Leaving the Scene of an Accident in St. Louis

If you’re in an auto accident and feel unsure of which direction to turn, knowing the legal obligation makes a huge difference. Leaving the scene of an accident may not be one of the smartest decisions made, but now it also subjects you to serious criminal charges and fines, as well as prison time. At Burger Law, we have helped numerous clients in St. Louis work through these complex situations and fight for their rights.

What Happens if You Leave the Scene of an Accident in MO?

Leaving the scene of an accident can be classified, depending on how bad the accident is, either as a misdemeanor or a felony. Basically, Missouri’s law states that every driver has to stop in the case of an accident and should provide contact information and details related to their insurance. One will face license suspension, heavy fines, and sometimes even serve in jail in such cases. This will escalate highly if injuries or fatalities are part of it.

In St. Louis alone, hit-and-run incidents are more common than many people realize. According to Missouri State Records, hundreds of hit-and-run accidents occur annually, leading to serious injuries and legal battles. If you’re involved in an accident, stopping and following the legal requirements can prevent unnecessary complications and criminal charges.

Is Leaving the Scene of an Accident Illegal?

Yes, leaving the scene of an accident is illegal in Missouri. Under Missouri law, any driver involved in a collision—whether with another vehicle, a pedestrian, or property—must stop immediately. They also need to provide their insurance information and contact details and, when required, render aid to injured parties.

Failure to do so may involve hit-and-run charges, with fines being particularly high, including license suspension and imprisonment. Witnesses, surveillance cameras, and analysis of vehicle damage are common ways authorities track down suspects. Even in minor accidents, leaving the scene can increase legal consequences; thus, compliance with state laws becomes important.

Can You Leave the Scene if No One Is Injured?

No, even if no one is injured, you are legally required to stop. Many assume that if a collision is insignificant, reporting it isn’t necessary. However, Missouri law strictly requires drivers to halt, assess the situation, and share details. Even minor scrapes with unattended vehicles demand accountability. Authorities can impose fines, suspend licenses, or pursue legal action against those who ignore this responsibility. Surveillance footage, witness reports, and forensic vehicle analysis often help law enforcement track offenders. Avoiding penalties is simple—stay at the scene and comply with legal obligations.

What Is Considered a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run occurs when a driver leaves an accident scene without stopping to provide the required information or aid. This includes collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, or property. Law enforcement can track offenders using surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and forensic vehicle analysis. Fleeing may result in severe consequences, including license revocation, criminal charges, and significant fines. The severity of penalties depends on factors like injuries, property damage, and prior offenses, with felony charges possible in serious cases.

“Through all this time, the Burger Law team worked with the client and aggressively pursued the liable party. After the initial claim adjuster refused to offer the policy limits, we filed suit, and pressed the defendant further, revealing more insurance than was initially disclosed during the discovery process.”

Schedule a free case evaluation here.

Gary Burger

Personal Injury Attorney

Missouri Laws for Hit-and-Run Accidents

Missouri has strict laws regarding hit-and-run accidents. Under Missouri Revised Statutes Section 577.060, drivers must:

• Stop at the accident scene immediately.
• Provide their name, address, and vehicle registration details.
• Offer assistance to injured parties if needed.

Failure to comply can result in the following penalties: Missouri classifies traffic violations into infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies, with felonies being the most severe, often resulting in casualties and leading to high fines and lengthy imprisonment. Misdemeanors carry lesser penalties, including jail terms of up to a year and monetary fines, while infractions are minor offenses punishable by fines, community service, or other non-criminal penalties.

Missouri law imposes tougher penalties for hit-and-runs involving reckless driving, high speeds, or intoxication. Courts may extend license suspensions or increase fines. If accused, skilled legal defense is crucial to safeguard your rights.

Hit-and-run offenses carry harsh penalties, making it essential to follow legal obligations to prevent serious repercussions.

If You Are a Victim of a Hit-and-Run Accident, Get in Contact with Burger Law

Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle it alone. At Burger Law, we fight for the rights of accident victims in St. Louis, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. Whether you need help navigating insurance claims or pursuing legal action, our team is here for you. Call us today at (314) 500-HURT or visit our office.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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