What Is a Miss-and-Run Accident?

Posted on July 30, 2024 in Rules Of The Road

Most people have heard of a hit-and-run accident, where a driver leaves the scene without stopping or exchanging information with others involved. However, a person may cause an accident without hitting another vehicle – a common situation with reckless lane changes, aggressive driving, and cutting off other motorists.

Miss-and-run accidents can pose significant challenges to recovering compensation for the drivers and passengers injured in the crash. However, an experienced attorney from our law firm can explain your options and help you seek maximum compensation from every available source.

What’s the Difference Between a Hit-and-Run and a Miss-and-Run Crash?

Hit-and-run and miss-and-run accidents differ because the fleeing driver’s vehicle in a miss-and-run accident never contacts the car involved in the accident. In a hit-and-run accident, a driver fails to stop at or flees the scene of a collision with another vehicle or fixed object. However, in a miss-and-run accident, a fleeing driver – sometimes called a phantom driver – triggers an accident without colliding with any other vehicle.

For example, a miss-and-run accident may occur when a driver suddenly changes lanes in front of another vehicle, cutting it off and causing its driver to brake to avoid a collision. That car may then get rear-ended by another car behind it while the driver who cut off the rear-ended vehicle drives off. Without the obvious force or sound of physical contact, a miss-and-run driver may not realize they’ve caused an accident.

In another example, a motorist could make an abrupt, unsignaled lane change that forces another driver off the road without the two cars actually touching. The driver of the second car could lose control and roll over while the driver who caused the crash drives away.

Identifying hit-and-run drivers can also prove easier than finding miss-and-run drivers. After a hit-and-run accident, the crash victim may note details about the hit-and-run driver’s vehicle, such as its license plate number, make, model, and color. Damage and paint transfers could also help identify a hit-and-run motorist – things not available in a miss-and-run situation.

Potential Options for Miss-and-Run Accident Victims to Pursue Compensation

Victims of miss-and-run incidents may have avenues for recovering compensation for their injuries and losses. First, they may have evidence to identify and locate a phantom driver, such as eyewitness testimony identifying the vehicle or dashcam videos or security footage of the vehicle.

Even if a miss-and-run accident victim cannot locate the other driver, they may have different options for financial recovery. Drivers can purchase optional coverage on their auto insurance policy that can protect them in the event of a miss-and-run accident, including insurance claims involving:

• Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage – PIP coverage can help cover the cost of medical attention and rehabilitation for accident injuries and provide reimbursement for lost wages if you cannot work due to your injuries.
• Medical payments (MedPay) coverage – MedPay coverage can also help with medical and rehabilitation expenses after a miss-and-run accident.
• Uninsured motorist coverage (UIM) – Some insurance companies may treat a phantom driver like a hit-and-run or uninsured driver, entitling you to file a claim for uninsured motorist coverage.
• Collision coverage – Collision coverage can cover the cost of vehicle repairs or reimburse you for the actual cash value of your totaled car.

Talk to Our Experienced South Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Today

When you’ve sustained serious injuries in a miss-and-run accident, get the legal help you need to explore a miss-and-run claim for compensation to cover medical treatment, lost income, pain, suffering, and other losses.

Contact The Melonakos Law Firm today for a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options for seeking fair compensation from the insurance company.

Michael Melonakos

Michael, a lawyer who honed his skills at premier Atlanta insurance defense firms, specializes in cases involving trucking, auto, and premises liability, adeptly representing both local and national clients.