Fatal hit and run accidents are on the rise in a number of major cities in the U.S., something public health experts are calling a “plague.” Even more troubling is that while traffic accident injuries have fallen overall, hit-and-run fatalities have gone up almost 14 percent. This month, police in Kansas City, Missouri are searching for the motorist responsible for injuring a teenage cyclist in a hit-and-run crash.
Teenager Seriously Injured In Crash
Demarco Martez Pulliam, 16, left the library an hour before sunset on a Tuesday after picking up some books for summer reading. Riding his bicycle, he crossed the street at Meyer and South Benton. Pulliam says he saw a black SUV coming, but it was already too late when he realized the driver wasn’t going to stop. The SUV hit him on the right side, propelling him to the top of the truck. Pulliam blacked out and the black SUV kept going, last seen a few blocks away.
Police Hunting for Hit-And-Run Driver
Kansas City police say they are searching for a black SUV with front end damage and red paint marks, left from Pulliam’s bicycle. Meanwhile Pulliam returned home after being treated in the hospital for two days for the serious injuries he sustained. The bills will range from $10,000 to $15,000 for the broken leg, nose, and jaw as well as countless scrapes sustained by Pulliam. It’s money the family says they don’t have.
Missouri Laws Concerning Hit-And-Runs
It is illegal to not stop and pull over if you are involved in an accident, meaning hit-and-run drivers can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony if someone is injured or there is more than $1,000 in property damage. Both can result in jail time and come with considerable fines. A conviction in a hit-and-run case results in suspension of your driver’s license.
What To Do If You Are Involved In A Hit-And-Run Crash
Being involved in any type of car accident can be stressful, but hit-and-runs can be particularly horrific if the injuries are serious. If you are involved in a hit-and-run, it’s important to gather as much information as possible in the immediate aftermath to increase the chances of the perpetrator being caught by police. In addition, this will also help you file a claim with your insurance company. Try to get as much information about the perpetrator’s vehicle as possible, including the model, make and license plate number.
When you are on the scene, make sure to get information from any possible witnesses. Take down their names, contact information, and ask for an account of what they saw happen. Before leaving, you’ll also want to take pictures of the accident scene, including any injuries or property damage, and write down the exact location and time the accident happened.
Work With an Attorney
The damages in a hit-and-run can be devastating and it’s important to have someone on your side. Call Krause & Kinsman Law Firm to speak to our dedicated Kansas City auto accident attorneys about your car accident case. With hundreds of successful cases and years of experience in Missouri car accident law, we’ll get you the best settlement possible for your case.
