Navigating a Hit-and-Run Accident Case in Houston

A car accident can be a harrowing experience in any circumstances. In the aftermath, you typically call 911 and share your contact information with the driver of the other vehicle. However, this can’t happen if the other driver flees the scene of the accident. You may wonder whether you should wait for the police to arrive in this scenario or try to catch up to the fleeing driver. It’s important to understand your rights and obligations after a Houston hit-and-run accident for the best chance of getting the outcome you need from a resulting legal claim.

Your Responsibilities in a Houston Hit-and-Run Accident

Just because the other driver fled from the scene of a car accident, this doesn’t mean your own responsibilities no longer apply. According to the Texas Transportation Code, when you are involved in a collision in Texas, you are required to take these steps:

• Stop your car as close to the collision site as possible.
• Share your name, address, car registration information, and proof of insurance with the other driver.
• Provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured in the accident.
• Cooperate with the police when they arrive at the accident scene.

You must remain at the accident location until all of the previous steps have been completed. If you leave the scene, you may potentially face criminal charges. The last thing you should do is leave the scene, even if the other driver has fled. While you and the police have a vested interest in identifying the individual who left, you can’t legally do so by chasing them.

No matter what the other driver does, never leave an accident scene until the police permit you to.

What to Do After a Texas Hit-and-Run Accident

How to Protect Your Hit-and-Run Case in Houston

When the other party has violated state regulations after an accident, the best thing you can do for your case is to follow the rules to the letter. By taking the following steps, you can give your personal injury lawyer a better chance of getting you positive results.

Call 911 Immediately

This has two benefits. First, it notifies the police that you were involved in an accident and lets them know that the other driver fled the scene. The police will almost always come to a hit-and-run accident scene. Even if they can’t send an officer immediately, they can gather your information over the phone and start a report. By informing the police, you have ensured that an investigation begins promptly and that you have followed the law.

The second benefit is that medical personnel can be dispatched to the accident scene. If anyone is seriously injured, this ensures that they receive immediate medical attention. Additionally, if you were injured yourself, your hit-and-run lawyer will need as many medical records as possible to support your claim. The sooner you start creating those medical records, the better your claim is likely to end.

Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene

While the other driver may have fled, you still have opportunities to gather useful evidence. Make sure to take pictures of the accident scene, any visible damage on your vehicle, and any injuries you suffered. This documentation is important for your claim and may help authorities identify the person who fled. For example, if a piece of the other car came off, that could potentially help your lawyer or authorities identify the vehicle.

You should also get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. These individuals may be able to help you identify the car or testify about who was at fault. Similarly, look around for any cameras that may have recorded the accident or the fleeing car. Your lawyer for car accidents may be able to contact the owner of those cameras to get access to the footage, and that can take less time if you have identified them before the attorney starts investigating.

Finally, record your memories of the car that struck your vehicle. If you wait even a day to record this information, you might forget crucial details.

Were you injured in a hit-and-run collision in Houston? The insurance process can be difficult to navigate when the other party flees the scene. Call Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free and confidential consultation.

How to Get Compensation After a Houston Hit-and-Run Accident

Texas drivers are required to purchase certain types of insurance. However, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is not one of those types. It is highly recommended, though. In fact, this type of insurance is so highly encouraged that you are required to tell your insurance company in writing that you don’t want it. If you don’t do so, it will be included in your insurance coverage.

In a hit-and-run claim, this insurance coverage can be particularly helpful. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage explicitly includes motorists who can’t be identified because they flee the scene of an accident. Keep in mind that any coverage you have will be limited by your particular uninsured (UM) motorist policy. Furthermore, if that policy doesn’t provide enough coverage to pay for all your medical bills or other expenses, you may have difficulty getting additional funds.

A common way to pursue additional compensation is by filing a lawsuit against the party responsible for the accident. This generally works only if you can identify the other party. If you or the police never determine who hit you, then there is no liable party to sue.

This is why securing what evidence you can at the scene is vital. The right lawyer can also significantly aid in the investigation process.

Unfortunate Realities of Hit-and-Run Cases in Houston

In all likelihood, if you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident in Houston, you may either find you are unable to identify the other driver or discover that the other driver is not insured. Unfortunately, one of the main reasons that people flee after a car accident is because they don’t have insurance, or even a driver’s license.

This means that identifying them isn’t always helpful to your case. When a driver doesn’t have insurance, they probably can’t afford to pay you, even if you win a lawsuit against them.

Until you know for certain, though, there is always reason to hope. People flee accident scenes for reasons unrelated to insurance as well. For example, drunk drivers will often flee, whether they are insured or not.

It can be wise to prepare for the scenario that the other driver may not be able to compensate you by exploring how to get the most compensation you can from your insurance company. An experienced hit-and-run attorney in Houston can help you effectively plan for this possibility.

Contact Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law Today

When the other driver flees the scene of an accident, it can make an already stressful experience even more overwhelming. At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we know what it takes to build a strong case for compensation after a hit-and-run accident. Our skilled team can help you explore every viable avenue to give you the best chance of receiving the justice you deserve.

If you were involved in a hit-and-run collision in Texas, it’s essential to consult with a Houston personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Call Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free and confidential hit-and-run car crash consultation.