Baytown Hit-and-Run Lawyer

EXPERIENCED AND TRUSTWORTHY BAYTOWN HIT-AND-RUN LAWYERS

We Will Hold the Hit-and-Run Driver Accountable and Get You Justice

Car accidents are never easy, especially those involving severe injuries and property damage, resulting in financial difficulties. When the responsible driver flees the crash scene, things become more complicated as the victim might be unsure of what steps to take to hold the driver accountable and get compensation.

If this is your case, you don’t have to face the difficulties alone while dealing with your injuries. Instead, get legal representation. Our Baytown hit-and-run lawyer can help you through this challenging time. We will work with the authorities to locate the hit-and-run driver and commence the legal process to hold them accountable.

At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we have successfully helped several clients get answers, identify the hit-and-run driver, and protect their rights and interests. With us representing you, you can take charge of the situation and recover the maximum compensation from the hit-and-run driver.

Our initial consultations are free and confidential. During the session, we will examine your case, its validity, strengths and weaknesses, and value. Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 to begin your journey to hold the person who hurt you accountable.

Why Choose Our Baytown Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney?

Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law focuses on personal injury claims, including hit-and-run accidents. We understand the unique challenges hit-and-run cases present and have successfully helped clients locate at-fault drivers and secure compensation through insurance claims and lawsuits. We are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable.

Our attorneys will work tirelessly with law enforcement and other investigators and commit resources to identifying the hit-and-run driver and ensuring they face justice. We will also provide compassionate support while aggressively going after the party that hurt you, as well as their insurance company. We will keep you informed throughout the process and prioritize your needs.

By choosing our firm, you will gain access to a team of ethical, reliable, and trustworthy lawyers and support staff giving their 110% to get you the best possible outcome. Therefore, do not hesitate to contact us. Let us help you get the justice you deserve.

We have recovered over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients and are still recovering maximum compensation.

Why Do People Flee Car Accident Scenes in Baytown, Texas?

An accident becomes a hit-and-run when a driver flees the scene without offering help or calling 911. Hit-and-run accidents are a crime under Texas law, but despite the possibility of jail time, many people still flee crash scenes. So why does it happen?

In our experience, people flee accident scenes for the following reasons:

Fear of Legal Consequences

Many drivers flee the scene out of fear of facing legal consequences. This is common when a driver is unlicensed, has outstanding warrants, or is involved in illegal activities. They may believe escaping will prevent them from being arrested or facing charges.

Driving Under the Influence

Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a criminal offense that carries hefty fines, license suspension, and jail time. If a driver was under the influence at the accident time, they may leave the scene to avoid being charged, with the hope of sobering up before they are identified.

Lack of Insurance

Texas mandates drivers to carry a minimum level of auto insurance, but some drivers operate their vehicles without it. Many drivers without insurance panic and flee to avoid the financial consequences of driving uninsured, including paying fines and compensation out of pocket.

Panic and Shock

Fight or flight are the two emotions people experience immediately after a car accident. These emotions stem from the panic and shock they feel from the traumatic event. If they choose “fight,” they stay at the scene; if the driver chooses “flight,” they flee out of fear or confusion.

Sometimes, a driver might be unaware they caused an accident, causing them to leave and become a hit-and-run driver. Irrespective of why the driver in your case left the scene, our hit-and-run lawyer in Baytown, Texas, can help you identify them and seek compensation.

What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Watching the driver who struck you leave without rendering help can leave you feeling confused and disconcerted. Rather than worrying, there are things you must do to ensure the authorities can identify them and you can file a compensation claim against them. To this end, we recommend doing the following if you get into a hit-and-run accident:

Ensure Safety

Immediately assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. If someone is seriously hurt, avoid moving them and call for emergency medical assistance. If your car is movable, get out of traffic to prevent further collisions, but stay close to the crash scene.

Call 911

Calling 911 will get the police and EMS to the scene. The police investigation is crucial in a hit-and-run accident, as they will document the scene, create an accident report, and attempt to track down the fleeing driver. Afterward, you can obtain a copy of the police report for any legal action you take and for insurance claims.

Seek Medical Attention

Getting medical attention after an accident is vital, even if your injuries are minor or you feel fine. Some injuries like whiplash or internal trauma have delayed symptoms. Getting a checkup helps you rule them out and protect your well-being.

At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, our Baytown, TX, hit-and-run lawyers know what is required to build a solid case and win. Our lawyers have access to experts who can help establish the hit-and-run driver’s liability. 

Gather Information

Gathering information after a hit-and-run accident involves doing the following (if you can):

• Taking Note of Details: Write down any details about the fleeing vehicle, such as the make, model, color, license plate number, or any distinguishing features like bumper stickers or damage. If you see the driver, note their physical features to provide a description to police of what the driver looks like.
• Talk to Witnesses: If there are witnesses, talk to them about what they saw, especially about the driver and the vehicle involved. Get their contact information, as their testimony is crucial to identifying the hit-and-run driver.
• Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle’s damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and any debris. These photos will help with your claim and the police investigation.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, it will pay for your medical expenses.

Consult With Our Baytown Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers

You need legal representation after an accident, especially when the at-fault driver is at large. Our attorneys will help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.

Who Pays Compensation in a Hit-and-Run Accident Case?

One concern people have after a hit-and-run accident is who will provide compensation for their damages. Generally, it all depends on whether the at-fault driver is identified.

If the Driver is Identified

Here, the Texas at-fault rules come into play. The responsible driver will pay for damages using their auto liability insurance coverage. The policy covers your economic and non-economic damages but does not pay punitive damages. If the driver has insufficient insurance or their insurer denies your claim, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation.

If the Driver is Not Identified

Recovering compensation will be more challenging if the at-fault driver cannot be identified. In such instances, here are your options:

• Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): If you have uninsured motorist coverage, it can help pay for damages when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or does not have insurance. Under Texas insurance laws, insurance companies must offer UM coverage, though you can decline it in writing. If added to the policy, it pays for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damages.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): If you have PIP, it can cover medical bills and lost wages. You can always rely on PIP regardless of who is at fault or if the at-fault driver was identified.
• Collision Coverage: If you have collision coverage, your insurance will pay for repairs to your vehicle, regardless of who is at fault. However, you might pay a deductible. But it is a vital policy if the hit-and-run driver is never found.

We always deliver results for our clients, and our track record tells the story of the hard work we put into every single case that we accept.

Recoverable Compensation in a Hit-and-Run Accident Case

The following are the types of damages that we use to recover compensation for our clients:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of earning capacity
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

If you file a lawsuit, and the judge deems the at-fault driver extremely reckless or malicious, they might award punitive damages. Getting punitive damages may significantly increase your compensation.

Baytown Hit-and-Run Lawyer FAQs

After a hit-and-run accident, you will undoubtedly have many questions. Below are some of the questions we get. We will provide more comprehensive answers when you give us a call.

Can I Still Recover Compensation if the Hit-and-Run Driver Isn’t Found?

Yes. If the driver is not located, you may be able to recover compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection, or collision coverage. We can help you explore these options and file the necessary claims.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Hit-And-Run Accident in Texas?

Under the Texas statute of limitations, you must typically file a personal injury lawsuit within two years. However, insurance claims must be filed much sooner, within the time stipulated in your policy, and there are many other deadlines that may apply. (*Always speak directly to an attorney to learn the exact deadlines that apply to your potential claims.)

What if the Hit-and-Run Driver Is Found But Doesn’t Have Insurance?

In this case, you can use your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if you have one. Alternatively, you can file a personal injury lawsuit.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Hit-And-Run Case?

The time it takes to resolve a hit-and-run case varies depending on your case’s complexity, whether the driver is identified, and how long it takes to negotiate with insurance companies or pursue legal action.

How Our Attorneys Can Help You

When you retain our services, we will do the following for you and help you maximize your compensation:

• Investigate the accident and gather evidence
• Work with law enforcement to locate the hit-and-run driver
• File insurance claims and negotiate with insurance companies
• Pursue compensation through uninsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver cannot be found
• Represent you in court if we cannot settle with the at-fault driver’s insurance company if found.

We will provide legal guidance throughout the process, and you can contact us at any time to learn of your case’s progress or if you have questions.

Let Us Help You Get Maximum Compensation

Our team at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law makes dealing with the aftermath and legal process of a hit-and-run case easier. We work on a contingency fee basis and do not charge any upfront fees. Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free and confidential hit-and-run car crash case review.