chevronAuto Accidents

Hit-and-Run Injury Lawyers

A hit-and-run accident can leave you injured, shaken, and unsure where to turn, especially when the driver who caused the crash disappears and isn’t immediately located.

In St. Louis, these crashes frequently occur on busy surface streets and neighborhood corridors like Kingshighway Boulevard, Natural Bridge Road, Gravois Avenue, Hampton Avenue, Page Avenue, and along high-traffic areas near Downtown, South City, and North County. They also happen in parking lots, residential neighborhoods, and construction zones where visibility and congestion increase risk.

Whether the crash happened on a city street, a county road, or a state highway, being hit by a fleeing driver can result in serious injuries, big medical bills, and unanswered questions. The St. Louis car accident lawyers at Cofman Townsley help victims pursue compensation and accountability, even when the at-fault driver has not yet been identified. If you were hurt in a hit-and-run, contact us today for a free consultation.

What Our Clients Say

“Cofman Townsley and their staff are like family. They met every need, answered every question, called us after hours, etc. They went above and beyond and made sure that we got our settlement to the fullest amount.” Jill C.

“Cofman Townsley was persistent, professional, and did an excellent job at keeping me informed all the time.”

Ashanti M.

“The Cofman Townsley team was awesome through the entire process.”

Darlana J.

“Cofman Townsley was great at helping me. They were always on time and answered any questions I had. They were very nice and patient with everything.”

ReJeane T.

“The attorneys were very responsive to my needs. Every time I called, someone got right back to me right away. I always knew what was going on because I was kept very informed about my case. I would recommend Cofman Townsley to anyone. I feel that Cofman Townsley did a wonderful job with my case. Everything was done in a professional manner. Everyone is really nice. ”

LaDawn H.

“Cofman Townsley are like family to me. They explain things thoroughly, make sure that I understand, and that I am taken care of. David Nissenholtz and Paula were super to me, and helped me through a long and difficult process where I had years of medical treatment and much stress. They care about people and take time to listen. I would refer my friends and family members to them because I trust they will take good care of them.”

William V.

“Cofman Townsley treats you like family and like you are the only client. They answered all of my questions and took time to make sure I understood. I wouldn’t change to another attorney. They have done a good job for me and I trust them, which is very important. The whole office of people is friendly. They make me feel like I am number one, and they will do the same for you.”

Darlene W.

“Cofman Townsley diligently represented me in my personal injury work comp claim and got me a fair settlement in a timely manner.”

Jeff R.

“It was a great experience. Cofman Townsley handled all the leg work for me. I appreciate all the help.”

Chris S.

“I was very pleased with the way in which my case was handled. I was treated with great respect and care. I have never had to have legal services in my life, so for a first time event this has been very easy. I would like to say that the work ethic and determination of this company was the greatest thing that I will be left with. I thank you all very much!”

Johnny M.

“David did an amazing job with my case and communicating with me. His professionalism and concern with my progress meant a lot to me. I really appreciate everything he and his staff did for me. Thank you all.”

Carey G.

“Cofman Townsley are a great team of lawyers who go out of their way to do the BEST for their clients. They stay on you and get you the largest settlement they can.”

Peggy T.

“I really appreciate what they have done for me. I was treated excellently and if something ever happens again, they would be the first people I would call.”

Amber A.

“They have great attention to detail and [provide] a wonderful level of comfort during tough times.”

Matt C.

“Thank you. You guys were very fast, considerate, and friendly. I really appreciate it.”

Michael S.

What Constitutes a Hit-and-Run?

A hit-and-run occurs when a driver is involved in a crash and leaves the scene without stopping to provide legally required information or assistance. Under Missouri law, drivers involved in accidents must stop and provide their name, contact information, insurance details, and reasonable aid to anyone who is injured.

A crash may qualify as a hit-and-run if a driver involved in the accident:

  • Leaves without providing identifying or insurance information to other drivers or police
  • Flees before police arrive at the scene
  • Fails to check on injured victims or call for help, including dialing 911
  • Strikes a pedestrian, cyclist, or another vehicle and drives away

Hit-and-run accidents can involve cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians, and even minor collisions can become serious legal matters when a driver flees.

Unfortunately, these crashes are common in St. Louis:

  • In Dec. 2025, a 40-year-old man was charged with one count of leaving the scene of an accident (resulting in death) after he struck a vehicle on I-270 in south St. Louis County, killing an occupant inside.
  • That same month, a 62-year-old bicyclist was struck and killed by the driver of a vehicle near Union Boulevard and Brown Avenue near the Wells-Goodfellow neighborhood.

Hit-and-run accidents often result in extreme and even fatal injuries, making it even more important for the at-fault drivers who cause them to be located and held accountable.

Why Do Some Drivers Leave the Scene of Accidents?

Drivers flee accident scenes for many reasons, often to avoid consequences rather than out of panic alone. Common reasons for leaving the scene of an accident include:

  • Lack of insurance or a suspended license
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Outstanding warrants or prior criminal history
  • Fear of job loss or immigration consequences
  • Operating a stolen or unregistered vehicle

Regardless of the reason, leaving the scene of an accident is illegal and can significantly worsen the driver’s liability from both a criminal and civil standpoint.

What Steps Should I Take After a Hit-and-Run?

Taking the right steps after a hit-and-run accident can protect your health and your ability to recover compensation.

  • Call 911 immediately and report the crash, even if your or your passengers’ injuries seem minor.
  • Seek medical attention right away, as injuries often worsen hours or days later.
  • Gather as much information as possible, including the color, make, model, direction of travel, and any partial license plate information about the vehicle that left the scene.
  • Speak with witnesses and get their contact information if possible.
  • Request a copy of the police report, which is critical for insurance and legal claims.

Depending on where the crash occurred, your accident may be investigated and documented by:

Contacting the law enforcement agency that responded to the crash and requesting a copy of the accident report is an important step for building your case. In addition, an experienced attorney can help ensure the report is accurate and pursue corrections if necessary.

Where Can I Get Treatment for My Hit-and-Run Injuries in St. Louis?

Victims of hit-and-run accidents often suffer serious injuries requiring immediate and ongoing care. St. Louis offers several medical providers equipped to treat crash-related injuries:

  • Barnes-Jewish Hospital: This facility provides advanced trauma and emergency care for motor vehicle accident victims, including imaging, surgical intervention, and coordinated treatment for head injuries, spinal trauma, and internal injuries.
  • SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital: This hospital offers emergency and neurological care for crash victims, with specialists experienced in treating fractures, brain injuries, and other serious collision-related conditions.
  • Mercy Hospital St. Louis: This hospital treats a wide range of motor vehicle accident injuries through its emergency department and follow-up care services, helping patients address pain, mobility limitations, and post-accident complications.

Getting immediate medical care not only protects your health, but it also creates vital documentation for a successful injury claim if you decide to pursue compensation for the crash.

Can I Still Get Compensation if the At-Fault Driver Hasn’t Been Located?

Yes. Even if the hit-and-run driver is never identified or simply hasn’t been found yet, you may still have several options for financial recovery, including:

  • Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage under your own auto insurance policy
  • Medical payments (MedPay) coverage for immediate treatment costs
  • Health insurance for ongoing care while legal claims are pending
  • Victims’ compensation or restitution if the driver is later identified

An attorney at Cofman Townsley can review all available insurance policies and coverage sources that might be relevant to you and your family to pursue compensation while the investigation into the at-fault driver continues.

Can I Still Sue the At-Fault Driver if They’re Being Criminally Charged?

Yes. A criminal case and a personal injury lawsuit are separate legal matters. Even if the at-fault driver faces criminal charges for leaving the scene, you can still pursue a civil claim for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.

A civil lawsuit does not require a criminal conviction, and the burden of proof is lower than in a criminal case. That means you may be eligible to successfully obtain compensation from the driver or their insurance policy even if their charges are dropped or reduced or if they’re acquitted at trial.

How Can a Lawyer Help With a Hit-and-Run Accident Claim?

Hit-and-run cases often involve complex insurance issues and delayed investigations. A lawyer can help by:

  • Investigating the crash and identifying potential sources of recovery
  • Communicating with police and insurers on your behalf
  • Securing surveillance footage, witness statements, and evidence
  • Handling uninsured motorist claims and coverage disputes
  • Calculating the full value of your injuries and future damages

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts in hit-and-run cases, including victims’ own insurers that are supposed to pay out regardless of fault. Legal representation helps level the playing field and maximize the chances of full financial recovery.

Contact Our St. Louis Hit-and-Run Injury Lawyers Today

If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident in St. Louis or its surrounding areas, you don’t have to face the aftermath of the car crash alone. The experienced and compassionate lawyers at Cofman Townsley understand how overwhelming these cases can be, and we know how to pursue answers and compensation even when it seems all options have been exhausted.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights and your future.