McKinney Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
A McKinney hit-and-run crime occurs when a person causes a vehicle accident and leaves the scene without providing their driver’s information. Following an automobile accident, drivers may attempt to flee because they’re scared, don’t want to be held liable for negligent actions, or don’t have insurance.
If your life has been negatively affected due to a driver fleeing the scene of a collision, you should reach out to an experienced McKinney hit-and-run accident lawyer immediately to ensure you receive the compensation you may be entitled to.
How Do You Define a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Texas Transportation Code Section 550.021 outlines that a driver involved in a vehicle collision that leads to or is reasonably likely to lead to personal injury or death must:
- Immediately stop their automobile at the accident scene or as close to the accident scene as possible
- Immediately go back to the accident scene if they didn’t stop right after the collision took place
- Stay at the accident scene
- Determine if any of the other people involved in the collision need help
There is also a section in the Texas Transportation Code about what people need to do if they’re involved in a collision that involves property damage. If you’ve been involved in an accident that caused property damage, you’re required to stay at the accident scene (or as close to the accident scene as possible without obstructing traffic) and provide the proper authorities with the requested information like your name, phone, address, driver’s license number, and auto insurance policy details.
Penalties for Leaving an Accident Scene
Texas Transportation Code § 550.021(c)(2) outlines that leaving an accident scene may lead to misdemeanor charges. But, in more serious instances, it may lead to a felony conviction. To begin with, leaving an accident scene with a class C misdemeanor charge may be punishable with an up to $500 fine. A class B misdemeanor charge may lead to an up to $2,000 fine along with a 180-day maximum jail sentence.
If the court determines these should be felony charges, the penalties for leaving an accident scene will increase greatly. If a person is convicted of leaving an accident scene under a third-degree felony charge, they’ll be subject to a 10-day maximum prison sentence along with an up to $10,000 fine. If they’re convicted of a second-degree felony charge for leaving an accident scene, they could be looking at a possible 20-year prison sentence along with up to a $10,000 fine.
Establishing the Liable Party
Hit-and-run accidents are often complex. There could be many factors at play in explaining the hit-and-run disaster. A skilled McKinney hit-and-run lawyer will determine who’s to blame once they’ve determined the causes of the collision.
Claimants may seek and recover compensation from all parties who contribute to their injuries. The collision may involve:
- The hit-and-run driver
- The transportation company
- Other road users
- Governmental organizations
- Employers of at-fault individuals
An experienced lawyer specializing in hit-and-run accidents will have to establish that the hit-and-run case defendant was careless and responsible for the collision to win their case. Responsible individuals have a duty of care, or legal obligation, to act in a manner that doesn’t damage others or else they could be held liable.
Don’t Hesitate, Act Fast
The Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003 outlines that following a Texas car accident, claimants need to file a compensation claim within two years from the date of the accident. If they hesitate to file their claim and go past this two-year time frame, they might not receive the compensation that they’re entitled to.
It’s important to contact an experienced McKinney hit-and-run accident lawyer immediately to file for damages quickly. The sooner your claim is filed, the better, since your hit-and-run accident attorney will have more time to build your case.
Why You Require a Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
A reputable hit-and-run lawyer in McKinney is knowledgeable about all the complexities of the law and is experienced in dealing with similar situations in the past. They’ll also know the applicable insurance policies for each situation.
Your personal injury lawyer will take a few actions prior to and during court proceedings to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to. They will:
- Gather evidence, interview police officers and witnesses, and if necessary, hire private investigators to track down a hit-and-run driver’s liability and identity.
- Negotiate with the insurance companies and their attorneys to obtain fair compensation for you. Insurance providers and their attorneys will try to get claimants to take a lowball settlement. A skilled McKinney hit-and-run accident attorney will do their best to ensure this doesn’t happen.
- Build a strong case for you and present it in court. They’ll defend you against defendants and their insurance companies attempting to deny or disprove their liability.
After a hit-and-run accident, there’s no doubt you would be facing mounting medical bills. If you’re unable to work, you may end up having to dip into your savings to help pay for expenses and keep yourself from going into debt. It’s very unjust, and you should sue for damages through the insurance company or in court.
The law that governs McKinney hit-and-run accidents is complex. It’s not a good idea to try and handle law matters on your own, particularly while you’re trying to recover and heal from injuries. A reliable McKinney hit-and-run accident attorney understands the law, the system, and what it takes to get you compensated for the substantial expenses you’re likely experiencing. They’ll do their very best to not just identify the responsible driver but to also recover any damages.
Contact a Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney at Dale R. Rose, PLLC
If you’ve been injured due to a hit-and-run driver, you’ll need the help of an experienced McKinney hit-and-run accident lawyer like Dale Rose to get you the fair compensation you may be entitled to. You shouldn’t have to deal with the burden of your legal case while trying to recover from your injuries.
Attempting to deal with a hit-and-run case on your own may be overwhelming and frustrating. Call us today at (972) 634-ROSE (7673) or complete our contact form to schedule your initial consultation and case evaluation.
