How Long Does a Hit and Run Investigation Take in St. Louis, Missouri?

If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident in St. Louis, one of the first questions on your mind is probably: how long does a hit-and-run investigation take? Every case is different, and the length of the investigation depends on a mix of factors like available evidence, the severity of the crash, and how quickly law enforcement can follow up on leads.

In Missouri, under Missouri Revised Statutes Section 577.060, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime—especially if someone is hurt. However, the law doesn’t prevent people from choosing to leave accident scenes. Understanding the hit-and-run investigation process in St. Louis can help you manage your expectations while protecting your rights if you were injured in a hit-and-run. 

What You Should Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

If you have been in a hit-and-run accident, your actions right after the crash can affect your ability to recover compensation.

• Call 911 Immediately: Reporting the crash immediately helps create an official police report and gets emergency medical help on the scene.
• Collect Evidence: Take photos of your vehicle, any damage, the road, and any car parts left behind. Write down everything you remember while it is still fresh.
• Talk to Witnesses: Ask for the names and contact information of anyone who saw the crash. The police or your lawyer may contact them later.
• Get Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, it is crucial to see a doctor. Some injuries take hours or days to appear.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Missouri requires uninsured motorist coverage, which often applies in hit-and-run cases. Your policy covers medical bills, vehicle repairs, and more.
• Speak With a Lawyer: An experienced personal injury lawyer can investigate your case and work with law enforcement and insurance companies on your behalf.

Taking these steps right away can protect your health, preserve key evidence, and strengthen your chances of recovering the full compensation you are owed. 

What Happens in a St. Louis Hit-and-Run Investigation?

When a driver leaves the scene of a crash, police start gathering evidence right away. They will take photos, look for damage, and collect anything left behind—like broken car parts, tire marks, or paint scrapes. These details can help determine the other car’s make and model.

If you were involved, share everything you remember with the officers. Even small things, such as part of a license plate or a sticker, can help.

Police will also talk to witnesses and check nearby cameras, especially in busy areas like downtown St. Louis or major intersections. Video footage might show the car or plate number, which can help the police track down the owner.

In some cases, they will ask the public for help by posting info or images online or through the news.

The more details you give, the better the chance they will find the driver who fled. 

Can Police Find Hit-and-Run Drivers in St. Louis?

Yes, they often can—especially with good evidence. Surveillance cameras, eyewitnesses, and even social media tips can help officers identify the fleeing driver. In some cases, drivers come forward after realizing they were caught on video or that police are closing in.

At Goldblatt + Singer, our legal team works closely with investigators to support the case and build a strong personal injury claim. We have represented countless victims in St. Louis hit-and-run accidents and know how to push for answers when justice feels out of reach. 

So, How Long Does a Hit and Run Investigation Take?

There is no set timeline. Some hit-and-run investigations wrap up in a few days, especially if there are strong leads, clear surveillance footage, or an entire license plate. Other times, the investigation can take several weeks or even months.

Several factors influence the length of a case:

• Quality of Evidence: Clear video footage, license plate numbers, or physical evidence left behind can dramatically speed up the process.
• Witness Involvement: Investigators get a head start if witnesses are willing to provide detailed statements quickly.
• Police Resources: Departments with more officers and forensic tech may be able to move faster, but high caseloads can create delays.
• Severity of the Crash: Hit-and-run cases involving serious injury or death often receive more urgent attention.

Unfortunately, some cases go cold if the driver cannot be identified. But even if the police have not located the driver, that does not mean you are out of options. 

What Happens When the Driver Is Found?

Once the hit-and-run driver is found, they could face criminal charges for leaving the scene, especially if someone was injured. On the civil side, you may be able to sue them for medical bills, lost income, car repairs, and pain and suffering. If the driver has insurance, your lawyer can help you file a claim. If they do not—or they do not have enough—your own insurance might still cover some of it, if you purchased uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. 

Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer for a Hit-and-Run Case

Hit-and-run investigations are rarely straightforward. You should not have to deal with unreturned calls from insurance companies or confusing paperwork while you are trying to heal. A lawyer can:

• Investigate the crash further
• Communicate with police and insurance companies
• Gather evidence and medical records
• File claims or lawsuits on your behalf

When you work with us, you get a team that understands the challenges of these cases. We approach every case aggressively and do not back down from a fight—even when the other driver is missing. 

Talk to a St. Louis Hit and Run Lawyer Today

If you were hurt in a hit-and-run accident, do not wait. The sooner you act, the better your chances of identifying the driver and recovering damages. Let Goldblatt + Singer help you hold the at-fault party accountable.

Call us at (314) 231-4100 or contact us online for a free consultation with one of our Missouri car accident lawyers. Let’s discuss how we fight for victims of hit-and-run accidents in St. Louis.