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Being involved in a car accident is not a pleasant experience. Even for the most cautious and responsible driver, an accident can still occur. In an ideal situation, the parties involved, including all drivers, will pull over to assess the damage caused. If severe, they will offer necessary help to injured victims by calling an ambulance or offering first aid. They will also provide their insurance information in case the injured party wishes to claim compensation for damages suffered. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Some drivers and motorists flee the scene immediately after causing an accident.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), at least 682,000 hit and run accidents occur yearly since 2006. Out of these numbers, over 2,049 deaths occur, causing untold pain and suffering to victims. Fleeing an accident scene is a criminal offense in Texas. Regardless of who bears liability, motorists must remain at the scene of the crash. So if you were injured in a similar accident, you can work with a skilled auto wreck attorney to hold them accountable for your losses. A Brazoria County hit and run accident lawyer can help you obtain compensation.
Understanding how a hit and run accident occurs is crucial to helping you know what to do to protect yourself from one. Because someone else may cause your accident, you should know why they do so. Fleeing an accident scene is an intentional choice. Some scenarios cause them to make the wrong decision. They include:
In other cases, the motorist is too shaken and frightened because they have caused an accident. They think that the only way to escape civil liability or criminal charges is by leaving the scene. Still, they don’t know that a hit and run attorney in Brazoria County has access to traffic footage and experts who can help track them down. There is no excuse for fleeing an accident scene. Especially if they are at fault for the collision, they are accountable for your injuries and damages.
First and foremost, your safety comes first. You should check yourself for injuries. If you are not sure whether you were injured, you should seek immediate medical evaluation. Should you be fit, your next steps should help protect your rights to compensation.
Be sure to collect as much information as possible from the scene. You may have glanced at the vehicle which hit you and take note of its registration number, model and color. Talk to eyewitnesses and record their contact information such as home addresses, names and phone numbers. Also, record the exact time the accident happened. If you can, take photos and videos of the scene before it’s cleared by authorities.
Most importantly, call the police. Doing so marks as proof that you were indeed in an accident. Their investigations also help determine liability as well as track the driver to face criminal charges. Be sure to retain a copy of the police report even as you contact a local hit and run accident lawyer.
Unfortunately, there are times when a driver may go untraced, even with combined efforts from local authorities. Does this mean you won’t be compensated for your damages? And if you do, who will pay?
If you have Uninsured Motorist Coverage, your insurance company will compensate you for your injuries and losses. They may also cover property damages if your vehicle was totaled. In other words, any of your insurance coverage can compensate you if the party at fault for your losses is unreachable. This includes accidents that cause property damage such as when a car rams into a house, wall or any other property. In these cases, the property insurer steps in to pay you. To understand more about compensation in this hit and run scenario, you should speak with an experienced lawyer.
If a driver fled after hitting you or your property, you certainly have a legitimate claim to make. Our Brazoria County hit and run accident lawyers are ready to help you get the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today.
Lone Star Injury Attorneys, PLLC
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