The Pursuit of Justice in Hit-and-Run Accidents in Texas
A hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling helpless when the at-fault driver does not stop as required by law. Identifying the driver is the key component to seeking justice and financial compensation. Texas law provides clear guidelines for handling these cases, and with the proper legal support, you can improve your chances of finding the responsible party.
What Qualifies as a Hit-and-Run in Texas?
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in a vehicle accident leaves the scene without stopping to provide assistance or share necessary information. Under Texas Transportation Code § 550.021, drivers are required to do the following:
- Stop and stay: If you’re involved in an accident—whether it causes injury or property damage—you’re legally required to stop your vehicle immediately.
- Exchange information: You must provide your name, address, driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance to anyone involved or law enforcement at the scene.
Failing to stop and provide the required information can result in criminal charges. Depending on the circumstances (such as whether injuries or death occurred), these charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies, along with fines, jail time, or both.
Texas Laws on Civil Damages in Hit-and-Run Cases
Victims of hit-and-run accidents may be entitled to compensation through civil claims. According to the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, you may recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and emotional distress. Punitive damages may also be awarded in cases where the driver’s conduct was reckless or egregious.
Your Best Chance: Work with an Experienced Texas Personal Injury Attorney
A personal injury attorney, like our team at DJC Law, knows precisely how to locate an at-fault driver. When stressed or seriously injured after an accident, you often don’t have time to do anything else but focus on your recovery. The most important thing you can do is look after your health. A hit-and-run attorney can work with private investigators, obtain court orders for camera footage, and push law enforcement to prioritize your case. Some of the actions a personal injury lawyer in Texas can do on your behalf include the following:
Gather Evidence
Depending on how rapidly you contact a car accident lawyer, they may be able to gather evidence at the scene. Photos of the damage, skid marks, and debris left behind can all help to build the case. The attorney will ask you to remember everything you can about the other vehicle’s make, model, color, and distinguishing features. Police records are another source of information.
Locate and Interview Witnesses
Bystanders, pedestrians, shop owners, or other drivers may have seen the accident. Our firm uses private investigators to find witness information and obtain statements. Witness testimony can be critical in gathering details about the fleeing driver and vehicle.
Obtain and Review Surveillance Footage
Many businesses, homes, and traffic intersections have security cameras that may have recorded the accident. A personal injury lawyer will act to request access to this footage immediately before it is deleted or overwritten.
Check for Nearby License Plate Readers
Many Texas cities have automated license plate recognition (ALPR) systems that can capture and store vehicle information. If a camera has recorded the fleeing vehicle, your Texas car accident attorney will work with law enforcement to track it down.
What If I Can’t Find the Driver that Hit Me?
Even if the at-fault driver isn’t found, you may still have potential legal avenues for compensation.
Leverage Uninsured Motorist Coverage
If the hit-and-run driver remains unidentified, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may provide compensation for medical expenses and damages. A hit-and-run attorney can help you navigate the claims process and negotiate with insurance companies.
Hold Negligent Parties Accountable
You may be able to pursue a claim against another entity if they contributed to the accident, such as a bar overserving a driver or a government department failing to regulate traffic lights correctly. A lawyer can help you determine what other entities played a part in the incident and whether they should be liable for your injuries.
The Second Option: Face the Insurance Companies Alone
Representing yourself in your hit-and-run personal injury case means directly negotiating with insurance adjusters, gathering evidence, and interpreting complex legal language and statutes. This might seem like a cost-saving measure, but in reality, it exposes you to several challenges:
- Lack of legal expertise: Insurance companies employ experienced lawyers skilled at negotiation. Without the guidance of a seasoned attorney, you might overlook key aspects of your case that could significantly affect the compensation you receive.
- Risk of lowball offers: Insurance adjusters are experts at minimizing payouts. Without a lawyer countering their tactics, you may end up accepting a settlement far below what you truly deserve, leaving you with financial burdens that can impact your long-term recovery.
- Emotional and financial stress: Dealing with an accident and its aftermath is emotionally taxing. Handling legal negotiations on top of this stress can be overwhelming and may lead to decisions that aren’t in your best interest.
- Complex legal process: Navigating the intricacies of accident law, gathering all necessary evidence, and adhering to strict deadlines can be daunting for someone without legal training. Mistakes or delays in your claim can jeopardize your ability to secure fair compensation.
The risks involved with facing the insurance adjusters alone often outweigh the benefits. Working with a dedicated legal team, like the professionals at DJC Law, ensures your case is handled with the expertise and diligence it deserves, ultimately helping you secure the full compensation you’re entitled to without added stress.
Get Your Justice with DJC Law
At DJC Law, we understand the frustration and pain of a hit-and-run accident. With a 99% trial success rate and a relentless commitment to fighting for victims, we have the experience and resources to help identify the responsible driver and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free case consultation today at 888-853-8169. Let us start the fight for your justice.
