Missouri car accidents: Hit-and-run witnessed by several people

Failure to stop after being involved in an accident in Missouri can have severe repercussions. While it often requires thorough investigation to locate hit-and-run drivers after car accidents, information from eyewitnesses may make the task of law enforcers much easier. One such incident recently took place in Kansas City.

This incident followed a pileup that involved a tow truck employee. It was reported that a woman crashed into a tow truck after the initial chain-reaction accident had taken place. Witnesses say she attempted to drive off after smashing into the truck, and the tow truck driver tried to prevent this. He was apparently in front of her car when she smashed into him and continued driving with the man clinging to the hood of her car. The man eventually fell off, and the driver sped away.

Although the alleged hit-and-run driver was still at large at the time of the media report, police were hopeful to locate her. The staff of a store where she purchased something just prior to smashing into the tow truck provided valuable information, and another witness photographed the license plate attached to her vehicle. The man was rushed to the hospital with severe injuries.

Missouri residents who have suffered severe injuries in hit-and-run car accidents may find comfort in knowing that law enforcement often catch up with the drivers deemed responsible. When they do, the victims are entitled to pursue recovery of damages that were brought about by the accident. Proper documentation of negligence by means of a personal injury claim in a civil court may lead to a monetary judgment to cover medical expenses and other financial losses as allowed by state laws. In cases where the negligence alleged is egregious, as could be the case in this instance, a court may also consider claims for the imposition of punitive damages above and beyond any compensatory damages awarded.

Source: kmbc.com, “Tow truck operator injured in hit-and-run crash“, Eli Rosenberg, Dec. 1, 2014