Encountering a hit-and-run accident is a frightening experience. Apart from physical injuries and vehicle damage, it also makes you feel angry and helpless. It’s natural to want to find the driver responsible for the accident and set things right at the earliest. St. Louis is already infamous for its road crashes, which include hit-and-run accidents that are dangerous, to say the least.
In March 2024, KSDK.com reported a fatal accident in St. Louis, a few blocks away from the leading bars in Soulard. This incident highlighted the relevance of pedestrian safety. According to the city police, it was a hit-and-run accident, and they are still searching for the driver accountable for the crash. Cynthia Curtis, a 43-year-old woman, was hit at the accident site between the intersection of Russell Boulevard and Gravois Avenue. She was admitted to the hospital, where she expired.
The incident happened on St. Patrick’s Day, which made people visiting the bars cautious. Jacques Polk, a bar customer in Soulard, said that it’s essential to stay alert and aware of the surroundings. An accident reconstruction team is working to gather further details.
Hit-and-run accident victims need legal representation to get compensated for their losses. In this article, we will explain how a personal injury attorney can help you to manage the legal procedures in St.Louis.
Hit-and-Run Laws in Missouri
Every 60 seconds, there is a hit-and-run crash in the United States. Steve Aylward, a high-school teacher at St. Louis University, was struck and eventually killed close to the intersection of Gravois Avenue and McNair Avenue. The dangerous part of this accident that killed this 72-year-old teacher was that the driver escaped from the scene.
Therefore, the driver accountable for a hit-and-run crash in Missouri should compensate for the vehicle damage of the other driver. They should also pay for the medical costs of the injured driver and passengers. The at-fault driver can get charged with a misdemeanor. If such a crash leads to fatalities or bodily injuries, they might have to pay a fine of $5,000 and be in prison for four years.
Now that you are aware of the laws of the state, it is necessary to consult a St. Louis personal injury attorney who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer
TorHoerman Law states that every hit-and-run crash victim must consult a personal injury lawyer to file a lawsuit. They will listen to your case over a free consultation and decide whether you are eligible to file a legal complaint. Once that is done, they also help you navigate the legal path with the correct guidance so that you receive your settlement payout on time.
Are you wondering how a personal injury lawyer can help? If so, the following pointers will provide you with clarity:
Collecting Evidence
Most personal injury cases depend on the pieces of evidence presented or collected. Before the trial, the lawyer will collect ample data to ensure that the accident occurred because another driver was at fault. They will also showcase your injuries and let the court know how the crash affected your life negatively.
This is done through police reports, witness statements, images, and medical records. The witness statements are also crucial as they back up your version of the crash. It proves that not you but another person might have caused the accidents.
Evaluating Damages
Once the collection of the required evidence is over, the lawyer will evaluate the damages caused by the injuries. The compensation covers the non-economic and economic losses. Typically, economic damages comprise lost wages, medical bills, and property damage. Your pain and suffering are classified as non-economic damages.
Proving Liability
The last step in developing a strong case is offering liability via evidence. Your personal injury lawyer must prove another party is accountable for the crash because of their intent or negligence. They will prove that the defendant is accountable for your bruises and car damages. They can accomplish this through police reports and eyewitnesses.
These are a few steps on how a personal injury lawyer can help you get compensated for a hit-and-run case in St. Louis. Accident victims might feel that they can address the case alone and end up in trouble. Understanding the legal processes and challenges takes time. Only a lawyer can address the legal aspects that follow a hit-and-run accident with precision and ensure you get justice.
In conclusion, no one can predict a hit-and-run accident in St. Louis. Since the city is prone to accidents, it is necessary to exercise caution and follow traffic rules to avoid one. But if you face a crash, you should get in touch with a lawyer to navigate the legal path instead of taking all the responsibilities on yourself.
