Hit-and-Run Accidents in Missouri: Steps to Protect Your Claim

When another driver leaves after a collision, you may be left with injuries, a damaged car, and very little information. It is understandable to focus on finding that driver. Your immediate priorities, however, are getting to safety, obtaining needed medical care, and making an accurate report.

A missing driver does not answer every insurance question. The coverage available depends on your policy, the evidence, and the circumstances of the wreck.

Do not chase the fleeing vehicle

A pursuit can expose you and other road users to another crash. From a safe location, call for emergency help when needed and report the collision to police. Give the best description you can without filling gaps with guesses.

Useful details include the vehicle's color, body style, direction of travel, distinctive damage, and any part of the license plate you actually remember. Explain when you are uncertain. Even an incomplete but accurate description may help investigators.

Preserve details before they fade

If your condition and surroundings allow, write down the time, location, lane, and sequence of events. Photograph your vehicle and the surrounding area safely. Ask witnesses for contact information and whether they saw the departing vehicle.

Save original dashcam recordings promptly. Note nearby cameras and businesses that might have relevant footage, then share those locations with police or your attorney. Do not enter private property or place yourself at risk trying to obtain a recording.

Notify your insurer promptly

The Missouri Department of Insurance's claim guidance recommends promptly notifying your insurer and police after a hit-and-run. Ask your insurer what information and documents it requires, and keep a record of when you reported the loss.

Save the claim number, the adjuster's contact information, and copies of correspondence. If someone requests a statement or documents, clarify the request and any applicable deadline. Your own policy may impose cooperation and notice duties; ignoring a request can create additional problems.

Understand what uninsured motorist coverage addresses

Missouri requires uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, according to the Missouri Department of Revenue. A hit-and-run may implicate that coverage, but the policy's terms and applicable law must be reviewed.

Do not assume bodily injury coverage pays to repair the car. Vehicle damage may involve collision coverage and a deductible, depending on the policy. Likewise, do not assume every accident involving an unidentified vehicle meets every requirement for an uninsured motorist claim.

Ask for an explanation in writing if coverage is questioned. An attorney can evaluate the policy language alongside the facts, including whether contact occurred and what evidence supports the account.

Check whether a separate state report is required

A police report, an insurance claim, and a report to the Missouri Driver License Bureau serve different purposes. Missouri has additional reporting requirements for certain crashes involving uninsured motorists. Review the Department of Revenue's accident information and obtain advice promptly about the requirements that apply to your circumstances.

Keep an organized recovery file

Place medical bills, treatment records, repair estimates, towing receipts, and missed-work documentation in one folder. A short timeline of calls and submissions can help prevent confusion when several people are involved in the claim.

For example, label a document as a repair estimate rather than an injury settlement offer. Before signing a release, understand which claims it resolves and whether it could affect other available coverage.

Get help reviewing your options

The Wilbers Law Firm helps injured people understand their next steps after motor vehicle accidents. If you were hurt in a Missouri hit-and-run, request a free consultation or call 314-325-7178. Bring your policy documents and the reports you have, even if the other driver has not been identified.

This article provides general information about Missouri motor vehicle accidents and is not legal advice for a specific situation.

Featured image: AI-generated illustration of a fictional collision.