What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident with a Drunk Driver

Drunk Driver Hit & Run Accidents in Missouri & Kansas

Drunk driving causes thousands of injuries and deaths each year in the United States. It is estimated that a person dies every 50 minutes in a drunk driving accident in the United States.

During 2017, 3,495 people were killed or injured in alcohol-related accidents in Kansas. Drunk driving accidents in Missouri during 2017 resulted in 856 serious injuries or deaths. 

DUI accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and significant financial damages. If you or a loved one were injured by a hit and run drunk driver, below are five steps you should consider taking to protect your rights. If you still have questions or would like to speak to our car accident lawyer in Kansas City, call 816-203-0143 for a free, confidential consultation.

Five Steps to Take After a Hit & Run Accident with a Drunk Driver

Step One: Call the Police

Call 911 immediately to report the accident. Give the 911 dispatchers as much information as possible about hit and run driver’s vehicle.

If you are injured, request emergency medical services. It may be a good idea to be checked at the accident scene because you could have sustained injuries, but the shock of the accident and increased adrenaline in your system could mask injury symptoms.

Step Two: Wait for the Police

While waiting for a police officer to arrive, make notes about what you remember before and after the accident. What made you think that the driver was intoxicated? What do you remember about how the accident occurred?

If there are any eyewitnesses or bystanders, ask them what they saw. Take down their names and contact information, especially if they cannot stay at the accident scene to speak with the police officer.  Take pictures of the crash scene and any evidence that may help identify the hit and run vehicle, such as broken equipment or paint markings.

Step Three: Seek Medical Treatment

If you did not go to the emergency room after a hit and run accident with a drunk driver, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Prompt medical treatment gives you the best chance of recovery from your injuries, but it also helps to document your injuries for an insurance claim.

Step Four: Report the Accident to Your Insurance Provider

Promptly notify your car insurance provider of the hit and run accident with a drunk driver. Note the date and time you notified the insurance company, the claim number assigned to your case, and the name and contact information for the claims adjuster assigned to your case. Most insurance policies cover hit and run accidents as an uninsured motorist claim.

Step Five: Contact a Kansas City DUI Accident Attorney

Our DUI accident attorney can answer your questions, evaluate your claim and prefer an independent accident investigation to gather further evidence of the hit and run accident caused by a drunk driver. Our legal team works with you to document your injuries, damages, and financial losses for an insurance claim. We also monitor the police investigation. If the investigation identifies the hit and run driver, we pursue a claim against the drunk driver for damages.

Do I Need an Attorney for a Hit and Run Accident with a Drunk Driver?

Yes, you should always consult with an attorney to discuss your rights and options. While you might not need an attorney, it is best to discuss your case with an attorney before deciding to handle the claim yourself.

Even though you may file a claim with your insurance provider, hiring a lawyer can still be beneficial. Your insurance company is in business to make money and pay you as little as possible. You will be working with an insurance adjuster instead of your insurance agent.

An adjuster’s goal is to settle your injury claim for the smallest amount possible, even though you may be a customer. Therefore, having an attorney to protect your best interests can increase your chance of receiving a fair and just settlement for your injury claim.

What Damages are Available in a Hit and Run Accident Claim?

You can file an insurance claim under your uninsured motorist coverage claiming the same damages as you would claim if you filed the claim against the hit and run driver’s insurance policy. Therefore, depending on the circumstances of your hit and run DUI accident, you might be entitled to compensation for your:

• Medical expenses
• Medical equipment
• Loss of income
• Physical pain and suffering
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Permanent disabilities and impairments
• Emotional and mental suffering
• Future loss of income and ongoing medical or personal care

The value of your hit and run claim depends on the facts in your case. Our goal is to do everything we can to maximize the amount of compensation you receive for your injury claim.

Contact a Kansas City Hit & Run Accident Attorney for More Information

Being involved in an accident can be a traumatic experience, especially if the driver who caused the accident does not remain at the accident scene. It can be difficult to handle a hit and run claim yourself. There could be complicated legal issues involved in a DUI hit and run accident case.

The Law Office of Kevin J. McManus has experience handling these types of auto accident claims. Contact our office for a free consultation with a Kansas City hit and run accident attorney by calling 816-203-0143.