Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys is drawing attention to a troubling trend: fatal hit-and-run crashes in Missouri have nearly doubled over the past decade, with a growing number of drivers leaving the scene of serious and fatal accidents.
According to recent data, hit-and-run drivers were involved in just 3.2% of Missouri’s fatal crashes in 2014. By 2023, that number had climbed to nearly 7%, reflecting a sustained increase, according to AAA analysis of federal crash data. Over that same period, 440 people were killed in hit-and-run crashes statewide, with more than half of those victims identified as pedestrians.
Phillip B. Grubaugh, a personal injury attorney with Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys, says the data reflects a broader shift in driver behavior.
“This isn’t just about more crashes,” said Grubaugh. “It’s about more drivers choosing to leave the scene. When that happens, victims lose critical time that could mean the difference between life and death.”
Pedestrians remain among the most impacted. In 2023, nearly one in three pedestrian traffic deaths in Missouri involved a hit-and-run driver, more than double the rate seen a decade earlier. That year alone, 39 of 127 pedestrian fatalities involved drivers who fled.
“These are some of the most vulnerable people on the road,” Grubaugh said. “And they’re the ones most likely to be left without immediate help.”
Data also shows a clear pattern in when these crashes occur. Nearly three-quarters of fatal hit-and-run incidents happen after dark, with the highest concentration between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m.
Beyond the immediate harm, these cases often create additional challenges for victims and their families. When a driver is not identified, injured individuals may be forced to rely on uninsured motorist coverage, if available, to recover damages.
“In a typical case, there is a clear path to accountability,” Grubaugh said. “In hit-and-run cases, that path is often uncertain, which makes an already devastating situation even more difficult.”
Missouri law requires drivers involved in a crash to stop, contact emergency services, and render aid. Leaving the scene can result in significant criminal penalties, including imprisonment in cases involving serious injury or death.
Despite these legal requirements, the number of drivers fleeing crash scenes continues to rise.
“Public awareness is critical,” Grubaugh added. “The more people understand how common this has become, the more likely we are to see change.”
Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys encourages drivers to remain at the scene of any crash and urges victims to seek immediate assistance, as early action can help preserve critical evidence.
About Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys
Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys represents injured victims throughout Missouri and Kansas. The firm focuses on serious personal injury cases, helping clients navigate complex claims and pursue full and fair compensation after life-altering accidents.
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Media Contact
Josh Benson
Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys
jj@kcaccidentattorneys.com
https://www.kansascityaccidentinjuryattorneys.com/
Published by: Randy Rohde