A driver who swerves to avoid a fleeing vehicle and crashes without ever touching it might assume there is no one to hold responsible. Missouri law actually anticipates this exact scenario, and it does not require the kind of impact many drivers assume is necessary.

The Coverage That Applies When A Driver Flees

Under RSMo 379.203, every Missouri auto liability policy must include uninsured motorist coverage, and that coverage explicitly extends to situations where the identity of the at fault driver cannot be established because the driver left the scene before being identified.

Why A Collision Is Not Required In Missouri

Many states require some form of physical collision between vehicles before uninsured motorist coverage applies to a hit and run. Missouri’s statute specifically states that this legal entitlement exists whether or not an actual collision occurred between the fleeing vehicle and the insured driver or their vehicle.

How This Plays Out In Real Situations

This distinction matters in cases where a driver swerves to avoid a vehicle that ran a red light or crossed into their lane, crashing as a result without the fleeing vehicle ever striking them. Under Missouri’s rule, this kind of accident can still trigger uninsured motorist coverage, even though no impact between the two vehicles ever occurred.

What An Injured Driver Still Needs To Show

Even without a collision requirement, an injured driver still needs to establish that an identifiable but unidentified vehicle actually caused the accident, rather than the crash resulting from the driver’s own independent error. Schmittgens Injury Law Firm helps clients build exactly this kind of evidentiary record from the earliest stages of a claim. This generally requires some credible evidence connecting the crash to another vehicle’s presence and conduct.

What Coverage Actually Pays For

Uninsured motorist coverage in a hit-and-run situation generally pays for the same categories of damages available in a claim against a known at-fault driver, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, up to the limits of the injured driver’s own policy.

What Evidence Strengthens a No-Collision Hit-and-Run Claim

Because these claims can face more scrutiny from an insurer than a typical collision claim, gathering supporting evidence matters considerably:

Witness statements describing the fleeing vehicle and its actions
Police reports documenting the reported circumstances of the crash
Dashcam or nearby surveillance footage, if available
Physical evidence at the scene is consistent with an evasive maneuver

Applying This Rule To A St. Louis Hit And Run

Because Missouri does not require an actual collision to trigger uninsured motorist coverage, a case that looks unwinnable at first glance may actually have a valid path to recovery. A St. Louis hit and run lawyer can help gather the evidence needed to connect the crash to a fleeing vehicle under this rule.

Why Insurers Often Push Back On These Claims

Because a no impact claim depends on evidence rather than a visible collision between vehicles, insurers frequently scrutinize the circumstances more closely before agreeing to pay. A St. Louis hit and run lawyer can help respond to that scrutiny and present a well documented account of what actually happened.

Missouri’s rule gives drivers real protection in situations that might otherwise seem to have no path to recovery, but building that path still requires solid evidence. If you were hurt swerving to avoid a fleeing vehicle in St. Louis, reach out to our office to go over what evidence supports your claim.

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   Chelsea J 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend Rob for personal injury representation! He was personable, professional, and resolved our case with impressive speed. We are very grateful for his help!
  
 
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   Ben L 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t recommend Rob Schmittgens highly enough. If you have any legal questions or need trusted guidance, he is absolutely the person to call. Rob is honest, straightforward, and incredibly knowledgeable—he tells you exactly what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. What sets him apart is his integrity and professionalism. He genuinely cares about his clients and takes the time to make sure you fully understand your options. In a field where trust is everything, Rob is the real deal. Simply put, he’s the best in the business. I would recommend him without hesitation.
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I love how one-on-one Rob is. Being consistent, considerate, and compassionate he accommodated my feelings and my time.  Having someone to advocate for you when you need it is most important, with all the while treating you fairly. Very good with communication and overall validation.
  
 
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   Howard M 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot recommend Rob Schmittgens highly enough. As an attorney myself, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Rob on cases, referring clients to him, and watching his growth over the years into the exceptional lawyer he is today. What sets Rob apart is not just his legal skill—though he is sharp, strategic, and relentlessly effective—but the way he genuinely cares about the people he represents. Rob approaches every case with intention. He listens, he communicates, and he makes sure his clients feel supported and understood at every stage of the process. At the same time, he brings an aggressive, results-driven mindset when it matters most. He knows when to be compassionate and when to push, and he strikes that balance better than almost anyone I’ve worked with. Trust is everything in this profession, and Rob is someone I trust implicitly—with my clients, with my cases, and with my own reputation. That’s not something I say lightly. If you’re looking for an attorney who is not only highly capable but also deeply committed to doing right by you, Rob is exactly who you want in your corner. On top of all of that, Rob is just a genuinely great guy. He’s the kind of person you enjoy working with, the kind of lawyer you want on your team, and the kind of friend you’re lucky to have. He’s also a fantastic dad, which says a lot about who he is at his core. And, of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that he’s very lucky to have met me—but in all seriousness, I’m the one who feels lucky to know him.
  
 
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   John B 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was injured in an auto accident that ended up totalling my car. The insurance company wasn't even offering enough for me to fully replace the vehicle on top of the fact that I needed to go be seen by a doctor and have treatments to repair my injury. I talked to Rob who was able to walk me through the process of making sure the insurance company compensated me for all of these issues. I chose his firm to represent me and in a very short periood of time he was able to settle with the insurance company so that I was able to purchase a replacement vehicle, covered all of my medical expenses and was able to reduce the medical costs to put money back into my pocket.  I highly recommend using Schmittgens Injury Law Firm. They will treat you right and have your best interest represented.
  
 
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   Matt K 
 
 
 
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   Julia K 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I contacted Rob about a potential case, and he thoroughly answered all of my questions and helped me figure out a complicated situation. I would highly recommend Rob and his firm if you are in need of legal services and are looking for a knowledgeable and professional attorney!