Almost all of the advice you’ve heard about how to handle a car accident involves the other driver being present on the scene. Rarely do people know what to do when they’re hit and the other party leaves the scene.
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run car accident in Kansas City, MO, call Langdon & Emison Attorneys At Law for a free consultation. We have years of experience helping victims of hit-and-run accidents get the compensation they deserve.
With our help, you can focus on healing and moving on with your life. Don’t wait – speak to a Kansas City personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Causes of Hit-and-Run Car Accidents
Some hit-and-runs result from the other driver being intoxicated or impaired by drugs. However, even sober drivers flee the scene when they panic about the potential consequences of their actions.
It is especially common for drivers who have a suspended license or a prior conviction of some sort to flee.
Other drivers assume that the damage was so minimal that they can get away without being held accountable for their actions.
Hit-and-runs often occur when a driver hits a parked vehicle. If there is no one around to answer to, they may try to drive away before they have to be held financially responsible.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident
It’s important to educate yourself about what to do if another vehicle hits you. Our experienced car accident lawyers recommend taking the following steps to ensure your safety and your right to compensation:
- Try to note as much information about the driver as possible and of their vehicle. What is the color, make, and model of the car? What is the license plate number? Were there any identifiable features of the vehicle or the driver? Which direction did they go in?
- Call the police. Report as much of the information about the driver as you can.
- If you are able to, take pictures of the scene.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel like you don’t need it. Many hit-and-run victims sustain injuries that they are not aware of until later on.
- Contact Langdon & Emison. We will help you gather the evidence you need to file a claim for damages.
Is a hit-and-run a felony?
It depends on the nature of the hit-and-run accident.
If it is a hit-and-run with injury or a hit-and-run involving death, it will be considered an “aggravated” hit-and-run. This is a felony.
However, if the hit-and-run only involves property damage, then it may be a misdemeanor offense.
Recovering Damages From a Hit-and-Run Accident
It can be difficult to recover damages from a hit-and-run accident.
This is why it is important to have an experienced car accident lawyer on your side.
We will work to gather the evidence you need to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident. This can include eyewitness testimony, police reports, and photographs of the property damage, as well as your injuries.
The hit-and-run driver is responsible for paying damages to you, no matter how big or small. That includes medical expenses, property damage of your car, lost wages due to missing work, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages.
Before you receive damages from the hit-and-run driver, if they can be found, you will first need to file a claim with your insurance company.
Your Kansas City car accident lawyers can help you navigate this process.
Statute of Limitations on Hit-and-Run Claims in Kansas City
The statute of limitations is the time frame in which you have to file a legal claim. In Missouri, the statute of limitations for hit-and-run accidents is five years.
This means that you have five years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, if there were other circumstances, such as a wrongful death suit to be filed along with your hit-and-run car accident claim, the statute of limitations may be shorter.
It is important to file as soon as possible to ensure that you remain eligible for compensation.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer Now
Langdon & Emison has been helping victims of hit-and-run car accidents in Kansas City, MO win compensation for decades.
We have a high success rate in achieving results for our clients because we provide personalized attention that you won’t get from other big firms.
Contact Langdon & Emison at (816) 793-8867 today to start your car accident claims process.