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

Accidents are stressful and unforeseen events anyone may have to deal with at one point in life. While all accidents are scary, getting involved in a hit-and-run accident makes the situation even more terrifying. Victims are left with so many questions lingering in their thoughts. Who will be held liable now that the driver who supposedly caused the accident ran? Will my coverage cover the injuries or property damage?

Your actions after the accident may be vital in enabling law enforcement officers to catch up with the other driver. They may also act as evidence while filing for compensation with your insurance company. Calling a Texas hit-and-run accident lawyer as soon as you’re able after the accident is also recommended. Their experience and knowledge may come in handy to help fight the problematic insurance companies and possibly win you the compensation you deserve.

Responsibility of the Driver After an Accident

Texas has laws that punish and discourage drivers from leaving the scene of an accident. A hit-and-run is defined as any accident where any driver involved in an accident leaves the scene without performing the appropriate actions stipulated in the Texas accident laws. However, the accident must have resulted in injury to another person or property damage to qualify as a hit-and-run case.

Besides stopping immediately after the accident, the other actions that any driver involved in an accident in Texas is supposed to do are:

• Render any reasonable aid to the other parties in the accident
• Share their name and address, and the vehicle’s registration number
• Share their insurance and driver’s license details, if requested
• Wait for the police to arrive if they’re on the way coming

Failure to stop and do the above mentioned actions is a crime in Texas. The offenders may face misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the damages the accident caused.

What Happens if the Vehicle Was Unattended?

Even if your car was packed or no one was present when the property was hit, the driver is still supposed to leave the required information behind before leaving the scene. Unfortunately, these are the most common type of hit-and-run accidents, since the perpetrators think it may be impossible to trace them. 

Additionally, proving to your coverage that your car was wrecked in a hit-and-run may be challenging without enough evidence. Enlisting a skilled Collin County personal injury attorney may help you fight for your rights to compensation.

5 Steps to Take Following a Hit-And-Run Accident

If, unfortunately, the driver who hit you speeds off, don’t panic or try to catch up with them. Stop your vehicle and follow these five steps.

Safety First

Safety is your top priority. If possible, drive your car from the road and stop at a safe place. Otherwise, exit the vehicle. Then check yourself and the other occupants of the vehicle for any injuries.

Call 911

Contacting the emergency services will alert the police to come to the site, and if someone is injured, the ambulance will also be notified. Police will be of very great help in trying to locate the hit-and-run driver as soon as possible and collecting other crucial evidence. Besides, the police accident report may become your best evidence to use when filing for a personal injury claim.

Gather Information and Evidence

As you wait for emergency services, put down everything you may remember about the accident, if possible. Some things to include are the vehicle model, make, color, and license plates (even if you remember only part of it). If there were witnesses around, they may come in handy in helping identify the other party or vehicle. Your dash cam may also contain vital information about the accident.

Contact Your Insurance

Notifying your insurance provider after a hit and run accident is essential in starting your claim process. You’ll learn the next steps you may need to file your claim if you qualify for one.

Speak With Your Lawyer

Talk with a Texas personal injury lawyer for further legal advice and guidance. They may help represent you when filing the claim with your insurance to ensure you get fair compensation if your coverage covers such liability.

Will My Insurance Compensate Me for Damages After a Hit-And-Run Accident?

It depends on the policy you agreed with your provider when purchasing the premium. Typically, if the hit-and-run driver is found, their coverage will cover the damages as in any other accident.

First, if you or someone else in the vehicle was injured, your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage may be able to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs. Under Texas law, this coverage is automatically included in your auto policy unless you rejected this coverage.  You should always check your policy.

Another option is uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (usually shown on your insurance page as UM/UIM or just UM). If you have one, this policy may help pay for your damages after a hit-and-run accident. This also means you may get compensation even when the other driver has no insurance or theirs isn’t enough to cover all the damages. Lastly, collision coverage may come into play to pay for your car repairs if you were at fault for the accident.

Consult an Experienced Texas Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyer

No accident is desirable, no matter how minor it may be. Getting involved in a crash where the other driver runs away is not a small matter. Dealing with your injuries and following up with the insurance for compensation is too much for you and may negatively affect your recovery journey and mental health. Leaving a personal injury claim to a friendly and experienced Texas hit-and-run accident lawyer at Dale R. Rose, PLLC, may be the wisest thing to do.

We have represented dozens of clients in Texas for years with a reputable track record. If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Texas, call us at (972) 634-ROSE (7673) or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.