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Being involved in a hit and run accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. Not only do you have to deal with the physical and emotional aftermath of the incident, but you also face the added challenge of trying to recover damages from an unidentified or uninsured driver. However, with the right legal guidance and understanding of your rights, you can navigate this complex situation and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Understanding the Prevalence of Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and run accidents are all too common on our roads and highways. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there were over 737,000 hit and run crashes in the United States in 2015, resulting in more than 2,000 fatalities. These incidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but often involve drivers who are uninsured, intoxicated, or simply trying to avoid the consequences of their actions.
In Missouri, the situation is particularly concerning. The state has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country, with an estimated 14% of motorists operating without any insurance coverage. This means that if you are involved in a hit and run accident in Missouri, there is a significant chance that the at-fault driver will be uninsured, leaving you to navigate the complex process of filing an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurance provider.
Navigating the Aftermath of a Hit and Run Accident
If you find yourself the victim of a hit and run accident, it’s important to take the following steps to protect your rights and maximize your recovery:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The first and most important priority is to ensure your safety and well-being. If you have sustained any injuries, call for emergency medical assistance immediately. Even if you don’t believe your injuries are serious, it’s crucial to have a medical professional evaluate you and document any injuries or symptoms. This documentation will be essential in supporting your insurance claim or any legal action you may take.
2. Report the Incident to the Police
As soon as possible, report the hit and run accident to the local police department. Provide them with as much information as you can, including the location, time, and a description of the vehicle that fled the scene. Obtaining a police report is crucial, as it will serve as official documentation of the incident and can be used to support your insurance claim or any legal proceedings.
3. Gather Evidence
If it is safe to do so, try to gather any evidence that may help identify the at-fault driver or support your case. This could include taking photographs of the accident scene, any damage to your vehicle, or any visible injuries you have sustained. Additionally, try to obtain the contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the incident occur.
4. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Once you have taken the necessary steps to ensure your safety and report the incident, it’s time to contact your insurance provider. Inform them of the hit and run accident and your intention to file an uninsured motorist claim. Be prepared to provide them with the police report and any other documentation you have gathered.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Your Safety Net
In Missouri, uninsured motorist coverage is a mandatory requirement for all auto insurance policies. This means that your insurance provider is legally obligated to include this coverage in your policy, providing you with a safety net in the event of an accident with an uninsured or hit and run driver.
Uninsured motorist coverage can be a lifesaver in the aftermath of a hit and run accident. It can help cover the costs of your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages that you may have incurred as a result of the incident. Additionally, if you have more than one vehicle insured, you may be able to “stack” your uninsured motorist coverage, potentially increasing the amount of compensation you can receive.
It’s important to note that your uninsured motorist coverage follows you, even if you are not in your own vehicle at the time of the accident. This means that if you are struck by a hit and run driver while walking or riding a bicycle, your uninsured motorist coverage can still provide you with the necessary protection and compensation.
Maximizing Your Uninsured Motorist Claim
When it comes to filing an uninsured motorist claim, it’s crucial to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the process and ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible. At Cantor Injury Law, our team of skilled attorneys has a proven track record of successfully handling hit and run and uninsured motorist cases in Missouri and Illinois.
Here are some key strategies our attorneys employ to help our clients maximize their uninsured motorist claims:
1. Thorough Investigation
- Our team will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the accident, gathering all available evidence and documentation to support your claim.
- We will work closely with law enforcement, accident reconstruction experts, and other professionals to build a strong case on your behalf.
2. Negotiating with Insurance Companies
- Insurance companies are often reluctant to pay out the full value of uninsured motorist claims, as it directly impacts their bottom line.
- Our attorneys have extensive experience negotiating with insurance providers and will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- We understand the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts and are prepared to counter them effectively.
3. Exploring All Available Coverage Options
- In some cases, you may be able to “stack” your uninsured motorist coverage, which means combining the coverage from multiple vehicles on your policy to increase the total amount of compensation available.
- Our attorneys will thoroughly review your insurance policy and explore all possible coverage options to maximize your recovery.
4. Pursuing Legal Action, if Necessary
- If your insurance provider is unwilling to provide a fair settlement, our attorneys are prepared to take legal action on your behalf.
- We have a proven track record of successfully litigating uninsured motorist cases and securing substantial verdicts and settlements for our clients.
Protecting Your Rights and Securing Your Future
Being the victim of a hit and run accident can be a traumatic and life-changing experience. However, with the right legal guidance and support, you can navigate the aftermath and secure the compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life.
At Cantor Injury Law, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is dedicated to fighting for the rights of hit and run victims in Missouri and Illinois. We understand the unique challenges you face and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible, whether through an uninsured motorist claim or other legal avenues.
Don’t let the insurance companies take advantage of you or the at-fault driver escape the consequences of their actions. Contact Cantor Injury Law today at (314) 628-9999 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you navigate this difficult situation and secure your financial future.
