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Being the victim of a car accident is a shocking and disorienting experience. When the other driver flees the scene, it adds another layer of injustice and uncertainty to an already traumatic event. Suddenly, you are left to deal with injuries, vehicle damage, and a mountain of questions on your own. If you have been injured in this type of crash, a Kansas City hit and run car accident lawyer can help you understand your options and pursue the financial recovery you deserve.
At Walner Law, we understand the anger and confusion you are feeling. You may be worried about how you will pay your medical bills, cover your lost wages, and repair your car when the responsible driver is nowhere to be found. Our family-run firm has been a voice for the injured since 1961, and we are proud to bring our decades of experience and compassionate advocacy to the people of Kansas City. We believe that no one should have to face the aftermath of a serious accident alone.
When you’ve suffered injuries in a hit and run accident, the legal team you choose can make all the difference. Walner Law is not just another firm; we are a family-run practice that has been standing up for the rights of injured people for over 75 years. We are excited to bring our legacy of client-focused advocacy to the Kansas City community.
Here is what sets our approach apart:
Choosing our firm means choosing a dedicated advocate who will stand by your side, fight for your rights, and work tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation you need to move forward.
The moments after a hit and run can feel isolating. You might be parked near the River Market or driving on the I-435 loop when, in a flash, your life is turned upside down by a driver who chooses to flee rather than face their responsibility. It’s important to know that you have rights and potential avenues for recovery.
In Missouri, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime. The primary challenge in these cases, however, is not the criminal aspect but the civil one: how do you get compensation for your injuries and damages when the at-fault party is unknown?
This is where your own auto insurance policy often becomes your first line of defense. Missouri law requires drivers to carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. This is a type of insurance that steps in to cover your losses if you are injured by a driver who has no insurance or, in this case, a driver who cannot be identified. An experienced hit and run car accident attorney can guide you through the complex process of filing a UM claim with your own insurer.
Trying to handle a hit and run claim on your own can be incredibly difficult, especially while you are recovering from your injuries. Insurance companies, even your own, may try to minimize your claim or create roadblocks. An experienced attorney acts as your advocate, handling the legal complexities so you can focus on healing.
A dedicated lawyer from Walner Law can help by:
Having a knowledgeable legal professional on your side levels the playing field and ensures your rights are protected every step of the way.
The goal of a personal injury claim is to secure compensation that helps make you whole again, at least from a financial perspective. This compensation, legally referred to as “damages,” is intended to cover all the losses you have suffered because of the accident. These damages generally fall into two main categories.
Economic damages are the tangible, verifiable financial losses you have incurred. They have a clear dollar value and can be proven with bills, receipts, and pay stubs.
Non-economic damages are more subjective. They compensate you for the intangible, personal losses that have profoundly affected your life. While they don’t have a specific price tag, they are a very real and significant part of your suffering.
A skilled car accident lawyer will carefully document both your economic and non-economic damages to build a comprehensive claim for full and fair compensation.
One of the biggest hurdles in a hit and run case is identifying the person who fled. While police will conduct an investigation, their resources can be stretched thin. A dedicated legal team can provide additional investigative power to help locate the responsible party. Evidence such as paint chips left at the scene, parts of the other vehicle, or witness descriptions can be crucial clues.
If the driver is found, you can then proceed with a personal injury claim directly against them and their insurance company. It is important to act quickly, as Missouri has a time limit for filing these claims. In Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. While this may seem like a long time, building a strong case takes time, so it is best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
It is an unfortunate reality that sometimes, despite the best efforts of law enforcement and investigators, the driver who caused the accident is never identified. This is a deeply frustrating outcome, but it does not mean you are without options.
This is precisely the situation that Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is designed for. Your UM policy essentially allows you to file a claim against your own insurance company, which then steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver’s insurer. You can claim the same damages you would have if the driver had been found, up to the limits of your policy.
In some rare cases, if you have exhausted other options, you may be eligible for assistance from the Missouri Crime Victims’ Compensation Program. This fund can help cover certain out-of-pocket expenses for victims of violent crimes, which can include a hit and run that causes injury.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, hit and run crashes have been increasing, underscoring the importance of understanding all available resources. Data from a recent AAA report showed that a hit-and-run crash occurs somewhere in the U.S. every 43 seconds.
Here are answers to some common concerns we hear from victims of hit and run accidents.
If you were a pedestrian or bicyclist, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own auto insurance policy’s UM coverage, even though you were not in your vehicle. If you do not have auto insurance, you might be covered by a policy belonging to a relative you live with. These are complex situations where consulting with an attorney is vital.
A passenger injured in a hit and run accident has several potential sources for compensation. They may be able to file a claim under the UM coverage of the vehicle they were in, or they may be able to use their own UM policy if they have one.
The main difference is the challenge of identifying the at-fault party. This adds an investigative layer to the case and often means the primary source of recovery will be your own UM insurance policy. The burden of proof is still on you to show that the unknown driver was at fault and that their negligence caused your injuries.
While every piece of evidence is helpful, independent witness testimony or video surveillance footage that captures the accident or the fleeing vehicle’s license plate is often the most powerful. This type of evidence can be the key to identifying the driver or proving your case to your insurance company.
If you’ve been injured by a hit-and-run motorist, the legal team at Walner Law can provide the support, guidance, and dedicated advocacy you need during this difficult time. We are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and fighting for the maximum compensation our clients need to rebuild their lives. Our firm has proudly represented the injured for generations, and we are ready to stand with you.
Contact us today at (312) 410-8496 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain how our Kansas City hit and run car accident lawyer can help you on the road to recovery.
