Hire the Best Hit and Run Car Accident Attorney in Austin
Were you hurt in an auto accident in Austin, only to find the at-fault party fleeing the scene of the crash? Under these confusing and stressful circumstances, you may feel lost, wondering who was responsible for your injuries and how to proceed to recover your losses.
Fortunately, our Austin car accident lawyers have been helping Texans in these unique and challenging cases. Our extensive experience with hit-and-run car accidents in Austin enables us to provide the answers you need and assist you in obtaining the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Contact DJC Law to speak with an Austin car accident lawyer and find out how we can help you today.
What Is a Hit and Run Accident?
According to the Texas Transportation Code Title 7C §550.021, a hit and run is when a driver flees the scene of an accident that results in property damages or injuries without stopping to give the other driver their information, render aid, or offer to help them.
Texas law requires that after striking another vehicle, an at-fault driver should provide their name, address, vehicle registration number, driver's license information, and insurance information.
Even if the at-fault driver initially stops their vehicle, Texas courts would still consider the accident to be a hit and run if the driver leaves the scene without giving the necessary information or offering assistance.
Similarly, an accident would be considered a hit and run if the at-fault driver leaves the accident scene after giving a false name, address, or insurance information. Even if the driver of the struck vehicle is not in their car at the time of the accident, the at-fault driver still needs to either locate the driver or leave their information.
Navigating the Insurance Complexities after a Hit and Run Case
Dealing with insurance companies after a hit and run in Austin is a complex process. Insurance companies are hardwired to make it challenging for their customers to ask for a claim, as approving claims isn’t in the company’s favor. So, they often confuse their customers, who, at this time, can also be a victim of unnecessary requirements.
As the best Austin hit and run car accident attorneys team, we will help you navigate through all the nuances and get you the deserved compensation.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: UI/UM coverage is meant to protect accident victims when the at-fault driver lacks insurance or sufficient coverage. In these cases, the fleeing driver is called uninsured.
Hence, it’s essential to understand your policy limits, which will help determine the maximum amount you can get from your insurance company. It’s natural for any insurance company to scrutinize your claim, so you must be prepared for every document they ask, and this is where Austin hit and run car accident attorneys at DJC Law will help you.
Property Damage Coverage: Under similar conditions as above where the at-fault driver has fled or is underinsured, your insurance’s collision coverage shall cover the damage to your vehicle. But there will be a deductible that is payable from your pocket.
Can you Sue a Hit and Run Driver in Texas?
An experienced Austin car accident attorney will investigate the accident and try to locate the at-fault driver by reviewing traffic camera footage and police reports and by speaking with eyewitnesses to learn what they observed.
If our team is able to locate the at-fault driver, we would explore the option of filing a hit and run accident claim with their insurance company on behalf of the injured claimant. One of our Austin hit-and-run collision attorneys could also help an injured person file a civil lawsuit against that at-fault driver to receive fair compensation for all their losses.
It is critical to begin working with an attorney sooner rather than later because all civil claims must be filed within two years. Additionally, eyewitnesses' memories could fade, and evidence could be lost over time, making it even more crucial to enlist legal help as soon as possible after a hit and run accident.
What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Cannot be Found?
Even if the at-fault driver cannot be found, an Austin attorney could help an injured claimant file a claim with their own insurance company under their underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. Typically, underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage pays for damages when an at-fault driver does not have insurance or adequate coverage to cover all the accident-related damages.
When the at-fault driver cannot be located, a claimant's insurance company would classify them as an uninsured driver, which would allow a claimant to recover compensation under their own insurance policy.
Underinsured and insured motorist policies are optional, meaning individuals injured in hit-and-run accidents should let an experienced attorney review their insurance policy to see if they have this coverage.
Recoverable Damages in Hit and Run Cases
Financial compensation for injuries can be vast in hit and run situations, and typical damages aim to provide reimbursement for setbacks like:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation expenses
It is important to note that uninsured motorist policies can make collecting damages in hit and run situations unique. For instance, a claimant could implement both their own insurance coverage and uninsured driver policies from a fleeing motorist to maximize the payments they collect.
While unfortunate, these accidents could result in substantial compensation for a wounded plaintiff. A diligent lawyer in Austin could help someone in a hit and run case determine the extent of reimbursement that they need.
Steps to Take Immediately after Hit and Run Accident
What you do immediately after being involved in an accident is paramount to your case, whether you seek a settlement or fight for your rights in court.
- Safety First: If you can, move yourself and your vehicle away from oncoming traffic. Dial 911, or a good samaritan will do that for you.
- File a Police Report: Regardless if you have sustained injuries or any property damage, file a report, which is essential to get insurance claims and take legal action.
At the time of filing a report, share as much information with the police as possible. If you can remember the make, model, and color of the fleeing vehicle or any other details, it will help the police and the hit and run car accident attorneys in Austin who are pursuing your case.
- Collect Evidence: If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene. Capture damage to the vehicle, any debris left behind, and injuries to yourself and the passengers.
Using this information, a DJC Law Austin hit and run car accident lawyer will look for witnesses and collect their contact information. We also look for any security camera footage and take the state's help to get the footage to collect evidence. - Contact your Insurance Company: Share this information with your insurance company as soon as possible. Share the police report, collected evidence, and any other relevant information. Also tell everything you share with the Austin hit and run car accident lawyers you have hired to represent you.
From here, your Austin hit and run car accident lawyers will take over and help you build a strong case when seeking compensation for the damages.
How DJC Law Hit and Run Car Accident Lawyers in Austin can Help the Accused?
If you are the accused in a hit-and-run case, it’s essential to collect evidence, share insurance information, and, most importantly, understand your rights. Our advice is not to talk to anyone without retaining a defence attorney.
Here’s what the best hit and run car accident lawyer in Austin recommends you do;
- Don’t talk to the police officials without first talking to hit and run car accident lawyers in Austin.
- Also, don’t report the accident to your insurance company before speaking to a hit and run car accident attorney in Austin. The insurance companies might record the call and turn it in for evidence to the police.
Given that you contact DJC Law on time and hire the best hit and run car accident lawyer in Austin, we can help you avoid a serious charge.
Contact an Austin Attorney after a Hit and Run Car Accident
Car crashes can affect survivors for many years. A skilled attorney could help you evaluate your legal options and proceed with the best choice for your individual circumstances. Reach out to an Austin attorney as soon after a hit and run car accident as possible.