A car accident is something that no one plans for. When you’re scared, confused, or disoriented, you might have made a decision you never imagined you would–leaving the scene of an accident.
Hit-and-run can carry serious consequences in Missouri. Fortunately, our St. Louis Criminal Defense Attorney has experience beating hit and run accident cases in Missouri.
If you or a loved one has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Missouri, please do not hesitate to contact us for a free case evaluation where we can discuss your options. We understand the stress and fear that come with being charged with a hit-and-run offense, and we are here to provide you with the legal support you need.
So what should you do if you have committed a hit-and-run in Missouri? Read on to learn more about the potential consequences and your options for defending yourself.
What Is the Legal Definition of Hit and Run in Missouri?
Under RSMo Section 477.060 “Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident,” a person commits a hit-and-run when:
- The operator of a vehicle or vessel involved in an accident resulting in bodily injury or death or property damage of another person; and
- Having knowledge of such an accident, he or she leaves the place of the injury, damage, or accident without stopping and giving the following information to the other party or to a law enforcement officer, or if no law enforcement officer is in the vicinity, then to the nearest law enforcement agency
- His or her name
- His or her residence, including street number
- The registration or license number for his or her vehicle or vessel
- his or her operator’s license number
It’s important to note that in many cases, it may not be practical to stay on the scene of an accident. For instance, if you were involved in an accident on the highway, it would be dangerous to remain stopped. However, even in situations where it is not practical to stop, you are still required to notify the police of the accident and provide the information listed above.
What Are the Consequences of Hit and Run Accidents in Missouri?
- If the damage is less than $1,000, leaving the scene is a Class A misdemeanor and carries up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000
- If the damage is more than $1,000 or another person was injured, leaving the scene is a Class E felony and carries up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- If a death occurs as a result of the accident, leaving the scene is a Class D felony and carries up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
Aside from criminal consequences, there may be civil consequences as well. If you do not have insurance at the time of the accident, the other driver and his or her insurance company may come after you personally for damages.
Additionally, under RSMo Sections Sections 303.030 and 303.042, If you are at fault for the accident and do not pay for the damages, your driver’s license and/or license plates will be suspended for one year.
Your driver’s license and/or license plates can be reinstated within the one-year period, provided you pay a $20 reinstatement fee and send proof to the Driver License Bureau that you have settled the accident loss.
Finally, a conviction for leaving the scene can result in 12 to 16 points on your driver’s license, which is enough to trigger a one-year suspension.
How Long Will It Take for the Police to Find Me After a Hit and Run?
Whether or not the police find you after a hit-and-run depends on what evidence they have available. If a witness took down your license, the police will likely be knocking on your door with in a day or two.
The police will also put a “wanted” out on your vehicle, which allows any law enforcement officer in the state to pull you over and detain you. However, It’s important to note that the police still have to be able to prove who was actually driving the vehicle.
That is why our St. Louis Criminal Lawyer recommends you do not make any statements to police if they question you about a hit-and-run accident in Missouri. Statements made to your own insurance company can also potentially be used against you in a hit-and-run prosecution.
What to Do if You Were Involved in a Hit and Run Accident
A hit-and-run can have potentially life-altering consequences, including a felony conviction and jail or prison time. If you were involved in a Missouri hit and run incident, it is imperative that you contact a skilled St. Louis criminal lawyer who can advise you on how to best address the situation.
Generally, the first step we take is to reach out to the investigating officer. We will provide your insurance and advise the officer you will not be making any statements. In many cases, this has prevented charges from being filed.
If you have been charged, we can usually negotiate a plea bargain where you do not receive a conviction. This protects your reputation and prevents points on your driving record, which can drastically increase your insurance premiums. In some cases, we can even get the charges dismissed entirely.
Hit and run accidents are a serious offense in Missouri, carrying severe consequences such as hefty fines, jail time, and a criminal record. If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Missouri, it is crucial to seek legal guidance from an experienced St. Louis Criminal Lawyer.
Contact an Experienced Lawyer for Your Personal Injury Case
If you have been the victim of a hit and run driver in Missouri, it is important to seek the help of a personal injury attorney. Hit and run laws in Missouri can be complicated, and navigating them on your own can be overwhelming.
A personal injury attorney will not only guide you through the legal process but also fight for your rights as a victim. They have experience handling hit and run cases and know how to gather evidence to prove fault and secure compensation for any bodily injury or death that may have occurred as a result of the accident.
In hit-and-runs, it is common for the at-fault driver to flee the scene in order to avoid facing consequences. This is why having an experienced lawyer by your side is crucial. They will work tirelessly to track down the responsible party and hold them accountable for their actions.
Contact The Law Offices of Brian J. Cooke for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been involved in a hit and run accident.
Our team of skilled attorneys will provide you with the support and guidance needed during this difficult time. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that these accidents can take on victims and their families, which is why we are dedicated to helping them seek justice and maximum compensation.
