Few things are more frustrating than watching the driver who just hit your car speed away. You followed the rules of the road, and now you’re left dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and a flood of questions about what happens next. One of these questions might be whether a hit-and-run insurance rate increase in Missouri is inevitable after an accident that wasn’t your fault.
The short answer is: not necessarily. Missouri law provides meaningful protections for drivers in exactly this situation. Here’s what you need to know.
Missouri Insurance Regulations and Not-At-Fault Protections
All drivers are required to carry uninsured motorist coverage in Missouri. Specifically, you must have a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured motorist (UM) coverage for bodily injury. This requirement exists precisely because not every driver on the road follows the law.
If a hit-and-run driver flees the scene, Missouri law treats that driver as an uninsured motorist. That means your own UM coverage can compensate you for your losses, regardless of whether the other driver made physical contact with your vehicle or whether anyone ever identifies that other driver.
Because you are presumed to carry no fault in a hit-and-run scenario, Missouri’s insurance laws generally shield you from premium increases tied to a related UM claim. However, insurance companies don’t always act in good faith, so it’s a good idea to get an attorney on your side from the start.
Key Steps to Formally Document the Incident
Proper documentation and swift action can protect your rights and strengthen your claim after a Kansas City hit-and-run accident. If you are involved in a hit-and-run, take the following steps as soon as possible:
- Contact Law Enforcement – Call the police immediately and obtain a formal report. Do not leave the scene until an officer authorizes you to do so.
- File a State Accident Report – Under state law, you must report any accident to Missouri’s Driver License Bureau if it involves an uninsured motorist and results in injury, death, or more than $500 in property damage. The Motor Vehicle Accident Report (Form 1140) is available online.
- Notify Your Insurance Company – Report the incident to your insurer promptly, but be careful about what you say before speaking with an attorney. Give only the most basic information.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene – Take photographs of any vehicle damage or visible injuries, jot down the time and location of the incident, and collect contact information from any witnesses.
Safeguarding Your Claim with Dedicated Legal Counsel
Insurance companies move quickly after accidents, and hit-and-run claims involve complications that can give insurers room to delay or underpay. An experienced personal injury attorney can step in to deal with the insurance company on your behalf and prepare the right documentation for your claim.
At Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers, we concentrate on high-stakes personal injury cases where the details truly matter. Our car accident lawyers in Kansas City bring decades of combined litigation experience to complex claims, and we want to hear from you if you’ve been hit by another driver who fled the scene. Whether you’re pursuing compensation through your own uninsured/underinsure motorist coverage or exploring other options for recovery, we can provide the focused attention your case deserves.
Don’t wait to get answers. Contact Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers today to arrange your free, no-obligation, fully confidential consultation and let us start protecting your rights.
