collision coverage (if purchased) may help cover damage to your car. Like MedPay, this coverage is optional but often valuable in hit-and-run situations where the other driver can’t be held accountable.
What If the Driver Is Found Later?
If law enforcement is able to identify the hit-and-run driver:
- You can pursue a claim against their liability insurance (if they have any)
- You may be entitled to additional compensation if their actions were especially reckless (e.g., driving under the influence)
- Criminal charges may be filed, but those are separate from your civil claim
It’s still a good idea to move forward with a claim under your own policy while the investigation is ongoing, as some cases may take months to resolve.
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
Depending on the coverage available and the facts of your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Emergency room and hospital visits
- Follow-up care, physical therapy, or surgery
- Prescription medication and medical equipment
- Lost wages or lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Transportation or rental car expenses
Each case is unique, and your ability to recover depends on the documentation you provide and the coverage in place.
Dealing With Insurance After a Hit-and-Run
Working with your insurance company can be complex, especially when dealing with a UM claim. Insurance adjusters may:
- Request recorded statements
- Ask for detailed medical records
- Dispute your injuries or claim amount
While you may be entitled to compensation, insurance providers often aim to limit payouts. Be cautious when communicating with them and keep copies of everything you submit.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Missouri has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including hit-and-run cases.
Generally, you have five years to file a claim, but waiting too long can hurt your chances of recovery.
In addition, many insurance policies require prompt notice of a claim—sometimes within days or weeks of the accident. The sooner you report the incident and gather evidence, the stronger your case will be.
Hit-and-run accidents can leave you feeling helpless, but you still have options. If you’ve been injured in Kansas City by a driver who fled the scene, your own insurance may provide a pathway to recovery. With proper documentation, communication, and follow-through, you can pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. If you’ve been injured in a car crash, Aramjoo Law Firm is here for you. Contact us today at (816) 479-5898 or online to schedule your free consultation.