Car accidents can be complex matters. Every crash involves unique legal questions such as how many vehicles were involved, where the collision occurred, whether anyone acted negligently, whether anyone was injured, and who was responsible.
Certain types of accidents present complicated scenarios. For example, when a car is run off the road by another vehicle, there might be damage to one or both vehicles as well as nearby obstacles such as roadside signs, homes, businesses, and other nearby structures. There is also a good chance someone will be injured when a vehicle is run off the road.
In some circumstances, the driver that caused the accident may not realize that another car ran off the road. In other cases, the responsible driver leaves the accident scene to avoid a ticket or liability for the accident. When a responsible driver leaves the scene of a crash, it is more challenging to prove who was involved and who was at fault. When a driver flees the scene of a collision it can also be more difficult to file a claim for damages and seek compensation from the liable person.
How to File and Prove a Claim When Your Car is Forced Off the Road in Missouri
To pursue a claim related to an auto accident where you were run off the road by a driver who then left the scene, we must first determine who was driving the other vehicle. Sometimes identifying the other driver can be difficult, especially if the person was unaware they caused the crash. This can happen when a negligent driver is operating their vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or if they are driving distracted. Motorcycle accidents are commonly caused by a passenger vehicle not seeing the motorcyclist. Oftentimes, the motorcyclists are forced off the road or to bail from their motorcycle to avoid more serious injuries.
Depending on your particular circumstances, we may be able to find independent proof to determine who was in the vehicle that ran you off the road. During prior car accident investigations, we have discovered eyewitnesses that can provide information to lead us to the other driver. Or the area of the crash may be monitored by traffic cameras. Also, nearby businesses might have security cameras to help us identify who ran you off the road.
In the meantime, and most importantly, you should seek medical attention to treat your injuries. You will have to prove the medical expenses required to care for your personal injuries. These costs may include hospital care, surgery, medications, testing costs, rehabilitation, and many other financial obligations you will face because you were ran off the road.
We must also determine the vehicle damage you sustained and how much it will cost to repair or replace your damaged property. There are two primary forms of vehicle damage related to crashes when a car is run off the road:
- Contact damage from collision with other vehicles, or
- Impact damage from colliding with other obstacles when trying to swerve or stop.
In order to prove liability in a case where you are run off the road, eyewitness testimony can be essential. Accident reconstruction, evidence collected at the scene, studying damage patterns to vehicles, and eyewitnesses are valuable resources to fill in the evidence gaps that can be common in cases where a driver is ran off the road.
Common Misconceptions in Cases Where a Driver is Run Off Road in Missouri
Many people mistakenly believe there's nothing they can do when another driver runs them off the road. Again, depending on the situation, you may be able to pursue your legal rights against the other driver who is responsible for your losses.
First, liability for an accident does not depend on actual contact between vehicles. For instance, a driver who runs another vehicle off the road and then drives away without making contact may be just as liable as a driver who commits a hit-and-run.
The second large misconception is that a failure to be able to identify the driver or the vehicle and prove responsibility means that there is no way to recover. In fact, when a victim of an accident cannot prove liability, they still may be able to file a claim under uninsured motorist coverage. In the state of Missouri, insurance company policies must, by law, include uninsured motorist coverage to protect against the negligence of an uninsured driver. These policies allow a person to seek compensation for their injuries and other damages through their own insurance policy.
Uninsured motorist coverage is very similar to underinsured motorist coverage, which protects victims of accidents injured by a motorist who did not carry enough insurance coverage to pay for the victim's losses.
Contact an Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in an auto accident where you were ran off the road by a driver who fled the scene, it is important to discuss the circumstances of the crash with an experienced auto accident attorney. At The Bruning Law Firm, we can help determine what claims you can file to protect your legal rights and interests. To CONTACT a personal injury attorney for a free consultation, please call The Bruning Law Firm trial attorneys at 314-735-8100.
LET US GET STARTED ON YOUR ST. LOUIS CAR ACCIDENT CASE TODAY
If you or someone you care about has been seriously injured in an auto accident by being ran off the road, CONTACT The Bruning Law Firm today. We provide the comprehensive, professional legal representation you deserve at a time when you need it most. Our compassionate car accident attorneys take the time to listen to your personal account and create a tailor-made legal strategy to help you receive the maximum recovery possible.
We promise to treat you respectfully because you are a person, not a case number. You'll receive the personalized care you deserve from The Bruning Law Firm team. Don't wait any longer. Call or contact our office online for a free consultation today.
